Table of Contents

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

 

x

Quarterly Report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2008

 

¨

Transition Report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the transition period from                      to                     

Commission File No. 1-13726

Chesapeake Energy Corporation

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Oklahoma   73-1395733
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
  (I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)

6100 North Western Avenue

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

  73118
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

(405) 848-8000

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes   x     No   ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer   x

  

Accelerated filer   ¨

Non-accelerated filer   ¨ (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

  

Smaller reporting company   ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes   ¨     No   x

As of August 6, 2008, there were 579,164,169 shares of our $0.01 par value common stock outstanding.

 

 

 


Table of Contents

CHESAPEAKE ENERGY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

INDEX TO FORM 10-Q FOR THE QUARTER ENDED JUNE 30, 2008

 

          Page

PART I.

  

Financial Information

  

Item 1.

  

Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited):

  
  

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007

   1
  

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three and Six Months
Ended June 30, 2008 and 2007

   3
  

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Six Months
Ended June 30, 2008 and 2007

   4
  

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2008 and 2007

   6
  

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2008 and 2007

   7
  

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

   8

Item 2.

  

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

   25

Item 3.

  

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

   41

Item 4.

  

Controls and Procedures

   47

PART II.

  

Other Information

  

Item 1.

  

Legal Proceedings

   48

Item 1A.

  

Risk Factors

   48

Item 2.

  

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

   48

Item 3.

  

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

   48

Item 4.

  

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

   48

Item 5.

  

Other Information

   49

Item 6.

  

Exhibits

   50


Table of Contents

CHESAPEAKE ENERGY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Unaudited)

 

          June 30,     
2008
    December 31,
2007
 
     ($ in millions)  
ASSETS  

CURRENT ASSETS:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $     $ 1  

Accounts receivable

     1,603       1,074  

Short-term derivative instruments

           203  

Deferred income taxes

     1,348       1  

Inventory

     159       87  

Other

     65       30  
                

Total Current Assets

     3,175       1,396  
                

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT:

    

Natural gas and oil properties, at cost based on full–cost accounting:

    

Evaluated natural gas and oil properties

     30,629       27,656  

Unevaluated properties

     7,751       5,641  

Less: accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization of natural gas and oil

properties

     (8,142 )     (7,112 )
                

Total natural gas and oil properties, at cost based on full-cost accounting

     30,238       26,185  

Other property and equipment:

    

Natural gas gathering systems and treating plants

     1,646       1,135  

Buildings and land

     1,258       816  

Drilling rigs and equipment

     177       106  

Natural gas compressors

     121       63  

Other

     391       327  

Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization of other property and equipment

     (368 )     (295 )
                

Total Other Property and Equipment

     3,225       2,152  
                

Total Property and Equipment

     33,463       28,337  
                

OTHER ASSETS:

    

Investments

     644       612  

Long-term derivative instruments

           4  

Other assets

     741       385  
                

Total Other Assets

     1,385       1,001  
                

TOTAL ASSETS

   $ 38,023     $ 30,734  
                

 

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CHESAPEAKE ENERGY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS — (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

          June 30,     
2008
    December 31,
2007
 
     ($ in millions)  
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY  

CURRENT LIABILITIES:

    

Accounts payable

   $ 1,389     $ 1,262  

Accrued liabilities

     785       717  

Current maturities of long-term debt

     690        

Short-term derivative instruments

     3,518       174  

Revenues and royalties due others

     719       433  

Accrued interest

     196       175  
                

Total Current Liabilities

     7,297       2,761  
                

LONG–TERM LIABILITIES:

    

Long-term debt, net

     13,014       10,950  

Deferred income tax liability

     3,505       3,966  

Asset retirement obligation

     255       236  

Long-term derivative instruments

     3,110       408  

Revenues and royalties due others

     48       42  

Other liabilities

     518       241  
                

Total Long–Term Liabilities

     20,450       15,843  
                

CONTINGENCIES AND COMMITMENTS (Note 3)

    

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:

    

Preferred Stock, $.01 par value, 20,000,000 shares authorized:

    

4.50% cumulative convertible preferred stock, 3,450,000 shares issued and outstanding as of June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, entitled in liquidation to $345 million

     345       345  

5.00% cumulative convertible preferred stock (series 2005B), 3,031,500 and 5,750,000 shares issued and outstanding as of June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively, entitled in liquidation to $303 million and $575 million, respectively

     303       575  

6.25% mandatory convertible preferred stock, 143,768 shares issued and outstanding as of June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, entitled in liquidation to $36 million

     36       36  

4.125% cumulative convertible preferred stock, 3,059 and 3,062 shares issued and outstanding as of June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively, entitled in liquidation to $3 million

     3       3  

5.00% cumulative convertible preferred stock (series 2005), 5,000 shares issued and outstanding as of June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, entitled in liquidation to $1 million

     1       1  

Common Stock, $.01 par value, 750,000,000 shares authorized, 545,778,065 and 511,648,217 shares issued at June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively

     5       5  

Paid-in capital

     8,425       7,032  

Retained earnings

     2,338       4,150  

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax of $722 million and $6 million, respectively

     (1,174 )     (11 )

Less: treasury stock, at cost; 499,723 and 500,821 common shares as of June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively

     (6 )     (6 )
                

Total Stockholders’ Equity

     10,276       12,130  
                

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

   $ 38,023     $ 30,734  
                

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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CHESAPEAKE ENERGY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Unaudited)

 

       Three Months Ended
June 30,
    Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
     2008     2007     2008     2007  
     ($ in millions except per share data)  

REVENUES:

        

Natural gas and oil sales

   $ (1,594 )   $ 1,548     $ (821 )   $ 2,672  

Natural gas and oil marketing sales

     1,099       523       1,895       945  

Service operations revenue

     40       34       82       67  
                                

Total Revenues

     (455 )     2,105       1,156       3,684  
                                

OPERATING COSTS:

        

Production expenses

     219       153       419       295  

Production taxes

     88       53       163       95  

General and administrative expenses

     101       54       180       107  

Natural gas and oil marketing expenses

     1,075       504       1,849       911  

Service operations expense

     32       23       67       44  

Natural gas and oil depreciation, depletion and amortization

     523       442       1,038       835  

Depreciation and amortization of other assets

     40       40       77       76  
                                

Total Operating Costs

     2,078       1,269       3,793       2,363  
                                

INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS

     (2,533 )     836       (2,637 )     1,321  
                                

OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):

        

Interest and other income (expense)

     (1 )     1       (11 )     10  

Interest expense

     (63 )     (84 )     (163 )     (162 )

Gain on sale of investments

           83             83  
                                

Total Other Income (Expense)

     (64 )           (174 )     (69 )
                                

INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES

     (2,597 )     836       (2,811 )     1,252  

INCOME TAX EXPENSE (BENEFIT):

        

Current

     3       11       3       11  

Deferred

     (1,003 )     307       (1,085 )     465  
                                

Total Income Tax Expense (Benefit)

     (1,000 )     318       (1,082 )     476  
                                

NET INCOME (LOSS)

     (1,597 )     518       (1,729 )     776  

PREFERRED STOCK DIVIDENDS

     (9 )     (26 )     (20 )     (52 )

LOSS ON CONVERSION/EXCHANGE OF PREFERRED STOCK

     (43 )           (43 )      
                                

NET INCOME (LOSS) AVAILABLE TO COMMON SHAREHOLDERS

   $ (1,649 )   $ 492     $ (1,792 )   $ 724  
                                

EARNINGS (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE:

        

Basic

   $ (3.17 )   $ 1.09     $ (3.54 )   $ 1.60  

Assuming dilution

   $ (3.17 )   $ 1.01     $ (3.54 )   $ 1.51  

CASH DIVIDEND DECLARED PER COMMON SHARE

   $ 0.075     $ 0.0675     $ 0.1425     $ 0.1275  

WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON AND COMMON

EQUIVALENT SHARES OUTSTANDING (in millions):

        

Basic

     521       452       507       452  

Assuming dilution

     521       515       507       515  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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CHESAPEAKE ENERGY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

 

     Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
     2008     2007  
     ($ in millions)  

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

    

NET INCOME (LOSS)

   $ (1,729 )   $ 776  

ADJUSTMENTS TO RECONCILE NET INCOME (LOSS) TO CASH PROVIDED BY
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

    

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

     1,120       915  

Deferred income taxes

     (1,087 )     460  

Unrealized losses on derivatives

     4,538       152  

Realized (gains) losses on financing derivatives

     32       (51 )

Stock-based compensation

     61       30  

Gain on sale of investment

           (83 )

Other

     20       1  

Change in assets and liabilities

     (201 )     (78 )
                

Cash provided by operating activities

     2,754       2,122  
                

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

    

Exploration and development of natural gas and oil properties

     (2,935 )     (2,598 )

Acquisitions of natural gas and oil companies, proved and unproved
properties and leasehold, net of cash acquired

     (3,015 )     (1,123 )

Proceeds from sale of volumetric production payment

     616        

Divestitures of proved and unproved properties and leasehold

     247        

Additions to other property and equipment

     (1,229 )     (484 )

Additions to investments

     (81 )     (12 )

Proceeds from sale of drilling rigs and equipment

     34       87  

Proceeds from sale of compressors

     51        

Proceeds from sale of investments

           124  

Deposits for acquisitions

     (19 )     (5 )

Sale of other assets

     2       8  
                

Cash used in investing activities

     (6,329 )     (4,003 )
                

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

    

Proceeds from long-term borrowings

     6,758       3,544  

Payments on long-term borrowings

     (6,195 )     (2,624 )

Proceeds from issuance of senior notes, net of offering costs

     2,136       1,124  

Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net of offering costs

     1,011        

Cash paid for common stock dividends

     (66 )     (54 )

Cash paid for preferred stock dividends

     (22 )     (52 )

Derivative settlements

     (93 )     (52 )

Net increase (decrease) in outstanding payments in excess of cash balance

     47       (10 )

Cash received from exercise of stock options

     7       6  

Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation

     21       8  

Other financing costs

     (30 )     (8 )
                

Cash provided by financing activities

     3,574       1,882  
                

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

     (1 )     1  

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

     1       3  
                

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

   $     $ 4  
                

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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CHESAPEAKE ENERGY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS — (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

     Six Months Ended
June 30,
     2008    2007
     ($ in millions)

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION OF CASH PAYMENTS FOR:

     

Interest, net of capitalized interest

   $ 140    $ 123

Income taxes, net of refunds received

   $ 5    $ 15

SUPPLEMENTAL SCHEDULE OF NON-CASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

As of June 30, 2008 and 2007, accrued dividends payable on our common and preferred stock were $48 million and $56 million, respectively.

For the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, natural gas and oil properties were adjusted by $12 million and $101 million, respectively, for income tax liabilities related to acquisitions.

For the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, natural gas and oil properties were adjusted by ($6) million and $55 million, respectively, as a result of an increase (decrease) in accrued exploration and development costs.

We recorded non-cash asset additions to net natural gas and oil properties of $6 million and $8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively, for asset retirement obligations.

For the six months ended June 30, 2008, holders of our 5.0% (Series 2005B) cumulative convertible preferred stock exchanged 2,718,500 shares for 7,780,703 shares of common stock in privately negotiated exchanges.

For the six months ended June 30, 2008, a holder of our 4.125% cumulative convertible preferred stock converted 3 shares into 180 shares of common stock, and for the six months ended June 30, 2007, a holder of our 4.125% cumulative convertible preferred stock converted 3 shares into 180 shares of common stock.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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CHESAPEAKE ENERGY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(Unaudited)

 

     Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
     2008     2007  
     ($ in millions)  

PREFERRED STOCK:

    

Balance, beginning of period

   $ 960     $ 1,958  

Exchange of common stock for 2,718,500 shares of 5.00% preferred stock (series 2005B)

     (272 )      
                

Balance, end of period

     688       1,958  
                

COMMON STOCK:

    

Balance, beginning of period

     5       5  

Issuance of 23,000,000 shares of common stock

            

Exchange of 7,780,883 and 180 shares of common stock for preferred stock

            
                

Balance, end of period

     5       5  
                

PAID–IN CAPITAL:

    

Balance, beginning of period

     7,032       5,873  

Issuance of 23,000,000 shares of common stock

     1,052        

Stock–based compensation

     82       42  

Exercise of stock options

     7       6  

Offering expenses

     (41 )      

Exchange of 7,780,883 and 180 shares of common stock for preferred stock

     272        

Tax benefit from exercise of stock options and restricted stock

     21       8  
                

Balance, end of period

     8,425       5,929  
                

RETAINED EARNINGS:

    

Balance, beginning of period

     4,150       2,913  

Net income (loss)

     (1,729 )     776  

Dividends on common stock

     (73 )     (58 )

Dividends on preferred stock

     (10 )     (51 )

Adoption of FIN 48

           (4 )
                

Balance, end of period

     2,338       3,576  
                

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS):

    

Balance, beginning of period

     (11 )     528  

Hedging activity

     (1,191 )     (356 )

Marketable securities activity

     28       (2 )
                

Balance, end of period

     (1,174 )     170  
                

TREASURY STOCK – COMMON:

    

Balance, beginning of period

     (6 )     (26 )

Release of 1,098 and 463,085 shares for company benefit plans

           14  
                

Balance, end of period

     (6 )     (12 )
                

TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

   $ 10,276     $ 11,626  
                

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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CHESAPEAKE ENERGY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

(Unaudited)

 

       Three Months Ended
June 30,
    Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
     2008     2007     2008     2007  
     ($ in millions)  

Net income (loss)

   $ (1,597 )   $ 518     $ (1,729 )   $ 776  

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income tax:

        

Change in fair value of derivative instruments, net of income taxes of
($530) million, $67 million, ($833) million and ($65) million

     (865 )     109       (1,357 )     (104 )

Reclassification of (gain) loss on settled contracts, net of income taxes of
$103 million, ($40) million, $52 million and ($178) million

     167       (64 )     85       (292 )

Ineffective portion of derivatives qualifying for cash flow hedge
accounting, net of income taxes of $24 million, $4 million, $49 million
and $24 million

     39       6       80       40  

Unrealized (gain) loss on marketable securities, net of
income taxes of $16 million, ($2) million, $17 million and ($1) million

     27       (4 )     28       (2 )
                                

Comprehensive income (loss)

   $ (2,229 )   $     565     $ (2,893 )   $     418  
                                

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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CHESAPEAKE ENERGY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

1. Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Principles of Consolidation

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of Chesapeake Energy Corporation and its subsidiaries have been prepared in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q as prescribed by the Securities and Exchange Commission. Chesapeake’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 (“2007 Form 10-K”) includes certain definitions and a summary of significant accounting policies and should be read in conjunction with this Form 10-Q. All material adjustments (consisting solely of normal recurring adjustments) which, in the opinion of management, are necessary for a fair statement of the results for the interim periods have been reflected. The results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year. This Form 10-Q relates to the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 (the “Current Quarter” and the “Current Period”, respectively) and the three and six months ended June 30, 2007 (the “Prior Quarter” and the “Prior Period”, respectively).

Income Taxes

Chesapeake adopted the provisions of FASB Interpretation (FIN) No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes – an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109 on January 1, 2007. As of June 30, 2008, the amount of unrecognized tax benefits related to AMT liabilities associated with uncertain tax positions was $134 million. These AMT liabilities can be utilized as credits against future regular tax liabilities. The uncertain tax positions identified would not have an effect on the effective tax rate. At June 30, 2008, we had a liability of $9 million for interest related to these same uncertain tax positions. Chesapeake recognizes interest related to uncertain tax positions in interest expense. Penalties, if any, related to uncertain tax positions would be recorded in other expenses.

Critical Accounting Policies

We consider accounting policies related to hedging, natural gas and oil properties, income taxes and business combinations to be critical policies. These policies are summarized in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in our 2007 Form 10-K.

2. Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities

Natural Gas and Oil Hedging Activities

Our results of operations and operating cash flows are impacted by changes in market prices for natural gas and oil. To mitigate a portion of the exposure to adverse market changes, we have entered into various derivative instruments. As of June 30, 2008, our natural gas and oil derivative instruments were comprised of swaps, basis protection swaps, knockout swaps, cap-swaps, call options and collars. These instruments allow us to predict with greater certainty the effective natural gas and oil prices to be received for our hedged production. Although derivatives often fail to achieve 100% effectiveness for accounting purposes, we believe our derivative instruments continue to be highly effective in achieving the risk management objectives for which they were intended.

 

 

 

For swap instruments, Chesapeake receives a fixed price for the hedged commodity and pays a floating market price to the counterparty. The fixed-price payment and the floating-price payment are netted, resulting in a net amount due to or from the counterparty.

 

 

 

Basis protection swaps are arrangements that guarantee a price differential for natural gas or oil from a specified delivery point. For Mid-Continent basis protection swaps, which typically have negative differentials to NYMEX, Chesapeake receives a payment from the counterparty if the price differential is greater than the stated terms of the contract and pays the counterparty if the price differential is less than the stated terms of the contract. For Appalachian Basin basis protection swaps, which typically have positive differentials to NYMEX, Chesapeake receives a payment from the counterparty if the price differential is less than the stated terms of the contract and pays the counterparty if the price differential is greater than the stated terms of the contract.

 

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CHESAPEAKE ENERGY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

For knockout swaps, Chesapeake receives a fixed price and pays a floating market price. The fixed price received by Chesapeake includes a premium in exchange for the possibility to reduce the counterparty’s exposure to zero, in any given month, if the floating market price is lower than certain pre-determined knockout prices.

 

 

 

For cap-swaps, Chesapeake receives a fixed price and pays a floating market price. The fixed price received by Chesapeake includes a premium in exchange for a “cap” limiting the counterparty’s exposure. In other words, there is no limit to Chesapeake’s exposure but there is a limit to the downside exposure of the counterparty.

 

 

 

For call options, Chesapeake receives a premium from the counterparty in exchange for the sale of a call option. If the market price exceeds the fixed price of the call option, Chesapeake pays the counterparty such excess. If the market price settles below the fixed price of the call option, no payment is due from Chesapeake.

 

 

 

Collars contain a fixed floor price (put) and ceiling price (call). If the market price exceeds the call strike price or falls below the put strike price, Chesapeake receives the fixed price and pays the market price. If the market price is between the call and the put strike price, no payments are due from either party.

Chesapeake enters into counter-swaps from time to time for the purpose of locking-in the value of a swap. Under the counter-swap, Chesapeake receives a floating price for the hedged commodity and pays a fixed price to the counterparty. The counter-swap is 100% effective in locking-in the value of a swap since subsequent changes in the market value of the swap are entirely offset by subsequent changes in the market value of the counter-swap. We refer to this locked-in value as a locked swap. Generally, at the time Chesapeake enters into a counter-swap, Chesapeake removes the original swap’s designation as a cash flow hedge and classifies the original swap as a non-qualifying hedge under SFAS 133. The reason for this new designation is that collectively the swap and the counter-swap no longer hedge the exposure to variability in expected future cash flows. Instead, the swap and counter-swap effectively lock-in a specific gain or loss that will be unaffected by subsequent variability in natural gas and oil prices. Any locked-in gain or loss is recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income and reclassified to natural gas and oil sales in the month of related production.

In accordance with FASB Interpretation No. 39, to the extent that a legal right of set-off exists, Chesapeake nets the value of its derivative arrangements with the same counterparty in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets.

Gains or losses from certain derivative transactions are reflected as adjustments to natural gas and oil sales on the condensed consolidated statements of operations. Realized gains (losses) are included in natural gas and oil sales in the month of related production. Pursuant to SFAS 133, certain derivatives do not qualify for designation as cash flow hedges. Changes in the fair value of these non-qualifying derivatives that occur prior to their maturity (i.e., temporary fluctuations in value) are reported currently in the condensed consolidated statements of operations as unrealized gains (losses) within natural gas and oil sales. Following provisions of SFAS 133, changes in the fair value of derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges, to the extent they are effective in offsetting cash flows attributable to the hedged risk, are recorded in other comprehensive income until the hedged item is recognized in earnings. Any change in fair value resulting from ineffectiveness is currently recognized in natural gas and oil sales as unrealized gains (losses). The components of natural gas and oil sales for the Current Quarter, the Prior Quarter, the Current Period and the Prior Period are presented below.

 

     Three Months Ended
June 30,
    Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
     2008     2007     2008     2007  
     ($ in millions)  

Natural gas and oil sales

   $ 2,233     $ 1,199     $ 3,925     $ 2,200  

Realized gains (losses) on natural gas and oil derivatives

     (423 )     197       (208 )     630  

Unrealized gains (losses) on non-qualifying natural gas and oil
derivatives

     (3,340 )     162       (4,409 )     (94 )

Unrealized gains (losses) on ineffectiveness of cash flow hedges

     (64 )     (10 )     (129 )     (64 )
                                

Total natural gas and oil sales

   $ (1,594 )   $ 1,548     $ (821 )   $ 2,672  
                                

 

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CHESAPEAKE ENERGY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

The estimated fair values of our natural gas and oil derivative instruments as of June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007 are provided below. The associated carrying values of these instruments are equal to the estimated fair values.

 

          June 30,     
2008
    December 31,
2007
 
     ($ in millions)  

Derivative assets (liabilities):

    

Fixed-price natural gas swaps

   $ (1,772 )   $ (54 )

Natural gas basis protection swaps

     184       151  

Fixed-price natural gas knockout swaps (a)

     (1,667 )     108  

Natural gas call options ( b )

     (1,426 )     (230 )

Fixed-price natural gas collars ( c )

     (470 )     4  

Fixed-price oil swaps

     (153 )     (110 )

Fixed-price oil knockout swaps

     (837 )     (125 )

Fixed-price oil cap-swaps

     (34 )     (17 )

Oil call options (d)

     (360 )     (96 )

Fixed-price oil collars

     (16 )      
                

Estimated fair value

   $ (6,551 )   $ (369 )
                

 

(a)

After adjusting for $39 million and $0 of unrealized premiums, the cumulative unrealized gain (loss) related to these knockout swaps as of June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007 was ($1.628) billion and $108 million, respectively.

 

(b)

After adjusting for $509 million and $255 million of unrealized premiums, the cumulative unrealized gain (loss) related to these call options as of June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007 was ($917) million and $25 million, respectively.

 

(c)

After adjusting for $122 million and ($8) million of unrealized premium (discount), the cumulative unrealized gain (loss) related to these collars as of June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007 was ($348) million and ($4) million, respectively.

 

(d)

After adjusting for $27 million and $29 million of unrealized premiums, the cumulative unrealized gain (loss) related to these call options as of June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007 was ($333) million and ($67) million, respectively.

Extreme volatility in natural gas and oil prices in 2008 has created wide swings in the mark-to-market value of our natural gas and oil derivatives. As of June 30, 2008, we had a net natural gas and oil derivative liability of $6.551 billion as a result of significant increases in natural gas and oil prices since December 31, 2007. Subsequent to June 30, 2008, natural gas and oil prices have decreased significantly causing our natural gas and oil hedges to move in our favor. Should prices on September 30, 2008 be the same as current prices, we believe substantially all of the 2008 unrealized loss on natural gas and oil derivatives would be reversed and reported as an unrealized gain in the 2008 third quarter.

Based upon the market prices at June 30, 2008, we expect to transfer approximately $759 million (net of income taxes) of the loss included in the balance in accumulated other comprehensive income to earnings during the next 12 months in the related month of production. All transactions hedged as of June 30, 2008 are expected to mature by December 31, 2022.

We have six secured hedging facilities, each of which permits us to enter into cash-settled natural gas and oil commodity transactions, valued by the counterparty, for up to a stated maximum value. Outstanding transactions under each facility are collateralized by certain of our natural gas and oil properties that do not secure any of our other obligations. The value of reserve collateral pledged to each facility is required to be at least 1.3 times the fair value of transactions outstanding under each facility. In addition, we may pledge collateral from our revolving bank credit facility, from time to time, to these facilities to meet any additional collateral coverage requirements. The hedging facilities are subject to a per annum exposure fee, which is assessed quarterly based on the average of the daily negative fair value amounts of the hedges, if any, during the quarter. The hedging facilities contain the standard representations and default provisions that are typical of such agreements. The agreements also contain various restrictive provisions which govern the aggregate natural gas and oil production volumes that we are permitted to hedge under all of our agreements at any one time. The fair value of outstanding transactions, per annum exposure fees and the scheduled maturity dates are shown below.

 

     Secured Hedging Facilities (a)  
     #1     #2     #3     #4     #5     #6  
     ($ in millions)  

Fair value of outstanding transactions, as of June 30, 2008

   $ (214 )   $ (1,832 )   $ (1,181 )   $ (181 )   $ (273 )   $ (760 )

Per annum exposure fee

     1 %     1 %     0.8 %     0.8 %     0.8 %     0.8 %

Scheduled maturity date

     2010       2010       2020       2012       2012       2012  

 

(a)

Chesapeake Exploration, L.L.C. is the named party to the facilities numbered 1 – 3 and Chesapeake Energy Corporation is the named party to the facilities numbered 4 – 6.

 

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CHESAPEAKE ENERGY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

Interest Rate Derivatives

We use interest rate derivatives to mitigate our exposure to the volatility in interest rates. For interest rate derivative instruments designated as fair value hedges (in accordance with SFAS 133), changes in fair value are recorded on the condensed consolidated balance sheets as assets (liabilities), and the debt’s carrying value amount is adjusted by the change in the fair value of the debt subsequent to the initiation of the derivative. Changes in the fair value of non-qualifying derivatives that occur prior to their maturity (i.e., temporary fluctuations in value) are reported currently in the condensed consolidated statements of operations as unrealized gains (losses) within interest expense.

Gains or losses from certain derivative transactions are reflected as adjustments to interest expense on the condensed consolidated statements of operations. Realized gains (losses) included in interest expense were $4 million, a nominal amount, $4 million and ($2) million in the Current Quarter, the Prior Quarter, the Current Period and the Prior Period, respectively. Unrealized gains (losses) included in interest expense were $14 million, $7 million, $1 million and $6 million in the Current Quarter, the Prior Quarter, the Current Period and the Prior Period, respectively.

As of June 30, 2008, the following interest rate derivatives were outstanding:

 

     Notional
Amount
($ in millions)
   Weighted
Average
Fixed
Rate
   

Weighted Average Floating
Rate

   Weighted
Average
Cap/Floor Rate
   Fair
Value
Hedge
   Net
Premiums
($ in millions)
   Fair Value
($ in millions)
 

Fixed to Floating
Swaps:

                   

January 2008 –
November 2020

   $ 2,750    6.87 %   6 month LIBOR plus 261 basis points       Yes    $    $ (87 )

January 2008 –
January 2018

   $ 500    6.94 %   6 month LIBOR plus 290 basis points       No      2      (13 )

Floating to Fixed
Swaps:

                   

August 2007 – August
2010

   $ 825    4.74 %   3 month LIBOR       No           (16 )

Swaption:

                   

April 2008 – October
2008

   $ 250    6.50 %         No      4      (9 )

Call Options:

                   

January 2008 – July 2010

   $ 500    6.56 %         No      4      (8 )

Collars:

                   

August 2007 – August
2010

   $ 800           5.37%–4.52%    No           (17 )
                             
                 $ 10    $ (150 )
                             

In the Current Period, we sold call options on three of our interest rate swaps and received $7 million in premiums. Three call options were exercised in the Current Period resulting in the termination of three interest rate swaps and one call option expired unexercised. Additionally, we sold two swaptions in the Current Period and received $6 million in premiums. One swaption was exercised during the Current Period and resulted in a new interest rate swap.

In the Current Period, we closed 21 interest rate swaps for gains totaling $56 million. These interest rate swaps were designated as fair value hedges and the settlement amounts received will be amortized as a reduction to interest expense over the remaining term of the related senior notes.

Foreign Currency Derivatives

On December 6, 2006, we issued €600 million of 6.25% Euro-denominated Senior Notes due 2017. Concurrent with the issuance of the euro-denominated senior notes, we entered into a cross currency swap to mitigate our exposure to fluctuations in the euro relative to the dollar over the term of the notes. Under the terms of the cross currency swap, on each semi-annual interest payment date, the counterparties pay Chesapeake €19 million and Chesapeake pays the counterparties $30 million, which yields an annual dollar-equivalent interest rate of 7.491%. Upon maturity of the notes, the counterparties will pay Chesapeake €600 million and Chesapeake will pay the counterparties $800 million. The terms of the cross currency swap were based on the dollar/euro exchange rate on the issuance date of $1.3325 to €1.00. Through the cross currency swap, we have eliminated any potential variability in Chesapeake’s expected cash flows related to changes in foreign exchange rates and therefore the swap qualifies as a cash flow hedge under SFAS 133. The euro-denominated debt is recorded in

 

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CHESAPEAKE ENERGY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

notes payable ($945 million at June 30, 2008) using an exchange rate of $1.5748 to €1.00. The fair value of the cross currency swap is recorded on the condensed consolidated balance sheet as an asset of $73 million at June 30, 2008.

Concentration of Credit Risk

A significant portion of our liquidity is concentrated in derivative instruments that enable us to hedge a portion of our exposure to natural gas and oil price and interest rate volatility. These arrangements expose us to credit risk from our counterparties. To mitigate this risk, we enter into derivative contracts only with investment-grade rated counterparties deemed by management to be competent and competitive market makers. Recently there have been concerns about the ability of certain investment banks to continue to meet their financial obligations. We monitor our counterparties and do not believe a failure by an investment bank counterparty would have a material negative impact on our liquidity.

Other financial instruments which potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of investments in equity instruments and accounts receivable. Our accounts receivable are primarily from purchasers of natural gas and oil and exploration and production companies which own interests in properties we operate. This industry concentration has the potential to impact our overall exposure to credit risk, either positively or negatively, in that our customers may be similarly affected by changes in economic, industry or other conditions. We generally require letters of credit for receivables from customers which are judged to have sub-standard credit, unless the credit risk can otherwise be mitigated. Additionally, we are exposed to credit risk associated with the indemnification related to the litigation discussed below in Note 3.

3. Contingencies and Commitments

Litigation

We are involved in various disputes incidental to our business operations, including claims from royalty owners regarding volume measurements, post-production costs and prices for royalty calculations. In Tawney, et al. v. Columbia Natural Resources, Inc. , Chesapeake’s wholly-owned subsidiary Chesapeake Appalachia, L.L.C., formerly known as Columbia Natural Resources, LLC (CNR), is a defendant in a class action lawsuit filed in 2003 in the Circuit Court of Roane County, West Virginia by royalty owners. The plaintiffs allege that CNR underpaid royalties by improperly deducting post-production costs, failing to pay royalty on total volumes of natural gas produced and not paying a fair value for the natural gas produced from their leases. The plaintiff class consists of West Virginia royalty owners receiving royalties after July 31, 1990 from CNR. Chesapeake acquired CNR in November 2005, and its seller acquired CNR in 2003 from NiSource Inc. NiSource, a co-defendant in the case, has managed the litigation and indemnified Chesapeake against underpayment claims based on the use of fixed prices for natural gas production sold under certain forward sale contracts and other claims with respect to CNR’s operations prior to September 2003.

On January 27, 2007, the Circuit Court jury returned a verdict against the defendants of $404 million, consisting of $134 million in compensatory damages and $270 million in punitive damages. The jury found fraudulent conduct by the defendants with respect to the sales prices used to calculate royalty payments and with respect to the failure of CNR to disclose post-production deductions. On June 28, 2007, the Circuit Court sustained the jury verdict for punitive damages, and on September 27, 2007, it denied all post-trial motions. The defendants stayed the judgment during the pendency of their appeal to the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals by filing an irrevocable letter of credit in the amount of $50 million. They filed their initial Petition for Appeal on January 24, 2008. On May 22, 2008, the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals refused to hear the appeal. NiSource and Chesapeake intend to file a petition for writ of certiorari to the United States Supreme Court in August 2008, asserting among other things that their constitutional rights were violated by the manner in which punitive damages were awarded, the amount of punitive damages, and the lack of meaningful state court appellate review of the punitive damages award. The U.S. Supreme Court may or may not decide to accept the appeal. The West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals has granted a stay of the judgment until September 23, 2008, pending further appeal.

Chesapeake has established an accrual for amounts it believes will not be indemnified. We have also recorded a non-current payable in the amount of the additional damages awarded the plaintiffs and an equal offsetting receivable for the expected NiSource indemnification if a final nonappealable judgment for the verdict amount should be entered. Chesapeake believes this litigation will not have a material adverse effect on its results of operations, financial condition or liquidity.

 

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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

Chesapeake is subject to other legal proceedings and claims which arise in the ordinary course of business. In our opinion, the final resolution of these proceedings and claims will not have a material effect on the company.

Employment Agreements with Officers

Chesapeake has employment agreements with its chief executive officer, chief operating officer, chief financial officer and other executive officers, which provide for annual base salaries, various benefits and eligibility for bonus compensation. The agreement with the chief executive officer has a term of five years commencing January 1, 2008. The term of the agreement is automatically extended for one additional year on each December 31 unless the company provides 30 days notice of non-extension. In the event of termination of employment without cause, the chief executive officer’s base compensation (defined as base salary plus bonus compensation received during the preceding 12 months) and benefits would continue during the remaining term of the agreement. The chief executive officer is entitled to receive a payment in the amount of three times his base compensation upon the happening of certain events following a change of control. The agreement further provides that any stock-based awards held by the chief executive officer and deferred compensation will immediately become 100% vested upon termination of employment without cause, incapacity, death, or retirement at or after age 55, and any unexercised stock options will not terminate as the result of termination of employment. The agreements with the chief operating officer, chief financial officer and other executive officers expire on September 30, 2009. These agreements provide for the continuation of salary for one year in the event of termination of employment without cause or death and, in the event of a change of control, a payment in the amount of two times the executive officer’s base compensation. These executive officers are entitled to continue to receive compensation and benefits for 180 days following termination of employment as a result of incapacity. Any stock-based awards held by such executive officers will immediately become 100% vested upon termination of employment without cause, a change of control, death, or retirement at or after age 55.

Environmental Risk

Due to the nature of the natural gas and oil business, Chesapeake and its subsidiaries are exposed to possible environmental risks. Chesapeake has implemented various policies and procedures to avoid environmental contamination and risks from environmental contamination. Chesapeake conducts periodic reviews, on a company-wide basis, to identify changes in our environmental risk profile. These reviews evaluate whether there is a contingent liability, its amount, and the likelihood that the liability will be incurred. The amount of any potential liability is determined by considering, among other matters, incremental direct costs of any likely remediation and the proportionate cost of employees who are expected to devote a significant amount of time directly to any possible remediation effort. We manage our exposure to environmental liabilities on properties to be acquired by identifying existing problems and assessing the potential liability. Depending on the extent of an identified environmental problem, Chesapeake may exclude a property from the acquisition, require the seller to remediate the property to our satisfaction, or agree to assume liability for the remediation of the property. Chesapeake has historically not experienced any significant environmental liability, and is not aware of any potential material environmental issues or claims at June 30, 2008.

Rig Leases

In a series of transactions in 2006, 2007 and 2008, our drilling subsidiaries sold 80 drilling rigs and related equipment for $647 million and entered into a master lease agreement under which we agreed to lease the rigs from the buyer for initial terms of seven to ten years for rental payments of approximately $90 million annually. The lease obligations are guaranteed by Chesapeake and its other material subsidiaries. These transactions were recorded as sales and operating leasebacks and any related gain or loss will be amortized to service operations expense over the lease term. Under the rig leases, we have the option to purchase the rigs in 2013 or on the expiration of the lease term for a purchase price equal to the then fair market value of the rigs. Additionally, we have the option to renew the rig lease for a negotiated renewal term at a periodic rental equal to the fair market rental value of the rigs as determined at the time of renewal. As of June 30, 2008, Chesapeake’s drilling subsidiaries had contracted to acquire 26 rigs to be constructed during 2008. The total remaining cost of the rigs is estimated to be approximately $335 million. Our intent is to sell and lease back those rigs as they are delivered. Commitments related to rig lease payments are not recorded in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets. As of June 30, 2008, the minimum aggregate future rig lease payments were approximately $628 million.

 

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CHESAPEAKE ENERGY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

Compressor Leases

In 2007 and 2008, our midstream subsidiaries sold a significant portion of their existing compressor fleet, consisting of 1,300 compressors, for $240 million and entered into a master lease agreement. The term of the agreement varies by buyer ranging from seven to ten years for aggregate rental payments of approximately $28 million annually. The lease obligations are guaranteed by Chesapeake and its other material subsidiaries. These transactions were recorded as sales and operating leasebacks and any related gain or loss will be amortized to natural gas and oil marketing expenses over the lease term. Under the leases, we can exercise an early purchase option after six to nine years or we can purchase the compressors at expiration of the lease for the fair market value at the time. In addition, we have the option to renew the lease for negotiated new terms at the expiration of the lease. Through 2009, approximately 450 new compressors are on order for approximately $217 million and our intent is to sell and lease back those compressors as they are delivered. Commitments related to compressor lease payments are not recorded in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets. As of June 30, 2008, the minimum aggregate future compressor lease payments were approximately $250 million.

Transportation Contracts

Chesapeake has various firm pipeline transportation service agreements with expiration dates ranging from one to 93 years. These commitments are not recorded in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets. Under the terms of these contracts, we are obligated to pay demand charges as set forth in the transporter’s Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) gas tariff. In exchange, the company receives rights to flow natural gas production through pipelines located in highly competitive markets. As of June 30, 2008, the aggregate amount of such required demand payments was approximately $713 million (excluding demand charges for pipeline projects that are currently seeking regulatory approval).

Drilling Contracts

Currently, Chesapeake has contracts with various drilling contractors to lease approximately 32 rigs with terms of one to three years. As of June 30, 2008, the aggregate drilling rig commitment was approximately $218 million.

Gas Purchase Obligations

Our marketing segment regularly commits to purchase natural gas from other owners in our properties and such commitments typically are short term in nature. We have also committed to purchase natural gas associated with volumetric production payment transactions. The purchase commitments extend over 11 to 15 year terms based on market prices at the time of production, and the purchased natural gas will be resold. As of June 30, 2008, we were obligated to purchase 290 bcfe under the terms of the volumetric production payments.

Other Commitments

We own a 49% interest in Mountain Drilling, a company that specializes in hydraulic drilling rigs which are ideal for drilling in urban areas. Chesapeake and a leading investment bank have an agreement to lend Mountain Drilling Company up to $32 million each through December 31, 2009. At June 30, 2008, Mountain Drilling owed Chesapeake $19 million under this agreement.

We invested in Ventura Refining and Transmission LLC in early 2007 and today own a 25% interest. There were no refineries in western Oklahoma until Ventura opened its refinery in 2006. We have an agreement to lend Ventura Refining and Transmission LLC up to $31 million through January 31, 2017. At June 30, 2008, there was $28 million outstanding under this agreement. Additionally, we have agreed to guarantee up to $70 million in commitments for Ventura to support its operating activities. As of June 30, 2008, we had guaranteed $61 million.

 

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CHESAPEAKE ENERGY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

4. Net Income (Loss) Per Share

Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 128, Earnings Per Share , requires presentation of “basic” and “diluted” earnings per share, as defined, on the face of the statements of operations for all entities with complex capital structures. SFAS 128 requires a reconciliation of the numerator and denominator of the basic and diluted EPS computations.

For the Current Quarter and the Current Period, there was no difference between actual weighted average shares outstanding, which are used in computing basic EPS, and diluted weighted average shares, which are used in computing EPS assuming dilution as a result of the net losses to common shareholders.

The Current Quarter diluted shares do not include the effect of (i) outstanding stock options to purchase 2.3 million shares of common stock at a weighted average exercise price of $7.96, (ii) 7.6 million shares of unvested restricted stock at a weighted average grant-date fair value of $34.22, (iii) 2.7 million shares related to our 2.75% Contingent Convertible Senior Notes due 2035, (iv) 3.0 million common stock equivalent of preferred stock outstanding prior to conversion of our 5.00% convertible preferred stock (Series 2005B) and (v) the assumed conversion of the following outstanding preferred stock:

 

 

 

4.125% preferred stock convertible into 184,019 common shares,

 

 

 

5.00% (Series 2005) convertible preferred stock convertible into 19,443 common shares,

 

 

 

5.00% (Series 2005B) convertible preferred stock convertible into 7,760,336 common shares,

 

 

 

4.50% preferred stock convertible into 7,810,800 common shares, and

 

 

 

6.25% mandatory convertible preferred stock convertible into 1,031,175 common shares.

The Current Period diluted shares do not include the effect of (i) outstanding stock options to purchase 2.5 million shares of common stock at a weighted average exercise price of $7.96, (ii) 6.9 million shares of unvested restricted stock at a weighted average grant-date fair value of $34.22, (iii) 2.7 million shares related to our 2.75% Contingent Convertible Senior Notes due 2035, (iv) 5.0 million common stock equivalent of preferred stock outstanding prior to conversion of our 5.00% convertible preferred stock (Series 2005B) and (v) the assumed conversion of the following outstanding preferred stock:

 

 

 

4.125% preferred stock convertible into 184,019 common shares,

 

 

 

5.00% (Series 2005) convertible preferred stock convertible into 19,443 common shares,

 

 

 

5.00% (Series 2005B) convertible preferred stock convertible into 7,760,336 common shares,

 

 

 

4.50% preferred stock convertible into 7,810,800 common shares, and

 

 

 

6.25% mandatory convertible preferred stock convertible into 1,031,175 common shares.

 

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CHESAPEAKE ENERGY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

Reconciliations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2007 are as follows:

 

     Income
(Numerator)
   Shares
(Denominator)
   Per
Share

Amount
     (in millions, except per share data)

For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2007:

        

Basic EPS:

        

Income available to common shareholders

   $ 492    452    $ 1.09
                  

Effect of Dilutive Securities

        

Assumed conversion as of the beginning of the period of preferred shares outstanding during the period:

        

Common shares assumed issued for 4.50% convertible preferred stock

        8   

Common shares assumed issued for 5.00% convertible preferred stock (Series 2005)

        18   

Common shares assumed issued for 5.00% convertible preferred stock (Series 2005B)

        15   

Common shares assumed issued for 6.25% convertible preferred stock

        16   

Employee stock options

        4   

Restricted stock

        2   

Preferred stock dividends

     26      
              

Diluted EPS Income available to common shareholders and assumed conversions

   $ 518    515    $ 1.01
                  

For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2007:

        

Basic EPS:

        

Income available to common shareholders

   $ 724    452    $ 1.60
                  

Effect of Dilutive Securities

        

Assumed conversion as of the beginning of the period of preferred shares outstanding during the period:

          

Common shares assumed issued for 4.50% convertible preferred stock

        8   

Common shares assumed issued for 5.00% convertible preferred stock (Series 2005)

        18   

Common shares assumed issued for 5.00% convertible preferred stock (Series 2005B)

        15   

Common shares assumed issued for 6.25% convertible preferred stock

        16   

Employee stock options

        4   

Restricted stock

        2   

Preferred stock dividends

     52      
              

Diluted EPS Income available to common shareholders and assumed conversions

   $ 776    515    $ 1.51
                  

5. Stockholders’ Equity, Restricted Stock and Stock Options

The following is a summary of the changes in our common shares outstanding for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007:

 

     2008    2007
     (in thousands)

Shares outstanding at January 1

   511,648    458,601

Common stock issuance

   23,000   

Preferred stock conversions

   7,781   

Stock option exercises

   1,213    985

Restricted stock issuances net of terminations

   2,136    12,206
         

Shares outstanding at June 30

   545,778    471,792
         

In the Prior Period, we issued 9.8 million shares of restricted stock to our employees (except for our CEO and CFO, who did not participate in the stock awards) under a long-term stock incentive and retention program. These shares vest 50% in August 2009 with the remaining 50% vesting in August 2011.

 

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CHESAPEAKE ENERGY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

The following is a summary of the changes in our preferred shares outstanding for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007:

 

     4.125%    5.00%
(2005)
   4.50%    5.00%
(2005B)
    6.25%
     (in thousands)

Shares outstanding at January 1, 2008

   3    5    3,450    5,750     144

Conversion/exchange of preferred for common stock

            (2,718 )  
                         

Shares outstanding at June 30, 2008

   3    5    3,450    3,032     144
                         

Shares outstanding at January 1, 2007 and June 30, 2007

   3    4,600    3,450    5,750     2,300
                         

In connection with the exchanges and conversions noted above, we recorded a loss of $43 million in both the Current Quarter and the Current Period. In general, the loss is equal to the excess of the fair value of all common stock exchanged over the fair value of the common stock issuable pursuant to the original conversion terms of the preferred stock.

During the Current Period, 2,718,500 shares of our 5.0% (series 2005B) cumulative convertible preferred stock were exchanged for 7,780,703 shares of common stock in privately negotiated exchange transactions.

During the Current Period, a holder of our 4.125% cumulative convertible preferred stock converted 3 shares into 180 shares of common stock.

During the Prior Period, a holder of our 4.125% cumulative convertible preferred stock converted 3 shares into 180 shares of common stock.

Stock-Based Compensation

Chesapeake’s stock-based compensation programs consist of restricted stock and stock options issued to employees and non-employee directors. To the extent compensation cost relates to employees directly involved in natural gas and oil exploration and development activities, such amounts are capitalized to natural gas and oil properties. Amounts not capitalized are recognized as general and administrative expenses, production expenses, natural gas and oil marketing expenses or service operations expense. We recorded the following stock-based compensation during the Current Quarter, the Prior Quarter, the Current Period and the Prior Period:

 

     Three Months Ended
June 30,
   Six Months Ended
June 30,
     2008    2007    2008    2007
     ($ in millions)

Natural gas and oil properties

   $ 26    $ 12    $ 51    $ 22

General and administrative expenses

     21      12      40      22

Production expenses

     7      3      14      6

Natural gas and oil marketing expenses

     2      1      4      1

Service operations expense

     1           3      1
                           

Total

   $ 57    $ 28    $ 112    $ 52
                           

Restricted Stock. Chesapeake regularly issues shares of restricted common stock to employees and to non-employee directors. The fair value of the awards issued is determined based on the fair market value of the shares on the date of grant. This value is amortized over the vesting period, which is generally four or five years from the date of grant for employees and three years for non-employee directors.

A summary of the changes in unvested shares of restricted stock during the Current Period is presented below:

 

     Number of
Unvested
Restricted Shares
    Weighted Average
Grant-Date Fair
Value

Unvested shares as of January 1, 2008

   19,688,759     $ 32.42

Granted

   3,170,300     $ 40.74

Vested

   (1,950,383 )   $ 26.48

Forfeited

   (412,347 )   $ 34.88
        

Unvested shares as of June 30, 2008

   20,496,329     $ 34.22
        

 

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CHESAPEAKE ENERGY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

The aggregate intrinsic value of restricted stock vested during the Current Period was approximately $86 million based on the stock price at the time of vesting.

As of June 30, 2008, there was $576 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested restricted stock. The cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.84 years.

The vesting of certain restricted stock grants results in state and federal income tax benefits related to the difference between the market price of the common stock at the date of vesting and the date of grant. During the Current Quarter, the Prior Quarter, the Current Period and the Prior Period, we recognized excess tax benefits related to restricted stock of $3 million, a nominal amount, $9 million and $1 million, respectively, which were recorded as adjustments to additional paid-in capital and deferred income taxes.

Stock Options. Prior to 2006, we granted stock options under several stock compensation plans. Outstanding options expire ten years from the date of grant and vest over a four-year period.

The following table provides information related to stock option activity during the Current Period:

 

     Number of
Shares
Underlying
Options
    Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
Per Share
   Weighted
Average
Contract
Life in Years
   Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value (a)
($ in millions)

Outstanding at January 1, 2008

   4,445,455     $ 7.55    4.37    $ 141

Exercised

   (1,219,160 )   $ 6.46       $ 53

Forfeited

   (1,000 )   $ 15.48      

Expired

   (133 )   $ 9.57      
              

Outstanding at June 30, 2008

   3,225,162     $ 7.96    4.06    $ 187
              

Exercisable at June 30, 2008

   3,219,162     $ 7.94    4.05    $ 187
              

 

(a)

The intrinsic value of a stock option is the amount by which the current market value or the market value upon exercise of the underlying stock exceeds the exercise price of the option.

As of June 30, 2008, unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock options was nominal.

During the Current Quarter, the Prior Quarter, the Current Period and the Prior Period, we recognized excess tax benefits related to stock options of $7 million, $4 million, $12 million and $7 million, respectively, which were recorded as adjustments to additional paid-in capital and deferred income taxes.

 

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CHESAPEAKE ENERGY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

6. Senior Notes and Revolving Bank Credit Facility

Our total debt consisted of the following as of June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007:

 

     June 30,
2008
    December 31,
2007
 
     ($ in millions)  

7.5% Senior Notes due 2013

   $           364     $ 364  

7.625% Senior Notes due 2013

     500       500  

7.0% Senior Notes due 2014

     300       300  

7.5% Senior Notes due 2014

     300       300  

6.375% Senior Notes due 2015

     600       600  

7.75% Senior Notes due 2015 (a)

     300       300  

6.625% Senior Notes due 2016

     600       600  

6.875% Senior Notes due 2016

     670       670  

6.25% Euro-denominated Senior Notes due 2017 ( b )

     945       876  

6.5% Senior Notes due 2017

     1,100       1,100  

6.25% Senior Notes due 2018

     600       600  

7.25% Senior Notes Due 2018

     800        

6.875% Senior Notes due 2020

     500       500  

2.75% Contingent Convertible Senior Notes due 2035 (c)

     690       690  

2.5% Contingent Convertible Senior Notes due 2037 ( c )

     1,650       1,650  

2.25% Contingent Convertible Senior Notes due 2038 ( c )

     1,380        

Revolving bank credit facility

     2,513       1,950  

Discount on senior notes

     (100 )     (105 )

Impact of interest rate derivatives ( d )

     (8 )     55  
                

Total notes payable and long-term debt

   $ 13,704     $ 10,950  

Less current maturities of long-term debt (c)

     (690 )      
                

Total notes payable and long-term debt, net of current maturities

   $ 13,014     $ 10,950  
                

 

(a)

The 7.75% Senior Notes due 2015 were redeemed on July 7, 2008.

 

(b)

The principal amount shown is based on the dollar/euro exchange rate of $1.5748 to €1.00 and $1.4603 to €1.00 as of June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively. See Note 2 for information on our related cross currency swap.

 

(c)

The holders of our contingent convertible senior notes may require us to repurchase, in cash, all or a portion of their notes at 100% of the principal amount of the notes on any of four dates that are five, ten, fifteen and twenty years before the maturity date. The notes are convertible, at the holder’s option, prior to maturity under certain circumstances, into cash and, if applicable, shares of our common stock using a net share settlement process. One such triggering circumstance is that the price of our common stock exceeds a threshold amount during a specified period in a fiscal quarter. Convertibility based on common stock price is measured quarter by quarter. In the second quarter of 2008, the price of our common stock exceeded the threshold level for the 2.75% Contingent Convertible Senior Notes due 2035 during the specified period and, as a result, the holders of our 2.75% Contingent Convertible Senior Notes have the option to convert their notes into cash and common stock in the third quarter of 2008. While our 2.75% Contingent Convertible Senior Notes are classified as current debt in our balance sheet as of June 30, 2008, based on current trading prices for the notes, holders currently would realize greater value by selling their notes in the open market as opposed to converting them into cash and common stock. In general, upon conversion of a contingent convertible senior note, the holder will receive cash equal to the principal amount of the note and common stock for the note’s conversion value in excess of such principal amount. We will pay contingent interest on the convertible senior notes after they have been outstanding at least ten years, under certain conditions. We may redeem the convertible senior notes once they have been outstanding for ten years at a redemption price of 100% of the principal amount of the notes, payable in cash. The optional repurchase dates, the common stock price conversion threshold amounts and the ending date of the first six-month period contingent interest may be payable for the contingent convertible senior notes are as follows:

 

Contingent

Convertible

Senior Notes

  

Repurchase Dates

   Common Stock
Price Conversion
Thresholds
   Contingent Interest
First Payable
(if applicable)

2.75% due 2035

   November 15, 2015, 2020, 2025, 2030    $ 48.83    May 14, 2016

2.5% due 2037

   May 15, 2017, 2022, 2027, 2032    $ 64.477    November 14, 2017

2.25% due 2038

   December 15, 2018, 2023, 2028, 2033    $ 107.36    June 14, 2019

 

(d)

See Note 2 for discussion related to these instruments.

No scheduled principal payments are required under our senior notes until 2013 when $864 million is due.

 

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CHESAPEAKE ENERGY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

Our outstanding senior notes are unsecured senior obligations of Chesapeake that rank equally in right of payment with all of our existing and future senior indebtedness and rank senior in right of payment to all of our future subordinated indebtedness. We may redeem the senior notes, other than the contingent convertible senior notes, at any time at specified make-whole or redemption prices. Senior notes issued before July 2005 are governed by indentures containing covenants that limit our ability and our restricted subsidiaries’ ability to incur additional indebtedness; pay dividends on our capital stock or redeem, repurchase or retire our capital stock or subordinated indebtedness; make investments and other restricted payments; incur liens; enter into sale/leaseback transactions; create restrictions on the payment of dividends or other amounts to us from our restricted subsidiaries; engage in transactions with affiliates; sell assets; and consolidate, merge or transfer assets. Senior notes issued after June 2005 are governed by indentures containing covenants that limit our ability and our subsidiaries’ ability to incur certain secured indebtedness; enter into sale/leaseback transactions; and consolidate, merge or transfer assets.

Chesapeake is a holding company and owns no operating assets and has no significant operations independent of its subsidiaries. Our obligations under our outstanding senior notes have been fully and unconditionally guaranteed, jointly and severally, by all of our wholly-owned subsidiaries, other than minor subsidiaries, on a senior unsecured basis.

We have a $3.5 billion syndicated revolving bank credit facility which matures in November 2012. As of June 30, 2008, we had $2.513 billion in outstanding borrowings under our facility and utilized approximately $6 million of the facility for various letters of credit. Borrowings under our facility are secured by certain producing natural gas and oil properties and bear interest at our option at either (i) the greater of the reference rate of Union Bank of California, N.A. or the federal funds effective rate plus 0.50% or (ii) the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR), plus a margin that varies from 0.75% to 1.50% per annum according to our senior unsecured long-term debt ratings. The collateral value and borrowing base are determined periodically. The unused portion of the facility is subject to a commitment fee that also varies according to our senior unsecured long-term debt ratings, from 0.125% to 0.30% per annum. Currently, the commitment fee rate is 0.20% per annum. Interest is payable quarterly or, if LIBOR applies, it may be payable at more frequent intervals.

The credit facility agreement contains various covenants and restrictive provisions which limit our ability to incur additional indebtedness, make investments or loans and create liens. The credit facility agreement requires us to maintain an indebtedness to total capitalization ratio (as defined) not to exceed 0.70 to 1 and an indebtedness to EBITDA ratio (as defined) not to exceed 3.75 to 1. As defined by the credit facility agreement, our indebtedness to total capitalization ratio was 0.57 to 1 and our indebtedness to EBITDA ratio was 2.05 to 1 at June 30, 2008. If we should fail to perform our obligations under these and other covenants, the revolving credit commitment could be terminated and any outstanding borrowings under the facility could be declared immediately due and payable. Such acceleration, if involving a principal amount of $10 million ($50 million in the case of our senior notes issued after 2004), would constitute an event of default under our senior note indentures, which could in turn result in the acceleration of a significant portion of our senior note indebtedness. The credit facility agreement also has cross default provisions that apply to other indebtedness we may have with an outstanding principal amount in excess of $75 million.

Two of our subsidiaries, Chesapeake Exploration, L.L.C. and Chesapeake Appalachia, L.L.C., are the borrowers under our revolving bank credit facility. The facility is fully and unconditionally guaranteed, on a joint and several basis, by Chesapeake and all of our other wholly owned subsidiaries except minor subsidiaries.

7. Segment Information

In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 131, Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information , we have two reportable operating segments. Our exploration and production operational segment and natural gas and oil marketing segment are managed separately because of the nature of their products and services. The exploration and production segment is responsible for finding and producing natural gas and oil. The marketing segment is responsible for gathering, processing, compressing, transporting and selling natural gas and oil primarily from Chesapeake-operated wells. We also have drilling rig and trucking operations which are responsible for providing drilling rigs primarily used on Chesapeake-operated wells and trucking services utilized in the transportation of drilling rigs on both Chesapeake-operated wells and wells operated by third parties.

 

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CHESAPEAKE ENERGY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

Management evaluates the performance of our segments based upon income (loss) before income taxes. Revenues from the marketing segment’s sale of natural gas and oil related to Chesapeake’s ownership interests are reflected as exploration and production revenues. Such amounts totaled $1.787 billion, $893 million, $3.076 billion and $1.598 billion for the Current Quarter, the Prior Quarter, the Current Period and the Prior Period, respectively. The following table presents selected financial information for Chesapeake’s operating segments. Our drilling rig and trucking service operations are presented in “Other Operations”.

 

     Exploration
and Production
    Marketing     Other
Operations
    Intercompany
Eliminations
    Consolidated
Total
 
     ($ in millions)  

For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2008:

          

Revenues

   $ (1,594 )   $ 2,886     $ 154     $ (1,901 )   $ (455 )

Intersegment revenues

           (1,787 )     (114 )     1,901        
                                        

Total revenues

   $ (1,594 )   $ 1,099     $ 40     $     $ (455 )
                                        

Income (loss) before income taxes

   $ (2,614 )   $ 15     $ 27     $ (25 )   $ (2,597 )
                                        

For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2007:

          

Revenues

   $ 1,548     $ 1,416     $ 116     $ (975 )   $ 2,105  

Intersegment revenues

           (893 )     (82 )     975        
                                        

Total revenues

   $ 1,548     $ 523     $ 34     $     $ 2,105  
                                        

Income before income taxes

   $ 822     $ 10     $ 36     $ (32 )   $ 836  
                                        

For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2008:

          

Revenues

   $ (821 )   $ 4,971     $ 303     $ (3,297 )   $ 1,156  

Intersegment revenues

           (3,076 )     (221 )     3,297        
                                        

Total revenues

   $ (821 )   $ 1,895     $ 82     $     $ 1,156  
                                        

Income (loss) before income taxes

   $ (2,842 )   $ 30     $ 47     $ (46 )   $ (2,811 )
                                        

For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2007:

          

Revenues

   $ 2,672     $ 2,543     $ 224     $ (1,755 )   $ 3,684  

Intersegment revenues

           (1,598 )     (157 )     1,755        
                                        

Total revenues

   $ 2,672     $ 945     $ 67     $     $ 3,684  
                                        

Income before income taxes

   $ 1,227     $ 18     $ 66     $ (59 )   $ 1,252  
                                        

As of June 30, 2008:

          

Total assets

   $ 35,885     $ 2,879     $ 570     $ (1,311 )   $ 38,023  

As of December 31, 2007:

          

Total assets

   $ 29,317     $ 1,759     $ 487     $ (829 )   $ 30,734  

8. Divestitures

On May 1, 2008, we sold certain long-lived producing assets in Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas in a volumetric production payment transaction for net proceeds of $616 million. These assets had estimated proved reserves of approximately 94 bcfe and current net production (at the time of sale) of approximately 47 mmcfe per day. Chesapeake retained drilling rights on the properties below currently producing intervals. For accounting purposes, the transaction was treated as a sale and the company’s proved reserves were reduced accordingly.

In the Current Period, we sold non-core natural gas and oil assets in the Rocky Mountains and in the Arkoma Basin Woodford Shale play for proceeds of $243 million.

 

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CHESAPEAKE ENERGY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

9. Fair Value Measurements

Effective January 1, 2008, we adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157, Fair Value Measurements for our financial assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis. This statement establishes a framework for measuring fair value of assets and liabilities and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. In February 2008, the FASB issued FSP 157-2, which delayed the effective date of SFAS No. 157 by one year for nonfinancial assets and liabilities.

SFAS 157 defines fair value as the amount that would be received from the sale of an asset or paid for the transfer of a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants, i.e., an exit price. To estimate an exit price, a three-level hierarchy is used. The fair value hierarchy prioritizes the inputs, which refer broadly to assumptions market participants would use in pricing an asset or a liability, into three levels. Level 1 inputs are unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities and have the highest priority. Level 2 inputs are inputs other than quoted prices within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the financial asset or liability and have the lowest priority. Chesapeake uses appropriate valuation techniques based on available inputs, including counterparty quotes, to measure the fair values of its assets and liabilities. Counterparty quotes are generally assessed as a Level 3 input.

The following table provides fair value measurement information for financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of June 30, 2008.

 

     Quoted
Prices in
Active
Markets
(Level 1)
    Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
    Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
    Total
Fair Value
 
     ($ in millions)  

Financial Assets (Liabilities):

        

Derivatives

   $     $ (1,568 )   $ (5,060 )   $ (6,628 )

Investments

   $ 87     $     $     $ 87  

Other long-term assets

   $ 23     $     $     $ 23  

Long-term debt

   $     $     $ (3,781 )   $ (3,781 )

Other long-term liabilities

   $ (23 )   $     $     $ (23 )

The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair values of the assets and liabilities in the table above.

Level 1 Fair Value Measurements

Investments. The fair value of Chesapeake’s investment in Gastar Exploration Ltd. common stock is based on a quoted market price.

Other Long-Term Assets and Liabilities. The fair value of other long-term assets and liabilities, consisting of our Deferred Compensation Plan, is based on quoted market prices.

Level 2 Fair Value Measurements

Derivatives. The fair values of our natural gas swaps are measured internally using established index prices and other sources. These values are based upon, among other things, futures prices and time to maturity.

Level 3 Fair Value Measurements

Derivatives. The fair values of our derivatives, excluding natural gas swaps, are based on estimates provided by our respective counterparties and reviewed internally using established index prices and other sources. These values are based upon, among other things, futures prices, interest rate curves and time to maturity.

Debt. The fair value of our long-term debt is based on face value of the debt along with the value of the related interest rate swaps. The interest rate swap values are based on estimates provided by our respective counterparties and reviewed internally for reasonableness using future interest rate curves and time to maturity.

 

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CHESAPEAKE ENERGY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

A reconciliation of Chesapeake’s assets and liabilities classified as Level 3 measurements is presented below.

 

     Derivatives     Debt     Total  
     ($ in millions)  

Balance of Level 3 as of January 1, 2008

   $ (340 )   $ (2,404 )   $ (2,744 )

Total gains or losses (realized/unrealized):

      

Included in earnings (a)

     (4,180 )     (127 )     (4,307 )

Included in other comprehensive income (loss)

     (51 )           (51 )

Purchases, issuances and settlements

     (489 )     (1,250 ) ( b)     (1,739 )

Transfers in and out of Level 3

                  
                        

Balance of Level 3 as of June 30, 2008

   $ (5,060 )   $ (3,781 )   $ (8,841 )
                        

 

(a)

            Natural Gas and Oil
Revenue
    Interest
          ($ in millions)
  

Total gains and losses related to derivatives included in earnings for the period

   $ (4,245 )   $ 65
                 
  

Change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets still held at reporting date

   $ (4,405 )   $ 69
                 

 

(b)

Amount represents debt now recorded at fair value as a result of new interest rate swaps entered into in the Current Period.

10. Recently Issued and Proposed Accounting Standards

The FASB recently issued the following standards which were reviewed by Chesapeake to determine the potential impact on our financial statements upon adoption.

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities . This statement expands the use of fair value measurement and applies to entities that elect the fair value option. The fair value option established by this statement permits all entities to choose to measure eligible items at fair value at specified election dates. This statement is effective as of the beginning of the first fiscal year that begins after November 15, 2007. Since we have not elected to adopt the fair value option for eligible items, SFAS No. 159 has not had an impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements an amendment of Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51 . This statement requires an entity to separately disclose non-controlling interests as a separate component of equity in the balance sheet and clearly identify on the face of the income statement net income related to non-controlling interests. This statement is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008. We are currently assessing the impact, if any, the adoption of this statement will have on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141(R), Business Combinations . This statement requires assets acquired and liabilities assumed to be measured at fair value as of the acquisition date, acquisition-related costs incurred prior to the acquisition to be expensed and contractual contingencies to be recognized at fair value as of the acquisition date. This statement is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008. We are currently assessing the impact, if any, the adoption of this statement will have on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133 . This statement changes the disclosure requirements for derivative instruments and hedging activities. The statement requires that objectives for using derivative instruments be disclosed in terms of underlying risk and accounting designation. This statement is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008. We are currently assessing the impact that adoption of this statement will have on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

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CHESAPEAKE ENERGY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

In May 2008, the FASB issued FSP APB 14-1, Accounting for Convertible Debt Instruments That May Be Settled in Cash Upon Conversion (Including Partial Cash Settlement). FSP APB 14-1 clarifies that convertible debt instruments that may be settled in cash upon either mandatory or optional conversion (including partial cash settlement) are not addressed by paragraph 12 of APB Opinion No. 14, Accounting for Convertible Debt and Debt issued with Stock Purchase Warrants. The accounting prescribed by FSP APB 14-1 would increase the amount of interest expense required to be recognized with respect to such instruments and, thus, lower reported net income and net income per share of issuers of such instruments. Issuers will have to account for the liability and equity components of the instrument separately and in a manner that reflects interest expense at the interest rate of similar nonconvertible debt. We have three debt series that will be affected by the guidance, our 2.75% Contingent Convertible Senior Notes due 2035, our 2.5% Contingent Convertible Senior Notes due 2037 and our 2.25% Contingent Convertible Senior Notes due 2038. This staff position is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2008 and must be applied on a retrospective basis. We are currently assessing the impact that adoption of this staff position will have on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

11. Subsequent Events

On July 1, 2008, we entered into a joint venture with Plains Exploration & Production Company to develop our Haynesville Shale leasehold in Northwest Louisiana and East Texas. Under the terms of the joint venture, Plains acquired a 20% interest in our approximately 550,000 net acres of Haynesville Shale leasehold for $1.65 billion in cash, consisting of $1.375 billion paid on July 7, 2008 with the remainder to be paid by October 30, 2008, subject to normal post-closing adjustments. Plains has also agreed to fund 50% of our 80% share of the costs associated with drilling and completing future Haynesville Shale joint venture wells over a multi-year period, up to an additional $1.65 billion. In addition, Plains has the right to a 20% participation in any additional leasehold we acquire in the Haynesville Shale. We used approximately $1.1 billion of the proceeds from this transaction to temporarily repay outstanding indebtedness under our revolving bank credit facility and the balance to pay for leasehold acquisition and drilling costs in the Haynesville Shale play and for other general corporate purposes. Proceeds from the sale will be reflected as a reduction of natural gas and oil properties for accounting purposes, with no gain or loss recognized.

On July 7, 2008, we redeemed the outstanding principal amount of $300 million of our 7.75% Senior Notes due 2015 for $312 million. We will recognize a $31 million loss associated with this transaction in the third quarter of 2008.

On July 15, 2008, we completed a public offering of 28.75 million shares of common stock at $57.25 per share. Net proceeds of approximately $1.586 billion were used to repay outstanding borrowings under our revolving bank credit facility, which may be reborrowed to fund our drilling and leasehold acquisition initiatives and for other general corporate purposes.

On August 8, 2008, BP America Inc. acquired all of our interests in approximately 90,000 net acres of leasehold and producing natural gas properties in the Arkoma Basin Woodford Shale play for $1.75 billion in cash. The properties, which are located in Atoka, Coal, Hughes and Pittsburg counties, Oklahoma, are currently producing approximately 50 mmcfe per day.

Subsequent to June 30, 2008, a holder of our 4.5% cumulative convertible preferred stock exchanged 891,100 shares for 2,227,750 shares of common stock in a privately negotiated exchange. This will result in a $12 million loss on conversion of preferred stock in the third quarter of 2008.

Subsequent to June 30, 2008, holders of our 5.0% (Series 2005B) cumulative convertible preferred stock exchanged 935,885 shares for 2,662,940 shares of common stock in privately negotiated exchanges. This will result in a $13 million loss on conversion of preferred stock in the third quarter of 2008.

On August 1, 2008, we completed a volumetric production payment transaction with estimated proved reserves of approximately 93 bcfe and current net production (at the time of sale) of approximately 46 mmcfe per day from wells in the Anadarko Basin of Oklahoma. This transaction resulted in net proceeds to us of $600 million.

 

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ITEM 2.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Overview

The following table sets forth certain information regarding the production volumes, natural gas and oil sales, average sales prices received, other operating income and expenses for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 (the “Current Quarter” and the “Current Period”) and the three and six months ended June 30, 2007 (the “Prior Quarter” and the “Prior Period”):

 

     Three Months Ended
June 30,
    Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
     2008     2007     2008     2007  

Net Production:

        

Natural gas (mmcf)

     194,994       156,080       382,766       296,872  

Oil (mbbls)

     2,816       2,324       5,562       4,467  

Natural gas equivalent (mmcfe)

     211,890       170,024       416,138       323,674  

Natural Gas and Oil Sales ($ in millions):

        

Natural gas sales

   $ 1,896     $ 1,059     $ 3,329     $ 1,947  

Natural gas derivatives – realized gains (losses)

     (302 )     185       (34 )     600  

Natural gas derivatives – unrealized gains (losses)

     (2,526 )     167       (3,528 )     (131 )
                                

Total natural gas sales

     (932 )     1,411       (233 )     2,416  
                                

Oil sales

     337       140       596       253  

Oil derivatives – realized gains (losses)

     (121 )     12       (174 )     30  

Oil derivatives – unrealized gains (losses)

     (878 )     (15 )     (1,010 )     (27 )
                                

Total oil sales

     (662 )     137       (588 )     256  
                                

Total natural gas and oil sales

   $ (1,594 )   $ 1,548     $ (821 )   $ 2,672  
                                

Average Sales Price (excluding all gains (losses) on derivatives):

        

Natural gas ($ per mcf)

   $ 9.73     $ 6.78     $ 8.70     $ 6.56  

Oil ($ per bbl)

   $ 119.81     $ 60.10     $ 107.13     $ 56.60  

Natural gas equivalent ($ per mcfe)

   $ 10.54     $ 7.05     $ 9.43     $ 6.80  

Average Sales Price (excluding unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives):

        

Natural gas ($ per mcf)

   $ 8.18     $ 7.97     $ 8.61     $ 8.58  

Oil ($ per bbl)

   $ 76.96     $ 65.37     $ 75.86     $ 63.34  

Natural gas equivalent ($ per mcfe)

   $ 8.55     $ 8.21     $ 8.93     $ 8.74  

Other Operating Income (a) ($ in millions):

        

Natural gas and oil marketing

   $ 24     $ 19     $ 46     $ 34  

Service operations

   $ 8     $ 11     $ 15     $ 23  

Other Operating Income ($ per mcfe):

        

Natural gas and oil marketing

   $ 0.12     $ 0.11     $ 0.11     $ 0.10  

Service operations

   $ 0.04     $ 0.07     $ 0.04     $ 0.07  

Expenses ($ per mcfe):

        

Production expenses

   $ 1.03     $ 0.90     $ 1.01     $ 0.91  

Production taxes

   $ 0.41     $ 0.31     $ 0.39     $ 0.29  

General and administrative expenses

   $ 0.48     $ 0.32     $ 0.43     $ 0.33  

Natural gas and oil depreciation, depletion and amortization

   $ 2.47     $ 2.60     $ 2.49     $ 2.58  

Depreciation and amortization of other assets

   $ 0.19     $ 0.23     $ 0.18     $ 0.23  

Interest expense (b)

   $ 0.36     $ 0.54     $ 0.39     $ 0.52  

Interest Expense ($ in millions):

        

Interest expense

   $ 81     $ 91     $ 168     $ 166  

Interest rate derivatives – realized (gains) losses

     (4 )           (4 )     2  

Interest rate derivatives – unrealized (gains) losses

     (14 )     (7 )     (1 )     (6 )
                                

Total interest expense

   $ 63     $ 84     $ 163     $ 162  
                                

Net Wells Drilled

     485       489       933       950  

Net Producing Wells as of the End of the Period

     22,324       20,136       22,324       20,136  

 

(a)

Includes revenue and operating costs.

 

(b)

Includes the effects of realized gains (losses) from interest rate derivatives, but excludes the effects of unrealized gains (losses) and is net of amounts capitalized.

 

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We are the largest producer of natural gas in the United States. We own interests in approximately 40,200 producing natural gas and oil wells that are currently producing approximately 2.3 bcfe per day, 92% of which is natural gas. Our strategy is focused on discovering, acquiring and developing conventional and unconventional natural gas reserves onshore in the U.S., east of the Rocky Mountains.

Our most important operating area has historically been the Mid-Continent region of Oklahoma, Arkansas, southwestern Kansas and the Texas Panhandle. At June 30, 2008, 46% of our estimated proved natural gas and oil reserves were located in the Mid-Continent region. However, during the past five years, we have established a top-three position in nearly every major unconventional play onshore in the U.S., including the Barnett Shale in the Fort Worth Basin in north-central Texas; the Haynesville Shale in the Ark-La-Tex area of East Texas and northern Louisiana; the Fayetteville Shale in the Arkoma Basin of Arkansas; and the Marcellus and Lower Huron Shales in the Appalachian Basin of Kentucky, West Virginia, Pennsylvania and New York. In addition, we are pursuing other unconventional plays in the Anadarko Basin of western Oklahoma, the Ardmore Basin of southern Oklahoma, the Arkoma Basin of eastern Oklahoma and the Permian and Delaware Basins of West Texas and eastern New Mexico.

Natural gas and oil production for the Current Quarter was 211.9 bcfe, an increase of 41.9 bcfe, or 25% over the 170.0 bcfe produced in the Prior Quarter. The Current Quarter marked the 28 th consecutive quarter we have increased our production. During these 28 quarters, Chesapeake’s U.S. production has increased 488%, for an average compound quarterly growth rate of 6.5% and an average compound annual growth rate of 29%.

During the Current Period, Chesapeake continued the industry’s most active drilling program and drilled 988 gross (837 net) operated wells and participated in another 856 gross (95 net) wells operated by other companies. The company’s drilling success rate was 99% for company-operated wells and 96% for non-operated wells. Also during the Current Period, we invested $2.486 billion in operated wells (using an average of 143 operated rigs) and $371 million in non-operated wells (using an average of 104 non-operated rigs) for total drilling, completing and equipping costs of $2.857 billion.

Chesapeake began 2008 with estimated proved reserves of 10.879 tcfe and ended the Current Period with 12.170 tcfe, an increase of 1.291 tcfe, or 12%. During the Current Period, we replaced 416 bcfe of production with an internally estimated 1.707 tcfe of new proved reserves, for a reserve replacement rate of 410%. Reserve replacement through the drillbit was 1.751 tcfe, or 421% of production, including 779 bcfe of positive performance revisions and 182 bcfe of positive revisions resulting from natural gas and oil price increases between December 31, 2007 and June 30, 2008. Reserve replacement through the acquisition of proved reserves was 85 bcfe. During the Current Period, we divested 129 bcfe of estimated proved reserves. Based on our current drilling schedule and budget, we expect that virtually all of the proved undeveloped reserves added in 2008 will begin producing within the next three to five years. Generally, proved developed reserves are producing at the time they are added or will begin producing within one year.

Since 2000, Chesapeake has invested $12.2 billion in new leasehold and 3-D seismic acquisitions and now owns the largest combined inventories of onshore leasehold (14.9 million net acres) and 3-D seismic (20.8 million acres) in the U.S. On this leasehold, the company has approximately 34,000 net drillsites representing more than a 10-year inventory of drilling projects.

As of June 30, 2008, the company’s debt as a percentage of total capitalization (total capitalization is the sum of debt and stockholders’ equity) was 57% compared to 47% as of December 31, 2007. The average maturity of our long-term debt is over eight years with an average interest rate of approximately 5.5%.

 

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Business Strategy

As a result of successful drilling results, in March 2008, we began accelerating our leasehold acquisition in the Haynesville Shale as well as continuing our active leasing and drilling programs in the Barnett, Fayetteville and Marcellus Shale plays. Our current budgeted capital expenditures for drilling, leasehold and producing property acquisitions, geophysical costs, and additions to midstream, compression and other property and equipment are $16.3 billion to $17.5 billion in 2008 and $9.2 billion to $10.3 billion in 2009. To help fund these expenditures and develop the acreage we have acquired, we have brought in a joint venture partner for a promoted 20% interest in the Haynesville Shale and anticipate bringing in 25% joint venture partners for the Fayetteville and Marcellus Shale plays on a promoted basis as well. These joint ventures will allow us to recover most or all of our initial leasehold investments in these plays, reduce our ongoing capital costs and help diminish future risks.

Since March 31, 2008, as detailed below, we have completed transactions that have provided approximately $9.4 billion of additional capital to fund our increased capital expenditures. In each case, we used the proceeds to temporarily repay outstanding indebtedness under our revolving bank credit facility, which we reborrow from time to time to fund capital expenditures, and for other general corporate purposes, including the redemption of our 7.75% Senior Notes due 2015.

On April 2, 2008, we issued 23 million shares of our common stock in a public offering at a price of $45.75 per share, and on May 20, 2008, we completed public offerings of $800 million of our 7.25% Senior Notes due 2018 and $1.380 billion of our 2.25% Contingent Convertible Senior Notes due 2038. These three offerings resulted in aggregate net proceeds to us of approximately $3.147 billion. Additionally, on July 15, 2008, we issued 28.75 million shares of our common stock in a public offering at a price of $57.25 per share. We received net proceeds of approximately $1.586 billion. The July common stock offering was intended as a substitute for the capital previously expected to be raised through the sale of a minority interest in a private partnership for our midstream assets. We determined not to pursue this transaction at that time, which was anticipated to result in net proceeds to us of approximately $1.0 billion, but we continue to evaluate various options to monetize our midstream assets.

On May 1, 2008, we completed a volumetric production payment (VPP) transaction involving approximately 94 bcfe of estimated proved reserves and current net production (at the time of sale) of approximately 47 mmcfe per day from wells in Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas. This transaction resulted in net proceeds to us of $616 million.

On July 1, 2008, we entered into a joint venture with Plains Exploration & Production Company to develop our Haynesville Shale leasehold in Northwest Louisiana and East Texas. Under the terms of the joint venture, Plains acquired a 20% interest in our approximately 550,000 net acres of Haynesville Shale leasehold for an aggregate of $1.65 billion in cash, consisting of $1.375 billion paid on July 7, 2008 with the remainder to be paid by October 30, 2008, subject to customary post-closing adjustments. Plains has also agreed to fund 50% of our 80% share of the costs associated with drilling and completing future Haynesville Shale joint venture wells over a multi-year period, up to an additional $1.65 billion. In addition, Plains will have the right to a 20% participation in any additional leasehold we acquire in the Haynesville Shale.

On August 1, 2008, we completed a VPP transaction with estimated proved reserves of approximately 93 bcfe and current net production (at the time of sale) of approximately 46 mmcfe per day from wells in the Anadarko Basin in Oklahoma. This transaction resulted in net proceeds to us of $600 million. This was our third VPP transaction and we expect to raise additional capital by this means in 2009.

On August 8, 2008, BP America Inc. acquired all of our interests in approximately 90,000 net acres of leasehold and producing natural gas properties in the Arkoma Basin Woodford Shale play for $1.75 billion in cash. The properties, which are located in Atoka, Coal, Hughes and Pittsburg counties, Oklahoma, are currently producing approximately 50 mmcfe per day.

We anticipate that our 2008 and 2009 budgeted exploration and development capital expenditures, together with our operating costs and other capital expenditure requirements, will exceed our cash flow from operations and our borrowing capacity under our revolving credit facility. To provide for our anticipated cash requirements, we expect to engage in additional monetization transactions, including sales of undeveloped acreage and non-strategic assets and additional joint venture arrangements. While we believe that some or all of these sources of liquidity will continue to be available to us, we would be required to curtail our capital spending if we were unable to access sufficient cash to fund our capital spending and operations.

 

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Management believes that our planned leasehold and development joint ventures and various asset monetization programs benefit the company in several ways. We will be able to improve our asset base, reduce our financial risk, decrease our DD&A rate and increase our profitability per unit of production, thereby increasing our returns on capital and advancing future value creation to the present.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Sources and Uses of Funds

Cash flow from operations is a significant source of liquidity used to fund operating expenses and capital expenditures. Cash provided by operating activities was $2.754 billion in the Current Period compared to $2.122 billion in the Prior Period. The $632 million increase in the Current Period was primarily due to higher natural gas and oil prices and higher volumes of natural gas and oil production. Changes in cash flow from operations are largely due to the same factors that affect our net income, excluding non-cash items such as depreciation, depletion and amortization, deferred income taxes and unrealized gains and (losses) on derivatives. See the discussion below under Results of Operations .

Changes in market prices for natural gas and oil directly impact the level of our cash flow from operations. While a decline in natural gas or oil prices would affect the amount of cash flow that would be generated from operations, we currently have natural gas and oil hedges in place covering 96% of our expected remaining natural gas production in 2008 and 99% of our expected remaining oil production in 2008, thereby minimizing the commodity price risk associated with almost all of our 2008 cash flow. Our natural gas and oil hedges as of June 30, 2008 are detailed in Item 3 of Part I of this report. Depending on changes in natural gas and oil futures markets and management’s view of underlying natural gas and oil supply and demand trends, we may increase or decrease our current hedging positions.

Extreme volatility in natural gas and oil prices in 2008 has created wide swings in the mark-to-market value of our natural gas and oil derivatives. As of June 30, 2008, we had a net natural gas and oil derivative liability of $6.551 billion as a result of significant increases in natural gas and oil prices since December 31, 2007. Of this amount, $3.367 billion was classified as a current liability and was largely responsible for our $4.1 billion working capital deficit at June 30, 2008. Subsequent to June 30, 2008, natural gas and oil prices have decreased significantly causing our natural gas and oil hedges to move in our favor. Should prices on September 30, 2008 be the same as current prices, we believe substantially all of the 2008 unrealized loss on natural gas and oil derivatives would be reversed and reported as an unrealized gain in the 2008 third quarter. We satisfy commodity derivative liabilities from a portion of the proceeds of natural gas and oil production sold at market prices during the period of contract settlement (which will occur through 2022). We have arrangements with our hedging counterparties that allow us to minimize the potential liquidity impact of significant mark-to-market fluctuations in the value of our natural gas and oil hedges by making collateral allocations from our bank credit facility or directly pledging natural gas and oil properties, rather than posting cash or letters of credit with the counterparties.

Our $3.5 billion bank credit facility is another source of liquidity. At August 8, 2008, there was $1.744 billion of borrowing capacity available under the revolving bank credit facility. We use the facility to fund daily operating activities and acquisitions as needed. We borrowed $6.758 billion and repaid $6.195 billion in the Current Period, and we borrowed $3.544 billion and repaid $2.624 billion in the Prior Period.

On April 2, 2008 we issued 23 million shares of our common stock in a public offering at a price of $45.75 per share, and on May 20, 2008 we completed public offerings of $800 million of our 7.25% Senior Notes due 2018 and $1.380 billion of our 2.25% Contingent Convertible Senior Notes due 2038. These three offerings resulted in aggregate net proceeds to us of approximately $3.147 billion, which we used to fund the redemption of our 7.75% Senior Notes due 2015 and to temporarily repay indebtedness outstanding under our revolving bank credit facility. The following table reflects the proceeds from sales of securities we issued in the Current Period and the Prior Period ($ in millions):

 

     For the Six Months Ended June 30,
     2008    2007
     Total Proceeds    Net Proceeds    Total Proceeds    Net Proceeds

Common stock

   $ 1,052    $ 1,011    $    $

Contingent convertible unsecured senior notes

     1,380      1,349      1,150      1,124

Unsecured senior notes guaranteed by subsidiaries

     800      787          
                           

Total

   $ 3,232    $ 3,147    $ 1,150    $ 1,124
                           

In May 2008, we sold a portion of our proved reserves in certain producing assets in Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas in a VPP transaction for proceeds of approximately $616 million, net of transaction costs.

 

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Our primary use of funds is for capital expenditures related to exploration, development and acquisition of natural gas and oil properties. We refer you to the table under Investing Activities below, which sets forth the components of our natural gas and oil investing activities for the Current Period and the Prior Period. We retain a significant degree of control over the timing of our capital expenditures which permits us to defer or accelerate certain capital expenditures if necessary to address any potential liquidity issues. In addition, higher drilling and field operating costs, drilling results that alter planned development schedules, acquisitions or other factors could cause us to revise our drilling program, which is largely discretionary.

We paid dividends on our common stock of $66 million and $54 million in the Current Period and the Prior Period, respectively. The board of directors increased the quarterly dividend on common stock from $0.0675 to $0.075 per share beginning with the dividend paid in July 2008. Dividends paid on our preferred stock decreased to $22 million in the Current Period from $52 million in the Prior Period as a result of conversions and exchanges of preferred stock into common stock during 2007 and the Current Period. We received $7 million and $6 million from the exercise of employee and director stock options in the Current Period and the Prior Period, respectively.

In the Current Period and Prior Period, we paid $93 million and $52 million, respectively, to settle a portion of the derivative liabilities assumed in our November 2005 acquisition of Columbia Natural Resources, LLC.

On January 1, 2006, we adopted SFAS 123(R), which requires tax benefits resulting from stock-based compensation deductions in excess of amounts reported for financial reporting purposes to be reported as cash flows from financing activities. In the Current Period and the Prior Period, we reported a tax benefit from stock-based compensation of $21 million and $8 million, respectively.

Outstanding payments from certain disbursement accounts in excess of funded cash balances where no legal right of set-off exists increased $47 million in the Current Period and decreased $10 million in the Prior Period. All disbursements are funded on the day they are presented to our bank using available cash on hand or draws on our revolving bank credit facility.

Credit Risk

A significant portion of our liquidity is concentrated in derivative instruments that enable us to hedge a portion of our exposure to natural gas and oil prices and interest rate volatility. These arrangements expose us to credit risk from our counterparties. To mitigate this risk, we enter into derivative contracts only with investment grade rated counterparties deemed by management to be competent and competitive market makers. Recently there have been concerns about the ability of certain investment banks to continue to meet their financial obligations. We monitor our counterparties and do not believe a failure by an investment bank counterparty would have a material negative impact on our liquidity.

Our accounts receivable are primarily from purchasers of natural gas and oil ($1.325 billion at June 30, 2008) and exploration and production companies which own interests in properties we operate ($187 million at June 30, 2008). This industry concentration has the potential to impact our overall exposure to credit risk, either positively or negatively, in that our customers and joint working interest owners may be similarly affected by changes in economic, industry or other conditions. We generally require letters of credit or parental guarantees for receivables from parties which are judged to have sub-standard credit, unless the credit risk can otherwise be mitigated. Additionally, we are exposed to credit risk associated with the indemnification provided by NiSource Inc. related to the litigation discussed in Note 3 to the financial statements included in Part I of this report.

 

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Investing Activities

Cash used in investing activities increased to $6.329 billion during the Current Period, compared to $4.003 billion during the Prior Period. We have continued our active drilling program and our acquisitions are focused on leasehold and property acquisitions needed for planned natural gas and oil development. Our investing activities during the Current Period and the Prior Period reflect our increasing focus on converting our resource inventory into production, redeploying our capital by selling natural gas and oil properties with lower rates of return and increasing our investment in properties with higher return potential, and investing in drilling rigs, midstream systems, compressors and other property and equipment to support our natural gas and oil exploration, development and production activities. The following table shows our cash used in (provided by) investing activities during these periods:

 

     Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
     2008     2007  
     ($ in millions)  

Natural Gas and Oil Investing Activities:

    

Exploration and development of natural gas and oil properties

   $ 2,785     $ 2,185  

Acquisition of leasehold and unproved properties

     2,645       957  

Acquisitions of natural gas and oil companies and proved properties, net of cash acquired

     202       327  

Geological and geophysical costs

     150       134  

Interest on leasehold and unproved properties

     168       118  

Proceeds from sale of volumetric production payment

     (616 )      

Divestitures of proved and unproved properties and leasehold

     (247 )      

Deposits for acquisitions

     19       5  
                

Total natural gas and oil investing activities

     5,106       3,726  
                

Other Investing Activities:

    

Additions to other property and equipment

     1,229       484  

Proceeds from sale of drilling rigs and equipment

     (34 )     (87 )

Proceeds from sale of compressors

     (51 )      

Additions to (proceeds from) investments

     81       (112 )

Sale of other assets

     (2 )     (8 )
                

Total other investing activities

     1,223       277  
                

Total cash used in investing activities

   $ 6,329     $ 4,003  
                

Bank Credit and Hedging Facilities

We have a $3.5 billion syndicated revolving bank credit facility that matures in November 2012. As of June 30, 2008, we had $2.513 billion in outstanding borrowings under this facility and had utilized approximately $6 million of the facility for various letters of credit. Borrowings under the facility are secured by certain producing natural gas and oil properties and bear interest at our option at either (i) the greater of the reference rate of Union Bank of California, N.A., or the federal funds effective rate plus 0.50% or (ii) London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR), plus a margin that varies from 0.75% to 1.50% per annum according to our senior unsecured long-term debt ratings. The collateral value and borrowing base are redetermined periodically. The unused portion of the facility is subject to a commitment fee that also varies according to our senior unsecured long-term debt ratings, from 0.125% to 0.30% per annum. Currently the commitment fee is 0.20% per annum. Interest is payable quarterly or, if LIBOR applies, it may be payable at more frequent intervals. Our subsidiaries, Chesapeake Exploration, L.L.C. and Chesapeake Appalachia, L.L.C., are the borrowers under our revolving bank credit facility and Chesapeake and all its other wholly-owned subsidiaries except minor subsidiaries are guarantors.

The credit facility agreement contains various covenants and restrictive provisions which limit our ability to incur additional indebtedness, make investments or loans and create liens. The credit facility agreement requires us to maintain an indebtedness to total capitalization ratio (as defined) not to exceed 0.70 to 1 and an indebtedness to EBITDA ratio (as defined) not to exceed 3.75 to 1. As defined by the credit facility agreement, our indebtedness to total capitalization ratio was 0.57 to 1 and our indebtedness to EBITDA ratio was 2.05 to 1 at June 30, 2008. If we should fail to perform our obligations under these and other covenants, the revolving credit commitment could be terminated and any outstanding borrowings under the facility could be declared immediately due and payable. Such acceleration, if involving a principal amount of $10 million ($50 million in the case of our senior notes issued after 2004), would constitute an event of default under our senior note indentures which could in turn result in the acceleration of a significant portion of our senior note indebtedness. The credit facility agreement also has cross default provisions that apply to other indebtedness we may have with an outstanding principal amount in excess of $75 million.

 

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We have six secured hedging facilities, each of which permits us to enter into cash-settled natural gas and oil commodity transactions, valued by the counterparty, for up to a stated maximum value. Outstanding transactions under each facility are collateralized by certain of our natural gas and oil properties that do not secure any of our other obligations. The value of reserve collateral pledged to each facility is required to be at least 1.3 times the fair value of transactions outstanding under each facility. In addition, we may pledge collateral from our revolving bank credit facility, from time to time, to these facilities to meet any additional collateral coverage requirements. The hedging facilities are subject to an annual exposure fee, which is assessed quarterly based on the average of the daily negative fair value amounts of the hedges, if any, during the quarter. The hedging facilities contain the standard representations and default provisions that are typical of such agreements. The agreements also contain various restrictive provisions which govern the aggregate natural gas and oil production volumes that we are permitted to hedge under all of our agreements at any one time. The fair value of outstanding transactions, per annum exposure fees and the scheduled maturity dates are shown below.

 

     Secured Hedging Facilities (a)  
     #1     #2     #3     #4     #5     #6  
     ($ in millions)  

Fair value of outstanding transactions, as of June 30, 2008

   $ (214 )   $ (1,832 )   $ (1,181 )   $ (181 )   $ (273 )   $ (760 )

Per annum exposure fee

     1 %     1 %     0.8 %     0.8 %     0.8 %     0.8 %

Scheduled maturity date

     2010       2010       2020       2012       2012       2012  

 

(a)

Chesapeake Exploration, L.L.C. is the named party to the facilities numbered 1 – 3 and Chesapeake Energy Corporation is the named party to the facilities numbered 4 – 6.

Our revolving bank credit facility and secured hedging facilities do not contain material adverse change or adequate assurance covenants. Although the applicable interest rates and commitment fees in our bank credit facility fluctuate slightly based on our long-term senior unsecured credit ratings, the bank facility and the secured hedging facilities do not contain provisions which would trigger an acceleration of amounts due under the facilities or a requirement to post additional collateral in the event of a downgrade of our credit ratings.

 

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Senior Note Obligations

In addition to outstanding revolving bank credit facility borrowings discussed above, as of June 30, 2008, senior notes represented approximately $11.1 billion of our total debt and consisted of the following ($ in millions):

 

7.5% Senior Notes due 2013

     364  

7.625% Senior Notes due 2013

     500  

7.0% Senior Notes due 2014

     300  

7.5% Senior Notes due 2014

     300  

6.375% Senior Notes due 2015

     600  

7.75% Senior Notes due 2015 ( a )

     300  

6.625% Senior Notes due 2016

     600  

6.875% Senior Notes due 2016

     670  

6.25% Euro-denominated Senior Notes due 2017 ( b )

     945  

6.5% Senior Notes due 2017

     1,100  

6.25% Senior Notes due 2018

     600  

7.25% Senior Notes due 2018

     800  

6.875% Senior Notes due 2020

     500  

2.75% Contingent Convertible Senior Notes due 2035 ( c )

     690  

2.5% Contingent Convertible Senior Notes due 2037 ( c )

     1,650  

2.25% Contingent Convertible Senior Notes due 2038 (c)

     1,380  

Discount on senior notes

     (100 )

Impact of interest rate derivatives (d)

     (8 )
        

Total notes payable and long term debt

     11,191  

Less current maturities of long-term debt (c)

     (690 )
        

Total notes payable and long-term debt net of current maturities

   $ 10,501  
        

 

(a)

The 7.75% Senior Notes due 2015 were redeemed on July 7, 2008.

 

(b)

The principal amount shown is based on the dollar/euro exchange rate of $1.5748 to €1.00 as of June 30, 2008. See Note 2 of our accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements for information on our related cross currency swap.

 

(c)

The holders of our contingent convertible senior notes may require us to repurchase, in cash, all or a portion of their notes at 100% of the principal amount of the notes on any of four dates that are five, ten, fifteen and twenty years before the maturity date. The notes are convertible, at the holder’s option, prior to maturity under certain circumstances, into cash and, if applicable, shares of our common stock using a net share settlement process. One such triggering circumstance is that the price of our common stock exceeds a threshold amount during a specified period in a fiscal quarter. Convertibility based on common stock price is measured quarter by quarter. In the second quarter of 2008, the price of our common stock exceeded the threshold level for the 2.75% Contingent Convertible Senior Notes due 2035 during the specified period and, as a result, the holders of our 2.75% Contingent Convertible Senior Notes have the option to convert their notes into cash and common stock in the third quarter of 2008. While our 2.75% Contingent Convertible Senior Notes are classified as current debt in our balance sheet as of June 30, 2008, based on current trading prices for the notes, holders currently would realize greater value by selling their notes in the open market as opposed to converting them into cash and common stock. In general, upon conversion of a contingent convertible senior note, the holder will receive cash equal to the principal amount of the note and common stock for the note’s conversion value in excess of such principal amount. We will pay contingent interest on the convertible senior notes after they have been outstanding at least ten years, under certain conditions. We may redeem the convertible senior notes once they have been outstanding for ten years at a redemption price of 100% of the principal amount of the notes, payable in cash. The optional repurchase dates, the common stock price conversion threshold amounts and the ending date of the first six-month period contingent interest may be payable for the contingent convertible senior notes are as follows:

 

Contingent
Convertible
Senior Notes
  

Repurchase Dates

   Common Stock
Price Conversion
Thresholds
  

Contingent Interest

First Payable

(if applicable)

2.75% due 2035

   November 15, 2015, 2020, 2025, 2030    $ 48.83    May 14, 2016

2.5% due 2037

   May 15, 2017, 2022, 2027, 2032    $ 64.477    November 14, 2017

2.25% due 2038

   December 15, 2018, 2023, 2028, 2033    $ 107.36    June 14, 2019

 

(d)

See Note 2 for discussion related to these instruments.

 

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Other Contractual Obligations

Chesapeake has various financial obligations which are not recorded as liabilities in its condensed consolidated balance sheet at June 30, 2008. These include commitments related to drilling rig and compressor leases, transportation and drilling contracts and lending and guarantee agreements. These commitments are discussed in Note 3 of our condensed consolidated financial statements included in Part I of this report.

Union Contract

As a result of the CNR acquisition, we assumed a collective bargaining agreement with the United Steel Workers of America (“USWA”) which expired effective December 1, 2006, covering approximately 145 of our field employees in West Virginia and Kentucky. We continued to operate under the terms of the collective bargaining agreement while negotiating with the USWA. Contract negotiations began in October 2006 and have been mediated by the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service. On May 4, 2007, we presented the USWA leadership our “last, best and final offer”. On December 7, 2007, the USWA membership voted to reject our offer. The company declared impasse and, effective February 1, 2008, we implemented the terms of our offer with certain minor clarifications. On March 12, 2008, the USWA filed an Unfair Labor Practice Charge with the National Labor Relations Board (“NLRB”). The Regional Director in Cincinnati found that the company committed no unfair labor practices. The Union has appealed this decision and we are awaiting the outcome from the NLRB. There have been no strikes, work stoppages or slowdowns since the expiration of the contract, although no assurances can be given that such actions will not occur.

Results of Operations – Three Months Ended June 30, 2008 vs. June 30, 2007

General. For the Current Quarter, Chesapeake had a net loss of $1.597 billion, or $3.17 per diluted common share, on total revenues of ($455) million. This compares to net income of $518 million, or $1.01 per diluted common share, on total revenues of $2.105 billion during the Prior Quarter. The Current Quarter loss is due to an unrealized non-cash after-tax mark-to-market loss of $2.094 billion related to future period natural gas and oil hedges resulting primarily from higher natural gas and oil prices as of June 30, 2008 compared to March 31, 2008.

Natural Gas and Oil Sales. During the Current Quarter, natural gas and oil sales were ($1.594) billion compared to $1.548 billion in the Prior Quarter. In the Current Quarter, Chesapeake produced 211.9 bcfe at a weighted average price of $8.55 per mcfe, compared to 170.0 bcfe produced in the Prior Quarter at a weighted average price of $8.21 per mcfe (weighted average prices exclude the effect of unrealized gains or (losses) on oil and natural gas derivatives of ($3.404) billion and $152 million in the Current Quarter and Prior Quarter, respectively). In the Current Quarter, the increase in prices resulted in an increase in revenue of $71 million and increased production resulted in a $344 million increase, for a total increase in revenues of $415 million (excluding unrealized gains or losses on natural gas and oil derivatives). The increase in production from the Prior Quarter to the Current Quarter was primarily generated from the drillbit.

For the Current Quarter, we realized an average price per mcf of natural gas of $8.18, compared to $7.97 in the Prior Quarter (weighted average prices for both quarters discussed exclude the effect of unrealized gains or losses on derivatives). Oil prices realized per barrel (excluding unrealized gains or losses on derivatives) were $76.96 and $65.37 in the Current Quarter and Prior Quarter, respectively. Realized gains or losses from our natural gas and oil derivatives resulted in a net decrease in natural gas and oil revenues of $423 million, or $2.00 per mcfe, in the Current Quarter and an increase of $197 million, or $1.16 per mcfe, in the Prior Quarter.

Changes in natural gas and oil prices have a significant impact on our natural gas and oil revenues and cash flow. Assuming the Current Quarter production levels, a change of $0.10 per mcf of natural gas sold would have resulted in an increase or decrease in revenues and cash flow of approximately $19 million and a change of $1.00 per barrel of oil sold would have resulted in an increase or decrease in revenues and cash flow of approximately $3 million without considering the effect of derivative activities.

 

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The following table shows our production by region for the Current Quarter and the Prior Quarter:

 

     For the Three Months Ended June 30,  
     2008     2007  
     Mmcfe    Percent     Mmcfe    Percent  

Mid-Continent (a)

   107,691    51 %   91,134    54 %

Barnett Shale

   43,311    20     19,046    11  

Permian and Delaware Basins

   19,130    9     14,540    8  

South Texas and Texas Gulf Coast

   17,820    9     19,884    12  

Ark-La-Tex

   14,965    7     13,927    8  

Appalachian Basin ( b )

   8,973    4     11,493    7  
                      

Total production

   211,890    100 %   170,024    100 %
                      

 

(a)

The Current Quarter was impacted by the sale of 2.9 bcfe of production in a VPP transaction that closed on May 1, 2008.

 

(b)

The Current Quarter was impacted by the sale of 4.7 bcfe of production in a VPP transaction that closed on December 31, 2007.

Natural gas production represented approximately 92% of our total production volume on a natural gas equivalent basis in both the Current Quarter and the Prior Quarter.

Natural Gas and Oil Marketing Sales and Operating Expenses. Natural gas and oil marketing activities are substantially for third parties who are owners in Chesapeake-operated wells. Chesapeake realized $1.099 billion in natural gas and oil marketing sales in the Current Quarter, with corresponding natural gas and oil marketing expenses of $1.075 billion, for a net margin before depreciation of $24 million. This compares to sales of $523 million, expenses of $504 million and a net margin before depreciation of $19 million in the Prior Quarter. In the Current Quarter, Chesapeake realized an increase in natural gas and oil marketing net margin related to the increase in production on Chesapeake-operated wells.

Service Operations Revenue and Operating Expenses. Service operations consist of third-party revenue and operating expenses related to our drilling and oilfield trucking operations. These operations have grown as a result of assets and businesses we acquired and leased. Chesapeake recognized $40 million in service operations revenue in the Current Quarter with corresponding service operations expense of $32 million, for a net margin before depreciation of $8 million. This compares to revenue of $34 million, expenses of $23 million and a net margin before depreciation of $11 million in the Prior Quarter. The decrease in service operations net margin is due to higher drilling costs.

Production Expenses. Production expenses, which include lifting costs and ad valorem taxes, were $219 million in the Current Quarter compared to $153 million in the Prior Quarter. On a unit-of-production basis, production expenses were $1.03 per mcfe in the Current Quarter compared to $0.90 per mcfe in the Prior Quarter. The increase in the Current Quarter was primarily due to higher third-party field service costs, energy costs, fuel costs, ad valorem taxes and personnel costs. We expect that production expenses for 2008 will range from $0.95 to $1.05 per mcfe produced.

Production Taxes . Production taxes were $88 million in the Current Quarter compared to $53 million in the Prior Quarter. On a unit-of-production basis, production taxes were $0.41 per mcfe in the Current Quarter compared to $0.31 per mcfe in the Prior Quarter. The $35 million increase in production taxes in the Current Quarter is due to an increase in production of 42 bcfe and an increase in the realized average sales price of natural gas and oil of $3.49 per mcfe (excluding gains or losses on derivatives).

In general, production taxes are calculated using value-based formulas that produce higher per unit costs when natural gas and oil prices are higher. We expect production taxes for 2008 to range from $0.45 to $0.50 per mcfe based on NYMEX prices ranging from $9.50 to $10.50 per mcf of natural gas and oil prices of $105.00 per barrel.

General and Administrative Expenses. General and administrative expenses, including stock-based compensation but excluding internal costs capitalized to our natural gas and oil properties, were $101 million in the Current Quarter and $54 million in the Prior Quarter. General and administrative expenses were $0.48 and $0.32 per mcfe for the Current Quarter and Prior Quarter, respectively. The increase in the Current Quarter was the result of the company’s continued growth as well as increased civic contributions, media activities and increased litigation accruals. Included in general and administrative expenses is stock-based compensation of $21 million and $12 million for the Current Quarter and Prior Quarter, respectively. This increase was mainly due to a higher number of unvested restricted shares outstanding during the Current Quarter and a higher stock price at the time of new grants. We anticipate that general and administrative expenses for 2008 will be between $0.43 and $0.49 per mcfe produced (including stock-based compensation ranging from $0.10 to $0.12 per mcfe).

 

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Our stock-based compensation for employees and non-employee directors is in the form of restricted stock. Prior to 2004, stock-based compensation awards were only in the form of stock options. Employee stock-based compensation awards generally vest over a period of four or five years. Our non-employee director awards vest over a period of three years.

The discussion of stock-based compensation in Note 5 to the financial statements included in Part I of this report provides additional detail on the accounting for and reporting of our restricted stock and stock options.

Chesapeake follows the full-cost method of accounting under which all costs associated with natural gas and oil property acquisition, exploration and development activities are capitalized. We capitalize internal costs that can be directly identified with our acquisition, exploration and development activities and do not include any costs related to production, general corporate overhead or similar activities. We capitalized $83 million and $59 million of internal costs in the Current Quarter and the Prior Quarter, respectively, directly related to our natural gas and oil property acquisition, exploration and development efforts.

Natural Gas and Oil Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization. Depreciation, depletion and amortization of natural gas and oil properties was $523 million and $442 million during the Current Quarter and the Prior Quarter, respectively. The average DD&A rate per mcfe, which is a function of capitalized costs, future development costs and the related underlying reserves in the periods presented, was $2.47 and $2.60 in the Current Quarter and in the Prior Quarter, respectively. The $0.13 decrease in the average DD&A rate is the result of our underlying reserve base growing faster than our capitalized costs and related future development costs and the monetization of natural gas and oil properties. We expect the DD&A rate for 2008 to be between $2.30 and $2.40 per mcfe produced.

Depreciation and Amortization of Other Assets. Depreciation and amortization of other assets was $40 million in both the Current Quarter and the Prior Quarter. Depreciation and amortization of other assets was $0.19 and 0.23 per mcfe for the Current Quarter and the Prior Quarter, respectively. The decrease per mcfe in the Current Quarter was primarily due to higher production volume. Property and equipment costs are depreciated on a straight-line basis. Buildings are depreciated over 15 to 39 years, gathering facilities are depreciated over 20 years, drilling rigs are depreciated over 15 years and all other property and equipment are depreciated over the estimated useful lives of the assets, which range from two to seven years. To the extent company-owned drilling rigs and equipment are used to drill our wells, a substantial portion of the depreciation is capitalized in natural gas and oil properties as exploration or development costs. We expect 2008 depreciation and amortization of other assets to be between $0.20 and $0.24 per mcfe produced.

Interest and Other Income (Expense). Interest and other income (expense) was ($1) million in the Current Quarter compared to $1 million in the Prior Quarter. The Current Quarter consisted of $2 million of interest income, ($5) million related to equity investments and $2 million of miscellaneous income. The Prior Quarter income consisted of $2 million of interest income, ($2) million related to equity investments and $1 million of miscellaneous income.

Interest Expense. Interest expense decreased to $63 million in the Current Quarter compared to $84 million in the Prior Quarter as follows:

 

     Three Months Ended
June 30,
 
     2008     2007  
     ($ in millions)  

Interest expense on senior notes and revolving bank credit facility

   $ 168     $ 147  

Capitalized interest

     (94 )     (61 )

Realized (gain) loss on interest rate derivatives

     (4 )      

Unrealized (gain) loss on interest rate derivatives

     (14 )     (7 )

Amortization of loan discount and other

     7       5  
                

Total interest expense

   $ 63     $ 84  
                

Average long-term borrowings

   $ 10,064     $ 7,899  
                

Interest expense, excluding unrealized gains or losses on derivatives and net of amounts capitalized, was $0.36 per mcfe in the Current Quarter compared to $0.54 in the Prior Quarter. The decrease in interest expense per mcfe is due to increased production volumes and an increase in capitalized interest. We expect interest expense for 2008 to be between $0.45 and $0.50 per mcfe produced (before considering the effect of interest rate derivatives).

 

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Gain on Sale of Investments. In the Prior Quarter, we sold our 33% limited partnership interest in Eagle Energy Partners I, L.P., which we first acquired in 2003, for proceeds of $126 million and a gain of $83 million.

Income Tax Expense (Benefit) . Chesapeake recorded an income tax benefit of $1 billion in the Current Quarter, compared to income tax expense of $318 million in the Prior Quarter. Of the $1.318 billion decrease in the Current Quarter, $1.305 billion was the result of the decrease in net income before income taxes and $13 million was the result of an increase in the effective tax rate. Our effective income tax rate was 38.5% in the Current Quarter and 38% in the Prior Quarter. Our effective tax rate fluctuates as a result of the impact of state income taxes and permanent differences.

Results of Operations – Six Months Ended June 30, 2008 vs. June 30, 2007

General. For the Current Period, Chesapeake had a net loss of $1.729 billion, or $3.54 per diluted common share, on total revenues of $1.156 billion. This compares to net income of $776 million, or $1.51 per diluted common share, on total revenues of $3.684 billion during the Prior Period. The Current Period loss is due to an unrealized non-cash after-tax mark-to-market loss of $2.791 billion related to future period natural gas and oil hedges resulting primarily from higher natural gas and oil prices as of June 30, 2008 compared to December 31, 2007.

Natural Gas and Oil Sales. During the Current Period, natural gas and oil sales were ($821) million compared to $2.672 billion in the Prior Period. In the Current Period, Chesapeake produced 416.1 bcfe at a weighted average price of $8.93 per mcfe, compared to 323.7 bcfe produced in the Prior Period at a weighted average price of $8.74 per mcfe (weighted average prices exclude the effect of unrealized gains or (losses) on oil and natural gas derivatives of ($4.538) billion and ($158) million in the Current Period and Prior Period, respectively). In the Current Period, the increase in prices resulted in an increase in revenue of $78 million and increased production resulted in a $808 million increase, for a total increase in revenues of $886 million (excluding unrealized gains or losses on natural gas and oil derivatives). The increase in production from the Prior Period to the Current Period was primarily generated from the drillbit.

For the Current Period, we realized an average price per mcf of natural gas of $8.61, compared to $8.58 in the Prior Period (weighted average prices for both periods discussed exclude the effect of unrealized gains or losses on derivatives). Oil prices realized per barrel (excluding unrealized gains or losses on derivatives) were $75.86 and $63.34 in the Current Period and Prior Period, respectively. Realized gains or losses from our natural gas and oil derivatives resulted in a net decrease in natural gas and oil revenues of $208 million, or $0.50 per mcfe, in the Current Period and a net increase of $630 million, or $1.95 per mcfe, in the Prior Period.

Changes in natural gas and oil prices have a significant impact on our natural gas and oil revenues and cash flow. Assuming the Current Period production levels, a change of $0.10 per mcf of natural gas sold would have resulted in an increase or decrease in revenues and cash flow of approximately $38 million and $37 million, respectively, and a change of $1.00 per barrel of oil sold would have resulted in an increase or decrease in revenues and cash flow of approximately $6 million and $5 million, respectively, without considering the effect of derivative activities.

The following table shows our production by region for the Current Period and the Prior Period:

 

     For the Six Months Ended June 30,  
     2008     2007  
     Mmcfe    Percent     Mmcfe    Percent  

Mid-Continent (a)

   213,619    51 %   172,838    53 %

Barnett Shale

   81,285    20     35,201    11  

Permian and Delaware Basins

   38,926    9     27,248    9  

South Texas and Texas Gulf Coast

   36,709    9     39,027    12  

Ark-La-Tex

   28,742    7     26,787    8  

Appalachian Basin ( b )

   16,857    4     22,573    7  
                      

Total production

   416,138    100 %   323,674    100 %
                      

 

(a)

The Current Period was impacted by the sale of 2.9 bcfe of production in a VPP transaction that closed on May 1, 2008.

 

(b)

The Current Period was impacted by the sale of 9.3 bcfe of production in a VPP transaction that closed on December 31, 2007.

 

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Natural gas production represented approximately 92% of our total production volume on a natural gas equivalent basis in both the Current Period and the Prior Period.

Natural Gas and Oil Marketing Sales and Operating Expenses. Natural gas and oil marketing activities are substantially for third parties who are owners in Chesapeake-operated wells. Chesapeake realized $1.895 billion in natural gas and oil marketing sales in the Current Period, with corresponding natural gas and oil marketing expenses of $1.849 billion, for a net margin before depreciation of $46 million. This compares to sales of $945 million, expenses of $911 million and a net margin before depreciation of $34 million in the Prior Period. In the Current Period, Chesapeake realized an increase in natural gas and oil marketing net margin related to the increase in production on Chesapeake-operated wells.

Service Operations Revenue and Operating Expenses. Service operations consist of third-party revenue and operating expenses related to our drilling and oilfield trucking operations. These operations have grown as a result of assets and businesses we acquired and leased. Chesapeake recognized $82 million in service operations revenue in the Current Period with corresponding service operations expense of $67 million, for a net margin before depreciation of $15 million. This compares to revenue of $67 million, expenses of $44 million and a net margin before depreciation of $23 million in the Prior Period. The decrease in service operations net margin is due to higher drilling costs.

Production Expenses. Production expenses, which include lifting costs and ad valorem taxes, were $419 million in the Current Period compared to $295 million in the Prior Period. On a unit-of-production basis, production expenses were $1.01 per mcfe in the Current Period compared to $0.91 per mcfe in the Prior Period. The increase in the Current Period was primarily due to higher third-party field service costs, energy costs, fuel costs, ad valorem taxes and personnel costs. We expect that production expenses for 2008 will range from $0.95 to $1.05 per mcfe produced.

Production Taxes . Production taxes were $163 million in the Current Period compared to $95 million in the Prior Period. On a unit-of-production basis, production taxes were $0.39 per mcfe in the Current Period compared to $0.29 per mcfe in the Prior Period. The $68 million increase in production taxes in the Current Period is due to an increase in production of 92 bcfe and an increase in the realized average sales price of natural gas and oil of $2.63 per mcfe (excluding gains or losses on derivatives).

In general, production taxes are calculated using value-based formulas that produce higher per unit costs when natural gas and oil prices are higher. We expect production taxes for 2008 to range from $0.45 to $0.50 per mcfe based on NYMEX prices ranging from $9.50 to $10.50 per mcf of natural gas and oil prices of $105.00 per barrel.

General and Administrative Expenses. General and administrative expenses, including stock-based compensation but excluding internal costs capitalized to our natural gas and oil properties, were $180 million in the Current Period and $107 million in the Prior Period. General and administrative expenses were $0.43 and $0.33 per mcfe for the Current Period and Prior Period, respectively. The increase in the Current Period was the result of the company’s continued growth as well as increased civic contributions, media activities and increased litigation accruals. Included in general and administrative expenses is stock-based compensation of $40 million and $22 million for the Current Period and Prior Period, respectively. This increase was mainly due to a higher number of unvested restricted shares outstanding during the Current Period and a higher stock price at the time of new grants. We anticipate that general and administrative expenses for 2008 will be between $0.43 and $0.49 per mcfe produced (including stock-based compensation ranging from $0.10 to $0.12 per mcfe).

Our stock-based compensation for employees and non-employee directors is in the form of restricted stock. Prior to 2004, stock-based compensation awards were only in the form of stock options. Employee stock-based compensation awards generally vest over a period of four or five years. Our non-employee director awards vest over a period of three years.

The discussion of stock-based compensation in Note 5 to the financial statements included in Part I of this report provides additional detail on the accounting for and reporting of our restricted stock and stock options.

Chesapeake follows the full-cost method of accounting under which all costs associated with natural gas and oil property acquisition, exploration and development activities are capitalized. We capitalize internal costs that can be directly identified with our acquisition, exploration and development activities and do not include any costs related to production, general corporate overhead or similar activities. We capitalized $167 million and $110 million of internal costs in the Current Period and the Prior Period, respectively, directly related to our natural gas and oil property acquisition, exploration and development efforts.

 

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Natural Gas and Oil Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization. Depreciation, depletion and amortization of natural gas and oil properties was $1.038 billion and $835 million during the Current Period and the Prior Period, respectively. The average DD&A rate per mcfe, which is a function of capitalized costs, future development costs and the related underlying reserves in the periods presented, was $2.49 and $2.58 in the Current Period and in the Prior Period, respectively. The $0.09 decrease in the average DD&A rate is the result of our underlying reserve base growing faster than our capitalized costs and related future development costs and the monetization of natural gas and oil properties. We expect the DD&A rate for 2008 to be between $2.30 and $2.40 per mcfe produced.

Depreciation and Amortization of Other Assets. Depreciation and amortization of other assets was $77 million in the Current Period and $76 million in the Prior Period. Depreciation and amortization of other assets was $0.18 and 0.23 per mcfe for the Current Period and the Prior Period, respectively. The decrease per mcfe in the Current Period was primarily due to higher production volume. Property and equipment costs are depreciated on a straight-line basis. Buildings are depreciated over 15 to 39 years, gathering facilities are depreciated over 20 years, drilling rigs are depreciated over 15 years and all other property and equipment are depreciated over the estimated useful lives of the assets, which range from two to seven years. To the extent company-owned drilling rigs and equipment are used to drill our wells, a substantial portion of the depreciation is capitalized in natural gas and oil properties as exploration or development costs. We expect 2008 depreciation and amortization of other assets to be between $0.20 and $0.24 per mcfe produced.

Interest and Other Income (Expense). Interest and other income (expense) was ($11) million in the Current Period compared to $10 million in the Prior Period. The Current Period consisted of $4 million of interest income, ($17) million related to equity investments and $2 million of miscellaneous income. The Prior Period consisted of $4 million of interest income, $4 million related to equity investments and $2 million of miscellaneous income.

Interest Expense. Interest expense increased to $163 million in the Current Period compared to $162 million in the Prior Period as follows:

 

     Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
     2008     2007  
     ($ in millions)  

Interest expense on senior notes and revolving bank credit facility

   $ 336     $ 282  

Capitalized interest

     (180 )     (125 )

Realized (gain) loss on interest rate derivatives

     (4 )     2  

Unrealized (gain) loss on interest rate derivatives

     (1 )     (6 )

Amortization of loan discount and other

     12       9  
                

Total interest expense

   $ 163     $ 162  
                

Average long-term borrowings

   $ 9,597     $ 7,653  
                

Interest expense, excluding unrealized gains or losses on derivatives and net of amounts capitalized, was $0.39 per mcfe in the Current Period compared to $0.52 in the Prior Period. The decrease in interest expense per mcfe is due to increased production volumes. We expect interest expense for 2008 to be between $0.45 and $0.50 per mcfe produced (before considering the effect of interest rate derivatives).

Gain on Sale of Investments. In the Prior Period, we sold our 33% limited partnership interest in Eagle Energy Partners I, L.P., which we first acquired in 2003, for proceeds of $126 million and a gain of $83 million.

Income Tax Expense (Benefit) . Chesapeake recorded an income tax benefit of $1.082 billion in the Current Period, compared to income tax expense of $476 million in the Prior Period. Of the $1.558 billion decrease in the Current Period, $1.544 billion was the result of the decrease in net income before income taxes and $14 million was the result of an increase in the effective tax rate. Our effective income tax rate was 38.5% in the Current Period and 38% in the Prior Period. Our effective tax rate fluctuates as a result of the impact of state income taxes and permanent differences.

 

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Critical Accounting Policies

We consider accounting policies related to hedging, natural gas and oil properties, income taxes and business combinations to be critical policies. These policies are summarized in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 (“2007 Form 10-K”).

Effective January 1, 2008, we adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157, Fair Value Measurements for our financial assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis. This statement establishes a framework for measuring fair value of assets and liabilities and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. In February 2008, the FASB issued FSP 157-2, which delayed the effective date of SFAS No. 157 by one year for nonfinancial assets and liabilities.

SFAS 157 defines fair value as the amount that would be received from the sale of an asset or paid for the transfer of a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants, i.e., an exit price. To estimate an exit price, a three-level hierarchy is used. The fair value hierarchy prioritizes the inputs, which refer broadly to assumptions market participants would use in pricing an asset or a liability, into three levels. Level 1 inputs are unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities and have the highest priority. Level 2 inputs are inputs other than quoted prices within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the financial asset or liability and have the lowest priority. Chesapeake uses appropriate valuation techniques based on available inputs, including counterparty quotes to measure the fair values of its assets and liabilities. Counterparty quotes are generally assessed as a Level 3 input.

As of June 30, 2008, we had a net derivative liability of $6.628 billion, of which 76% was based on estimates provided by our respective counterparties and reviewed internally using established indexes and other sources and, as such, are classified as a Level 3 fair value measurement. The accounting applicable to our natural gas and oil derivative contracts is discussed in Note 2 and Note 9 of our condensed consolidated financial statements included in Part I of this report.

Recently Issued and Proposed Accounting Standards

The Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) recently issued the following standards which were reviewed by Chesapeake to determine the potential impact on our financial statements upon adoption.

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities . This statement expands the use of fair value measurement and applies to entities that elect the fair value option. The fair value option established by this statement permits all entities to choose to measure eligible items at fair value at specified election dates. This statement is effective as of the beginning of the first fiscal year that begins after November 15, 2007. Since we have not elected to adopt the fair value option for eligible items, SFAS No. 159 has not had an impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements an amendment of Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51 . This statement requires an entity to separately disclose non-controlling interests as a separate component of equity in the balance sheet and clearly identify on the face of the income statement net income related to non-controlling interests. This statement is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008. We are currently assessing the impact, if any, the adoption of this statement will have on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141(R), Business Combinations . This statement requires assets acquired and liabilities assumed to be measured at fair value as of the acquisition date, acquisition-related costs incurred prior to the acquisition to be expensed and contractual contingencies to be recognized at fair value as of the acquisition date. This statement is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008. We are currently assessing the impact, if any, the adoption of this statement will have on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133 . This statement changes the disclosure requirements for derivative instruments and hedging activities. The statement requires that objectives for using derivative instruments be disclosed in terms of underlying risk and accounting designation. This statement is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008. We are currently assessing the impact that adoption of this statement will have on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

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In May 2008, the FASB issued FSP APB 14-1, Accounting for Convertible Debt Instruments That May Be Settled in Cash Upon Conversion, (Including Partial Cash Settlement ). FSP APB 14-1 clarifies that convertible debt instruments that may be settled in cash upon either mandatory or optional conversion (including partial cash settlement) are not addressed by paragraph 12 of APB Opinion No. 14, Accounting for Convertible Debt and Debt issued with Stock Purchase Warrants. The accounting prescribed by FSP APB 14-1 would increase the amount of interest expense required to be recognized with respect to such instruments and, thus, lower reported net income and net income per share of issuers of such instruments. Issuers will have to account for the liability and equity components of the instrument separately and in a manner that reflects interest expense at the interest rate of similar nonconvertible debt. We have three debt series that will be affected by the guidance, our 2.75% Contingent Convertible Senior Notes due 2035, our 2.5% Contingent Convertible Senior Notes due 2037 and our 2.25% Contingent Convertible Senior Notes due 2038. This staff position is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2008 and must be applied on a retrospective basis. We are currently assessing the impact that adoption of this staff position will have on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Forward-Looking Statements

This report includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward-looking statements give our current expectations or forecasts of future events. They include statements regarding natural gas and oil reserve estimates, planned capital expenditures, the drilling of natural gas and oil wells and future acquisitions, expected natural gas and oil production, cash flow and anticipated liquidity, business strategy and other plans and objectives for future operations and expected future expenses. Statements concerning the fair values of derivative contracts and their estimated contribution to our future results of operations are based upon market information as of a specific date. These market prices are subject to significant volatility.

Although we believe the expectations and forecasts reflected in these and other forward-looking statements are reasonable, we can give no assurance they will prove to have been correct. They can be affected by inaccurate assumptions or by known or unknown risks and uncertainties. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from expected results are described under “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of our 2007 Form 10-K and include:

 

 

 

the volatility of natural gas and oil prices,

 

 

 

the availability of capital on an economic basis to fund our drilling program,

 

 

 

our ability to replace reserves and sustain production,

 

 

 

our level of indebtedness,

 

 

 

the strength and financial resources of our competitors,

 

 

 

uncertainties inherent in estimating quantities of natural gas and oil reserves and projecting future rates of production and the timing of development expenditures,

 

 

 

uncertainties in evaluating natural gas and oil reserves of acquired properties and associated potential liabilities,

 

 

 

unsuccessful exploration and development drilling,

 

 

 

declines in the value of our natural gas and oil properties resulting in ceiling test write-downs,

 

 

 

lower prices realized on natural gas and oil sales and collateral required to secure hedging liabilities resulting from our commodity price risk management activities,

 

 

 

lower natural gas and oil prices negatively affecting our ability to borrow,

 

 

 

drilling and operating risks,

 

 

 

adverse effects of governmental regulation, and

 

 

 

losses possible from pending or future litigation.

 

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We caution you not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this report, and we undertake no obligation to update this information. We urge you to carefully review and consider the disclosures made in this report and our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission that attempt to advise interested parties of the risks and factors that may affect our business.

 

ITEM 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Natural Gas and Oil Hedging Activities

Our results of operations and operating cash flows are impacted by changes in market prices for natural gas and oil. To mitigate a portion of the exposure to adverse market changes, we have entered into various derivative instruments. As of June 30, 2008, our natural gas and oil derivative instruments were comprised of swaps, basis protection swaps, knockout swaps, cap-swaps, call options and collars. These instruments allow us to predict with greater certainty the effective natural gas and oil prices to be received for our hedged production. Although derivatives often fail to achieve 100% effectiveness for accounting purposes, we believe our derivative instruments continue to be highly effective in achieving the risk management objectives for which they were intended.

 

 

 

For swap instruments, Chesapeake receives a fixed price for the hedged commodity and pays a floating market price to the counterparty. The fixed-price payment and the floating-price payment are netted, resulting in a net amount due to or from the counterparty.

 

 

 

Basis protection swaps are arrangements that guarantee a price differential for natural gas or oil from a specified delivery point. For Mid-Continent basis protection swaps, which typically have negative differentials to NYMEX, Chesapeake receives a payment from the counterparty if the price differential is greater than the stated terms of the contract and pays the counterparty if the price differential is less than the stated terms of the contract. For Appalachian Basin basis protection swaps, which typically have positive differentials to NYMEX, Chesapeake receives a payment from the counterparty if the price differential is less than the stated terms of the contract and pays the counterparty if the price differential is greater than the stated terms of the contract.

 

 

 

For knockout swaps, Chesapeake receives a fixed price and pays a floating market price. The fixed price received by Chesapeake includes a premium in exchange for the possibility to reduce the counterparty’s exposure to zero, in any given month, if the floating market price is lower than certain pre-determined knockout prices.

 

 

 

For cap-swaps, Chesapeake receives a fixed price and pays a floating market price. The fixed price received by Chesapeake includes a premium in exchange for a “cap” limiting the counterparty’s exposure. In other words, there is no limit to Chesapeake’s exposure but there is a limit to the downside exposure of the counterparty.

 

 

 

For call options, Chesapeake receives a premium from the counterparty in exchange for the sale of a call option. If the market price exceeds the fixed price of the call option, Chesapeake pays the counterparty such excess. If the market price settles below the fixed price of the call option, no payment is due from Chesapeake.

 

 

 

Collars contain a fixed floor price (put) and ceiling price (call). If the market price exceeds the call strike price or falls below the put strike price, Chesapeake receives the fixed price and pays the market price. If the market price is between the call and the put strike price, no payments are due from either party.

Chesapeake enters into counter-swaps from time to time for the purpose of locking-in the value of a swap. Under the counter-swap, Chesapeake receives a floating price for the hedged commodity and pays a fixed price to the counterparty. The counter-swap is 100% effective in locking-in the value of a swap since subsequent changes in the market value of the swap are entirely offset by subsequent changes in the market value of the counter-swap. We refer to this locked-in value as a locked swap. Generally, at the time Chesapeake enters into a counter-swap, Chesapeake removes the original swap’s designation as a cash flow hedge and classifies the original swap as a non-qualifying hedge under SFAS 133. The reason for this new designation is that collectively the swap and the counter-swap no longer hedge the exposure to variability in expected future cash flows. Instead, the swap and counter-swap effectively lock-in a specific gain or loss that will be unaffected by subsequent variability in natural gas and oil prices. Any locked-in gain or loss is recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income and reclassified to natural gas and oil sales in the month of related production.

 

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In accordance with FASB Interpretation No. 39, to the extent that a legal right of set-off exists, Chesapeake nets the value of its derivative arrangements with the same counterparty in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets.

Gains or losses from certain derivative transactions are reflected as adjustments to natural gas and oil sales on the consolidated statements of operations. Realized gains (losses) are included in natural gas and oil sales in the month of related production. Pursuant to SFAS 133, certain derivatives do not qualify for designation as cash flow hedges. Changes in the fair value of these non-qualifying derivatives that occur prior to their maturity (i.e., temporary fluctuations in value) are reported currently in the condensed consolidated statements of operations as unrealized gains (losses) within natural gas and oil sales. Following provisions of SFAS 133, changes in the fair value of derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges, to the extent they are effective in offsetting cash flows attributable to the hedged risk, are recorded in other comprehensive income until the hedged item is recognized in earnings. Any change in fair value resulting from ineffectiveness is currently recognized in natural gas and oil sales as unrealized gains (losses). The components of natural gas and oil sales for the Current Quarter, the Prior Quarter, the Current Period and the Prior Period are presented below.

 

     Three Months Ended
June 30,
    Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
     2008     2007     2008     2007  
     ($ in millions)  

Natural gas and oil sales

   $ 2,233     $ 1,199     $ 3,925     $ 2,200  

Realized gains (losses) on natural gas and oil derivatives

     (423 )     197       (208 )     630  

Unrealized gains (losses) on non-qualifying natural gas and oil derivatives

     (3,340 )     162       (4,409 )     (94 )

Unrealized gains (losses) on ineffectiveness of cash flow hedges

     (64 )     (10 )     (129 )     (64 )
                                

Total natural gas and oil sales

   $ (1,594 )   $ 1,548     $ (821 )   $ 2,672  
                                

 

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As of June 30, 2008, we had the following open natural gas and oil derivative instruments (excluding derivatives assumed through our acquisition of CNR in November 2005) designed to hedge a portion of our natural gas and oil production for periods after June 2008:

 

     Volume    Weighted
Average
Fixed
Price to be
Received
   Weighted
Average
Put
Fixed
Price
   Weighted
Average
Call
Fixed
Price
   Weighted
Average
Differential
    SFAS 133
Hedge
   Net
Premiums
($ in
millions)
   Fair
Value at
June 30,

2008
($ in millions)
 

Natural Gas (bbtu):

                      

Swaps:

                      

Q3 2008

   84,653    $ 8.72    $    $    $     Yes    $    $ (386 )

Q4 2008

   83,392      9.61                    Yes           (347 )

Q1 2009

   50,479      11.20                    Yes           (147 )

Q2 2009

   40,413      9.45                    Yes           (88 )

Q3 – Q4 2009

   79,726      9.74                    Yes           (174 )

2010

   101,424      9.94                    Yes           (124 )

2011

   1,825      9.28                    Yes           (2 )

Other Swaps:

                      

Q3 2008

   4,600      8.73                    No           (21 )

Q4 2008

   4,600      8.73                    No           (23 )

Q1 2009 (a)

   8,100      10.54                    No           (29 )

Q2 2009 (a)

   8,190      9.59                    No           (19 )

Q3 – Q4 2009 (a)

   16,560      9.72                    No           (38 )

2010 (a)

   32,850      9.90                    No           (64 )

2011

   4,500      8.73                    No           (11 )

Basis Protection Swaps
(Mid – Continent):

                      

Q3 2008

   36,340                     (0.46 )   No           56  

Q4 2008

   36,010                     (0.41 )   No           63  

Q1 2009

   30,600                     (0.45 )   No           30  

Q2 2009

   20,020                     (0.28 )   No           17  

Q3 – Q4 2009

   40,480                     (0.28 )   No           33  

2011 – 2018

   81,089                     (0.67 )   No           (6 )

Basis Protection Swaps
(Appalachian Basin):

                      

Q3 2008

   5,763                     0.33     No           (1 )

Q4 2008

   5,840                     0.33     No           (1 )

Q1 2009

   3,849                     0.29     No           (1 )

Q2 2009

   4,178                     0.28     No           (1 )

Q3 – Q4 2009

   8,886                     0.27     No           (1 )

2010

   10,199                     0.26     No           (2 )

2011 – 2022

   12,220                     0.25     No           (2 )

Knockout Swaps:

                      

Q3 2008

   67,760      9.46      6.23               No      7      (251 )

Q4 2008

   70,250      10.08      6.28               No      7      (256 )

Q1 2009

   79,200      10.46      6.30               No      5      (292 )

Q2 2009

   88,890      9.48      6.13               No      6      (197 )

Q3 – Q4 2009

   188,600      9.80      6.01               No      12      (416 )

2010

   171,500      10.05      6.28               No      2      (244 )

2011

   7,200      10.38      6.41               No           (11 )

Call Options:

                      

Q3 2008

   32,200                10.25          No      21      (95 )

Q4 2008

   34,030                10.39          No      23      (118 )

Q1 2009

   53,100                11.27          No      34      (171 )

Q2 2009

   50,960                11.19          No      33      (77 )

Q3 – Q4 2009

   101,210                11.21          No      66      (189 )

2010

   266,450                10.57          No      204      (483 )

2011 – 2017

   193,510                10.71          No      128      (293 )

Collars:

                      

Q3 2008

   1,840           7.50      10.20          Yes           (6 )

Q4 2008

   1,840           7.50      10.20          Yes           (7 )

 

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Table of Contents
     Volume    Weighted
Average
Fixed
Price to be
Received
   Weighted
Average

Put
Fixed
Price
   Weighted
Average
Call
Fixed
Price
   Weighted
Average
Differential
   SFAS 133
Hedge
   Net
Premiums
($ in
millions)
   Fair
Value at
June 30,

2008
($ in millions)
 

Other Collars:

                       

Q3 2008

   6,440    $    $ 8.36    $ 10.27    $    No    $ 6    $ (19 )

Q4 2008

   4,610           8.26      10.38         No      6      (16 )

Q1 2009

   15,750           5.74/8.05      11.34         No      3      (54 )

Q2 2009

   15,925           5.75/8.05      11.10         No      3      (25 )

Q3 – Q4 2009

   32,200           5.74/8.05      11.14         No      5      (60 )

2010

   25,550           6.00/7.71      11.46         No      21      (34 )

2011 – 2020

   113,230           6.00/7.19      10.31         No      78      (226 )
                                 

Total Natural
Gas

                       670      (4,829 )
                                 

Oil (mbbls):

                       

Swaps:

                       

Q3 2008

   935      67.08                   Yes           (69 )

Q4 2008

   598      66.72                   Yes           (45 )

Q1 2009

   135      68.02                   Yes           (10 )

Q2 2009

   137      67.84                   Yes           (10 )

Q3 – Q4 2009

   276      67.60                   Yes           (19 )

Knockout Swaps:

                       

Q3 2008

   828      81.64      56.83              No           (49 )

Q4 2008

   1,012      81.50      57.41              No           (60 )

Q1 2009

   1,935      83.41      58.21              No           (111 )

Q2 2009

   1,957      83.37      58.21              No           (111 )

Q3 – Q4 2009

   3,956      83.29      58.21              No           (221 )

2010

   4,745      90.25      60.00              No           (226 )

2011 – 2012

   1,827      106.65      60.00              No           (59 )

Cap-Swaps:

                       

Q3 2008

   276      77.60      55.00              No           (17 )

Q4 2008

   276      77.60      55.00              No           (17 )

Call Options:

                       

Q3 2008

   644                83.57         No      2      (36 )

Q4 2008

   828                81.67         No      3      (48 )

Q1 2009

   630                146.43         No      3      (26 )

Q2 2009

   637                146.43         No      3      (26 )

Q3 – Q4 2009

   1,288                146.43         No      6      (52 )

2010

   2,555                160.71         No      10      (79 )

2011 – 2012

   7,310                185.00         No           (93 )

Other Collars:
2010

   730           90.00/80.00      136.40         No           (16 )

Total Oil

                       27      (1,400 )
                                 

Total Natural
Gas and Oil

                     $ 697    $ (6,229 )
                                 

 

(a)

These include options to extend existing swaps for an additional 12 months at 50,000 mmbtu/day at $8.73/mmbtu, callable by the counterparty in March 2009 and March 2010 and 40,000 mmbtu/day at $11.35/mmbtu, callable by the counterparty in December 2009.

We assumed certain liabilities related to open derivative positions in connection with our acquisition of Columbia Natural Resources, LLC in November 2005. In accordance with SFAS 141, these derivative positions were recorded at fair value in the purchase price allocation as a liability of $592 million. The recognition of the derivative liability and other assumed liabilities resulted in an increase in the total purchase price which was allocated to the assets acquired. Because of this accounting treatment, only cash settlements for changes in fair value subsequent to the acquisition date for the derivative positions assumed result in adjustments to our natural gas and oil revenues upon settlement. For example, if the fair value of the derivative positions assumed does not change,

 

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then upon the sale of the underlying production and corresponding settlement of the derivative positions, cash would be paid to the counterparties and there would be no adjustment to natural gas and oil revenues related to the derivative positions. If, however, the actual sales price is different from the price assumed in the original fair value calculation, the difference would be reflected as either a decrease or increase in natural gas and oil revenues, depending upon whether the sales price was higher or lower, respectively, than the prices assumed in the original fair value calculation. For accounting purposes, the net effect of these acquired hedges is that we hedged the production volumes at market prices on the date of our acquisition of CNR.

Pursuant to Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 149, Amendment of SFAS 133 on Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities , the derivative instruments assumed in connection with the CNR acquisition are deemed to contain a significant financing element and all cash flows associated with these positions are reported as financing activity in the statement of cash flows for the periods in which settlement occurs.

The following details the assumed CNR derivatives remaining as of June 30, 2008:

 

     Volume    Weighted
Average
Fixed
Price to be
Received
   Weighted
Average
Put
Fixed
Price
   Weighted
Average
Call
Fixed
Price
   SFAS
133
Hedge
   Fair
Value at
June 30,
2008
($ in
millions)
 

Natural Gas (bbtu):

                 

Swaps:

                 

Q3 2008

   9,660    $ 4.68    $    $    Yes    $ (82 )

Q4 2008

   9,660      4.66              Yes      (88 )

Q1 2009

   4,500      5.18              Yes      (40 )

Q2 2009

   4,550      5.18              Yes      (29 )

Q3 – Q4 2009

   9,200      5.18              Yes      (60 )

Collars:

                 

Q1 2009

   900           4.50      6.00    Yes      (7 )

Q2 2009

   910           4.50      6.00    Yes      (5 )

Q3 – Q4 2009

   1,840           4.50      6.00    Yes      (11 )
                       

Total Natural Gas

                  $ (322 )
                       

We have established the fair value of all derivative instruments using estimates of fair value reported by our counterparties and subsequently evaluated internally using established index prices and other sources. The actual contribution to our future results of operations will be based on the market prices at the time of settlement and may be more or less than the fair value estimates used at June 30, 2008.

Based upon the market prices at June 30, 2008, we expect to transfer approximately $759 million (net of income taxes) of the loss included in the balance in accumulated other comprehensive income to earnings during the next 12 months in the related month of production. All transactions hedged as of June 30, 2008 are expected to mature by December 31, 2022.

Additional information concerning the fair value of our natural gas and oil derivative instruments, including CNR derivatives assumed, is as follows:

 

     2008  
     ($ in millions)  

Fair value of contracts outstanding, as of January 1

   $ (369 )

Change in fair value of contracts

     (6,349 )

Fair value of contracts when entered into

     (467 )

Contracts realized or otherwise settled

     208  

Fair value of contracts when closed

     426  
        

Fair value of contracts outstanding, as of June 30

   $ (6,551 )
        

The change in the fair value of our derivative instruments since January 1, 2008 resulted from new contracts entered into, the settlement of derivatives for a realized gain (loss), as well as an increase in natural gas prices. Subsequent to June 30, 2008, natural gas and oil prices have decreased significantly causing our natural gas and oil derivatives to move in our favor. Should prices on September 30, 2008 be the same as current prices, we believe substantially all of the unrealized loss on natural gas and oil derivatives for the six months ended June 30, 2008 would be reversed and reported as an unrealized gain in the 2008 third quarter. Derivative instruments reflected as current in the consolidated balance sheet represent the estimated fair value of derivative instrument settlements scheduled to occur over the subsequent twelve-month period based on market prices for natural gas and oil as of the consolidated balance sheet date. The derivative settlement amounts are not due and payable until the month in which the related underlying hedged transaction occurs.

 

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Interest Rate Risk

The table below presents principal cash flows and related weighted average interest rates by expected maturity dates. As of June 30, 2008, the fair value of the fixed-rate long-term debt has been estimated based on quoted market prices.

 

     Years of Maturity  
     2008     2009    2010    2011    2012     Thereafter     Total  
     ($ in billions)  

Liabilities:

                 

Long-term debt – fixed-rate (a)

   $ 0.690     $    $    $    $     $ 10.609     $ 11.299  

Average interest rate

     2.8 %                          5.6 %     5.5 %

Long-term debt – variable rate

   $     $    $    $    $ 2.513     $     $ 2.513  

Average interest rate

                          3.5 %           3.5 %

 

(a)

This amount does not include the discount included in long-term debt of ($100) million and the impact of interest rate derivatives of ( $8) million.

Changes in interest rates affect the amount of interest we earn on our cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments and the interest rate we pay on borrowings under our revolving bank credit facility. All of our other long-term indebtedness is fixed rate and, therefore, does not expose us to the risk of earnings or cash flow loss due to changes in market interest rates. However, changes in interest rates do affect the fair value of our debt.

Interest Rate Derivatives

We use interest rate derivatives to mitigate our exposure to the volatility in interest rates. For interest rate derivative instruments designated as fair value hedges (in accordance with SFAS 133), changes in fair value are recorded on the condensed consolidated balance sheets as assets (liabilities), and the debt’s carrying value amount is adjusted by the change in the fair value of the debt subsequent to the initiation of the derivative. Changes in the fair value of non-qualifying derivatives that occur prior to their maturity (i.e., temporary fluctuations in value) are reported currently in the condensed consolidated statements of operations as unrealized gains (losses) within interest expense.

Gains or losses from certain derivative transactions are reflected as adjustments to interest expense on the condensed consolidated statements of operations. Realized gains (losses) included in interest expense were $4 million, a nominal amount, $4 million and ($2) million in the Current Quarter, the Prior Quarter, the Current Period and the Prior Period, respectively. Unrealized gains (losses) included in interest expense were $14 million, $7 million, $1 million and $6 million in the Current Quarter, the Prior Quarter, the Current Period and the Prior Period, respectively.

As of June 30, 2008, the following interest rate derivatives were outstanding:

 

     Notional
Amount
($ in millions)
   Weighted
Average
Fixed
Rate
   

Weighted Average Floating
Rate

   Weighted
Average
Cap/Floor Rate
   Fair
Value
Hedge
   Net
Premiums
($ in millions)
   Fair Value
($ in millions)
 

Fixed to Floating
Swaps:

                   

January 2008 –
November 2020

   $ 2,750    6.87 %   6 month LIBOR plus 261 basis points       Yes    $    $ (87 )

January 2008 –
January 2018

   $ 500    6.94 %   6 month LIBOR plus 290 basis points       No      2      (13 )

Floating to Fixed
Swaps:

                   

August 2007 – August
2010

   $ 825    4.74 %   3 month LIBOR       No           (16 )

Swaption:

                   

April 2008 – October
2008

   $ 250    6.50 %         No      4      (9 )

Call Options:

                   

January 2008 – July 2010

   $ 500    6.56 %         No      4      (8 )

Collars:

                   

August 2007 – August
2010

   $ 800           5.37%–4.52%    No           (17 )
                             
                 $ 10    $ (150 )
                             

 

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In the Current Period, we sold call options on three of our interest rate swaps and received $7 million in premiums. Three options were exercised in the Current Period resulting in the termination of three interest rate swaps and one call option expired unexercised. Additionally, we sold two swaptions in the Current Period and received $6 million in premiums. One swaption was exercised resulting in a new interest swap.

In the Current Period, we closed 21 interest rate swaps for a gain totaling $56 million. These interest rate swaps were designated as fair value hedges, and the settlement amounts received will be amortized as a reduction to realized interest expense over the remaining term of the related senior notes.

Foreign Currency Derivatives

On December 6, 2006, we issued €600 million of 6.25% Euro-denominated Senior Notes due 2017. Concurrent with the issuance of the Euro-denominated senior notes, we entered into a cross currency swap to mitigate our exposure to fluctuations in the euro relative to the dollar over the term of the notes. Under the terms of the cross currency swap, on each semi-annual interest payment date, the counterparties pay Chesapeake €19 million and Chesapeake pays the counterparties $30 million, which yields an annual dollar-equivalent interest rate of 7.491%. Upon maturity of the notes, the counterparties will pay Chesapeake €600 million and Chesapeake will pay the counterparties $800 million. The terms of the cross currency swap were based on the dollar/euro exchange rate on the issuance date of $1.3325 to €1.00. Through the cross currency swap, we have eliminated any potential variability in Chesapeake’s expected cash flows related to changes in foreign exchange rates and therefore the swap qualifies as a cash flow hedge under SFAS 133. The euro-denominated debt is recorded in notes payable ($945 million at June 30, 2008) using an exchange rate of $1.5748 to €1.00. The fair value of the cross currency swap is recorded on the condensed consolidated balance sheet as an asset of $73 million at June 30, 2008.

 

ITEM 4.

Controls and Procedures

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by Chesapeake in reports filed or submitted by it under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including our principal executive and principal financial officers, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. At the end of the period covered by this report, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of Chesapeake management, including Chesapeake’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of Chesapeake’s disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Securities Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(b). Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective.

No changes in Chesapeake’s internal control over financial reporting occurred during the Current Quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, Chesapeake’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

47


Table of Contents

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings

Chesapeake is currently involved in various disputes incidental to its business operations. Certain legal actions brought by royalty owners are discussed in Item 3 of our 2007 Form 10-K. Reference also is made to “Litigation” in Note 3 of the notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements included in Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-Q, which is incorporated herein by reference. Management is of the opinion that the final resolution of currently pending or threatened litigation is not likely to have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

Our business has many risks. Factors that could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, operating results or liquidity and the trading price of our common stock, preferred stock or senior notes are described under “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of our 2007 Form 10-K. This information should be considered carefully, together with other information in this report and other reports and materials we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

Item 2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

The following table presents information about repurchases of our common stock during the three months ended June 30, 2008:

 

Period                                                                   

   Total Number
of Shares
Purchased (a)
   Average
Price Paid
Per Share (a)
   Total Number
Of Shares
Purchased

as Part of Publicly
Announced Plans
or Programs
   Maximum Number
of Shares That
May

Yet Be Purchased
Under the Plans
or Programs (b)

April 1, 2008 through April 30, 2008

   9,813    $ 50.536      

May 1, 2008 through May 31, 2008

   12,211      54.773      

June 1, 2008 through June 30, 2008

   159,342      56.767      
                     

Total

   181,366    $ 56.295      
                     

 

(a)

Includes the deemed surrender to the company of 2,718 shares of common stock to pay the exercise price in connection with the exercise of employee stock options and the surrender to the company of 178,648 shares of common stock to pay withholding taxes in connection with the vesting of employee restricted stock.

 

(b)

We make matching contributions to our 401(k) plan and 401(k) make-up plan using Chesapeake common stock which is held in treasury or is purchased by the respective plan trustees in the open market. The plans contain no limitation on the number of shares that may be purchased for purposes of company contributions.

 

Item 3.

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

Not applicable.

 

Item 4.

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

Four matters were submitted to a vote of the shareholders at Chesapeake’s annual meeting of shareholders held on June 6, 2008: the election of directors for three year terms expiring in 2011; approval of the amendment to the company’s Long Term Incentive Plan covering awards of stock-based compensation to its employees, consultants and non-employee directors; ratification of the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2008; and approval of a shareholder proposal regarding annual elections of directors.

In the election of directors, Aubrey K. McClendon received 447,439,585 votes for election and 15,656,693 votes were withheld from voting for Mr. McClendon; and Don Nickles received 450,299,335 votes for election and 12,796,942 votes were withheld from voting for Senator Nickles. There were no broker non-votes for the election of directors. The other directors whose terms continue after the meeting are Richard K. Davidson, Breene M. Kerr and Charles T. Maxwell, whose terms expire in 2009, and Frank Keating, Merrill A. “Pete” Miller, Jr. and Frederick B. Whittemore, whose terms expire in 2010.

 

48


Table of Contents

On the proposal to approve an amendment of the Long Term Incentive Plan, 333,334,732 votes were received for approval of the amendment, 43,073,410 votes were received against approval of the amendment and holders of 4,140,800 shares abstained from voting on this proposal. There were 82,547,336 broker non-votes on this proposal.

On the proposal to ratify the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2008, 453,607,962 votes were received for approval of the ratification, 5,619,212 votes were received against the ratification and holders of 3,869,103 shares abstained from voting on this proposal. There were no broker non-votes for this proposal.

On the shareholder proposal regarding annual election of directors, 231,525,541 votes were received for the proposal, 144,214,452 votes were received against the proposal and holders of 4,808,948 shares abstained from voting on this proposal. There were 82,547,337 broker non-votes on this proposal.

 

Item 5.

Other Information

Not applicable.

 

49


Table of Contents

Item 6.

Exhibits

The following exhibits are filed as a part of this report:

 

          Incorporated by Reference    Filed
Herewith

Exhibit
Number

  

Exhibit Description

   Form    SEC File
Number
   Exhibit    Filing Date   

  3.1.1

  

Chesapeake’s Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended.

   10-Q    001-13726    3.1.1    08/09/2006   

  3.1.3

  

Certificate of Designation of 4.125% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock, as amended.

               X

  3.1.4

  

Certificate of Designation of 5% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock (Series 2005B).

               X

  3.1.5

  

Certificate of Designation of 5% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock (Series 2005), as amended.

   10-K    001-13726    3.1.5    02/29/2008   

  3.1.6

  

Certificate of Designation of 4.5% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock.

               X

  3.1.7

  

Certificate of Designation of 6.25% Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock, as amended.

   10-K    001-13726    3.1.7    02/29/2008   

  3.2

  

Chesapeake’s Amended and Restated Bylaws.

   8-K    001-13726    3.1    06/13/2007   

  4.16

  

Indenture dated as of May 27, 2008 among Chesapeake, as issuer, the subsidiaries signatory thereto, as Subsidiary Guarantors, and the Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company N.A., as Trustee, with respect to 7.25% senior notes due 2018.

   8-K    001-13726    4.1    05/29/2008   

  4.17

  

Indenture dated as of May 27, 2008 among Chesapeake, as issuer, the subsidiaries signatory thereto, as Subsidiary Guarantors, and the Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company N.A., as Trustee, with respect to 2.25% contingent convertible senior notes due 2038.

   8-K    001-13726    4.2    05/29/2008   

10.1.5

  

Chesapeake’s 1999 Stock Option Plan, as amended.

               X

10.1.6

  

Chesapeake’s 2000 Employee Stock Option Plan, as amended

               X

10.1.8

  

Chesapeake’s 2001 Stock Option Plan, as amended.

               X

10.1.10

  

Chesapeake’s 2001 Nonqualified Stock Option Plan, as amended.

               X

10.1.11

  

Chesapeake’s 2002 Stock Option Plan, as amended.

               X

10.1.12

  

Chesapeake’s 2002 Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan, as amended.

               X

10.1.13

  

Chesapeake’s 2002 Nonqualified Stock Option Plan, as amended.

               X

10.1.18

  

Chesapeake’s Amended and Restated Long Term Incentive Plan.

   S-8    333-151762    99.1    06/18/2008   

10.2.1

  

Amended and Restated Employment Agreement dated as of January 1, 2008 between Chesapeake Energy Corporation and Aubrey K. McClendon.

               X

10.4

  

Non-Employee Director Compensation

               X

10.5

  

Executive Officer Compensation

               X

12

  

Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges and Preferred Dividends.

               X

31.1

  

Aubrey K. McClendon, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

               X

 

50


Table of Contents
          Incorporated by Reference    Filed
Herewith

Exhibit
Number

  

Exhibit Description

   Form    SEC File
Number
   Exhibit    Filing
Date
  
31.2   

Marcus C. Rowland, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

               X
32.1   

Aubrey K. McClendon, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

               X
32.2   

Marcus C. Rowland, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

               X

 

51


Table of Contents

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

CHESAPEAKE ENERGY CORPORATION

(Registrant)

By:

 

/s/ AUBREY K. MCCLENDON

 

    Aubrey K. McClendon

 

Chairman of the Board and

 

Chief Executive Officer

By:

 

/s/ MARCUS C. ROWLAND

 

    Marcus C. Rowland

 

Executive Vice President and

 

Chief Financial Officer

Date: August 11, 2008

 

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Table of Contents

INDEX TO EXHIBITS

 

          Incorporated by Reference     

Exhibit
Number

  

Exhibit Description

   Form    SEC File
Number
   Exhibit    Filing Date    Filed
Herewith

  3.1.1

  

Chesapeake’s Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended.

   10-Q    001-13726    3.1.1    08/09/2006   

  3.1.3

  

Certificate of Designation of 4.125% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock, as amended.

               X

  3.1.4

  

Certificate of Designation of 5% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock (Series 2005B).

               X

  3.1.5

  

Certificate of Designation of 5% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock (Series 2005), as amended.

   10-K    001-13726    3.1.5    02/29/2008   

  3.1.6

  

Certificate of Designation of 4.5% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock.

               X

  3.1.7

  

Certificate of Designation of 6.25% Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock, as amended.

   10-K    001-13726    3.1.7    02/29/2008   

  3.2

  

Chesapeake’s Amended and Restated Bylaws.

   8-K    001-13726    3.1    06/13/2007   

  4.16

  

Indenture dated as of May 27, 2008 among Chesapeake, as issuer, the subsidiaries signatory thereto, as Subsidiary Guarantors, and the Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company N.A., as Trustee, with respect to 7.25% senior notes due 2018.

   8-K    001-13726    4.1    05/29/2008   

  4.17

  

Indenture dated as of May 27, 2008 among Chesapeake, as issuer, the subsidiaries signatory thereto, as Subsidiary Guarantors, and the Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company N.A., as Trustee, with respect to 2.25% contingent convertible senior notes due 2038.

   8-K    001-13726    4.2    05/29/2008   

10.1.5

  

Chesapeake’s 1999 Stock Option Plan, as amended.

               X

10.1.6

  

Chesapeake’s 2000 Employee Stock Option Plan, as amended

               X

10.1.8

  

Chesapeake’s 2001 Stock Option Plan, as amended.

               X

10.1.10

  

Chesapeake’s 2001 Nonqualified Stock Option Plan, as amended.

               X

10.1.11

  

Chesapeake’s 2002 Stock Option Plan, as amended.

               X

10.1.12

  

Chesapeake’s 2002 Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan, as amended.

               X

10.1.13

  

Chesapeake’s 2002 Nonqualified Stock Option Plan, as amended.

               X

10.1.18

  

Chesapeake’s Amended and Restated Long Term Incentive Plan.

   S-8    333-151762    99.1    06/18/2008   

10.2.1

  

Amended and Restated Employment Agreement dated as of January 1, 2008 between Chesapeake Energy Corporation and Aubrey K. McClendon.

               X

10.4

  

Non-Employee Director Compensation

               X

10.5

  

Executive Officer Compensation

               X

12

  

Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges and Preferred Dividends.

               X

31.1

  

Aubrey K. McClendon, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

               X

 

53


Table of Contents
          Incorporated by Reference     

Exhibit
Number

  

Exhibit Description

   Form    SEC File
Number
   Exhibit    Filing
Date
   Filed
Herewith
31.2   

Marcus C. Rowland, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

               X
32.1   

Aubrey K. McClendon, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

               X
32.2   

Marcus C. Rowland, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

               X

 

54

Exhibit 3.1.3

CERTIFICATE OF DESIGNATION

OF

4.125% CUMULATIVE CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK

OF

CHESAPEAKE ENERGY CORPORATION

Pursuant to Section 1032(G) of the Oklahoma General Corporation Act

CHESAPEAKE ENERGY CORPORATION, an Oklahoma corporation (the “Company”), does hereby certify that the following resolution was duly adopted by action of the Board of Directors of the Company, with the provisions thereof fixing the number of shares of the series and the dividend rate being set by action of the Board of Directors of the Company:

RESOLVED that pursuant to the authority expressly granted to and vested in the Board of Directors of the Company by the provisions of Article IV, Section 1 of the Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, as amended from time to time (the “Certificate of Incorporation”), and pursuant to Section 1032(G) of the Oklahoma General Corporation Act, the Board of Directors hereby creates a series of preferred stock of the Company and hereby states that the voting powers, designations, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights of which, and qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof (in addition to the provisions set forth in the Certificate of Incorporation which are applicable to the preferred stock of all classes and series), shall be as follows:

1. Designation and Amount; Ranking

(a) There shall be created from the 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Company authorized to be issued pursuant to the Certificate of Incorporation, a series of preferred stock, designated as the “4.125% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock,” par value $0.01 per share (the “Preferred Stock”), and the number of shares of such series shall be 313,250. Such number of shares may be decreased by resolution of the Board of Directors; provided that no decrease shall reduce the number of shares of Preferred Stock to a number less than that of the shares of Preferred Stock then outstanding plus the number of shares issuable upon exercise of options or rights then outstanding.

(b) The Preferred Stock will, with respect to both dividend rights and rights upon the liquidation, winding-up or dissolution of the Company, rank on a parity with the 6.75% Preferred Stock, the 6.00% Preferred Stock and the 5.00% Preferred Stock, and the Preferred Stock will, with respect to dividend rights or rights upon the liquidation, winding-up or dissolution of the Company rank (i) senior to all Junior Stock, (ii) on a parity with all other Parity Stock and (iii) junior to all Senior Stock.


2. Definitions . As used herein, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

(a) “Accrued Dividends” shall mean, with respect to any share of Preferred Stock, as of any date, the accrued and unpaid dividends on such share from and including the most recent Dividend Payment Date (or the Issue Date, if such date is prior to the first Dividend Payment Date) to but not including such date.

(b) “Accumulated Dividends” shall mean, with respect to any share of Preferred Stock, as of any date, the aggregate accumulated and unpaid dividends on such share from the Issue Date until the most recent Dividend Payment Date on or prior to such date. There shall be no Accumulated Dividends with respect to any share of Preferred Stock prior to the first Dividend Payment Date.

(c) “Affiliate” shall have the meaning ascribed to it, on the date hereof, under Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

(d) “Board of Directors” shall mean the Board of Directors of the Company or, with respect to any action to be taken by the Board of Directors, any committee of the Board of Directors duly authorized to take such action.

(e) “Business Day” shall mean any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banks in The City of New York are authorized or required by law or executive order to close.

(f) “Change of Control” shall mean any of the following events: (i) the sale, lease or transfer, in one or a series of related transactions, of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets (determined on a consolidated basis) to any Person or group (as such term is used in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act), other than to Permitted Holders; (ii) the adoption of a plan the consummation of which would result in the liquidation or dissolution of the Company; (iii) the acquisition, directly or indirectly, by any Person or group (as such term is used in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act), other than Permitted Holders, of beneficial ownership (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act) of more than 50% of the aggregate voting power of the Voting Stock of the Company; provided , however , that the Permitted Holders beneficially own (as defined in Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, in the aggregate a lesser percentage of the total voting power of the Voting Stock of the Company than such other Person or group and do not have the right or ability by voting power, contract or otherwise to elect or designate for election a majority of the Board of Directors (for the purposes of this definition, such other Person or group shall be deemed to beneficially own any Voting Stock of a specified corporation held by a parent corporation, if such other Person or group is the beneficial owner (as defined above), directly or indirectly, of more than 35% of the voting power of the Voting Stock of such parent corporation and the Permitted Holders beneficially own (as defined in this proviso), directly or indirectly, in the aggregate a lesser percentage of the voting power of the Voting Stock of such parent corporation and do not have the right or ability by voting power, contract or otherwise to elect or designate for election a majority of the Board of Directors of such parent corporation); or (iv) during any period of two consecutive years, individuals who at the beginning of such period comprised the

 

2


Board of Directors of the Company (together with any new directors whose election by such Board of Directors or whose nomination for election by the shareholders of the Company was approved by a vote of 66  2 / 3 % of the directors of the Company then still in office who were either directors at the beginning of such period or whose election or nomination for election was previously so approved) cease for any reason to constitute a majority of the Board of Directors of the Company then in office. For purposes of this definition of “Change of Control,” the term “Permitted Holders” means Aubrey K. McClendon and Tom L. Ward and their respective Affiliates.

(g) “Change of Control Date” shall mean the date on which the Change of Control event occurs.

(h) “Closing Sale Price” of the Common Stock on any date means the closing sale price per share (or if no closing sale price is reported, the average of the closing bid and ask prices or, if more than one in either case, the average of the average closing bid and the average closing ask prices) on such date as reported on the principal United States securities exchange on which the Common Stock is traded or, if the Common Stock is not listed on a United States national or regional securities exchange, as reported by Nasdaq or by the National Quotation Bureau Incorporated. In the absence of such a quotation, the Company will determine the Closing Sale Price on the basis it considers appropriate.

(i) “Conversion Price” shall mean $16.6513, subject to adjustment as set forth in Section 7(d).

(j) “Common Stock” shall mean the common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Company, or any other class of stock resulting from successive changes or reclassifications of such common stock consisting solely of changes in par value, or from par value to no par value, or as a result of a subdivision, combination, or merger, consolidation or similar transaction in which the Company is a constituent corporation.

(k) “DTC” or “Depository” shall mean The Depository Trust Company.

(l) “Dividend Payment Date” shall mean March 15, June 15, September 15 and December 15 of each year, commencing June 15, 2004.

(m) “Dividend Record Date” shall mean March 1, June 1, September 1 and December 1 of each year.

(n) “Exchange Act” shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

(o) “Holder” or “holder” shall mean a holder of record of the Preferred Stock.

(p) “Issue Date” shall mean March 30, 2004, the original date of issuance of the Preferred Stock.

(q) “Junior Stock” shall mean all classes of common stock of the Company and the Series A Junior Participating Convertible Preferred Stock and each other class of capital

 

3


stock or series of preferred stock established after the Issue Date, by the Board of Directors, the terms of which do not expressly provide that such class or series ranks senior to or on parity with the Preferred Stock as to dividend rights or rights upon the liquidation, winding-up or dissolution of the Company.

(r) “Liquidation Preference” shall mean, with respect to each share of Preferred Stock, $1,000.00.

(s) “Market Value” shall mean the average closing price of the Common Stock for a five consecutive trading day period on the NYSE (or such other national securities exchange or automated quotation system on which the Common Stock is then listed or authorized for quotation or, if the Common Stock is not so listed or authorized for quotation, an amount determined in good faith by the Board of Directors to be the fair value of the Common Stock).

(t) “NYSE” shall mean the New York Stock Exchange, Inc.

(u) “Officer” shall mean the Chairman of the Board of Directors, the President, any Vice President, the Treasurer, the Secretary or any Assistant Secretary of the Company.

(v) “Officers’ Certificate” shall mean a certificate signed by two Officers.

(w) “Opinion of Counsel” shall mean a written opinion from legal counsel who is acceptable to the Transfer Agent. The counsel may be an employee of or counsel to the Company or the Transfer Agent.

(x) “Parity Stock” shall mean the 6.00% Preferred Stock, the 6.75% Preferred Stock, the 5.00% Preferred Stock and any class of capital stock or series of preferred stock established after the Issue Date by the Board of Directors, the terms of which expressly provide that such class or series will rank on parity with the Preferred Stock as to dividend rights or rights upon the liquidation, winding-up or dissolution of the Company.

(y) “Person” shall mean any individual, corporation, general partnership, limited partnership, limited liability partnership, joint venture, association, joint-stock company, trust, limited liability company, unincorporated organization or government or any agency or political subdivision thereof.

(z) “Purchase Agreement” shall mean that certain Purchase Agreement with respect to the Preferred Stock, dated March 24, 2004, among the Company, Lehman Brothers Inc., Banc of America Securities LLC, Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc. and Credit Suisse First Boston LLC and the other initial purchasers named therein.

(aa) “Registration Rights Agreement” means the Registration Rights Agreement dated March 30, 2004, among the Company, Lehman Brothers Inc., Banc of America Securities LLC, Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc. and Credit Suisse First Boston LLC and the other initial purchasers named in the Purchase Agreement, with respect to the Preferred Stock.

 

4


(bb) “SEC” or “Commission” shall mean the Securities and Exchange Commission.

(cc) “Securities Act” shall mean the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

(dd) “Senior Stock” shall mean each class of capital stock or series of preferred stock established after the Issue Date by the Board of Directors, the terms of which expressly provide that such class or series will rank senior to the Preferred Stock as to dividend rights or rights upon the liquidation, winding-up or dissolution of the Company.

(ee) “Shelf Registration Statement” shall mean a shelf registration statement filed with the SEC to cover resales of Transfer Restricted Securities by holders thereof, as required by the Registration Rights Agreement.

(ff) “5.00% Preferred Stock” shall mean the series of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Company designated as the “5.00% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock.”

(gg) “6.00% Preferred Stock” shall mean the series of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Company designated as the “6.00% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock.”

(hh) “6.75% Preferred Stock” shall mean the series of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Company designated as the “6.75% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock.”

(ii) “Trading Day” shall mean a day during which trading in securities generally occurs on the New York Stock Exchange or, if Common Stock is not listed on the New York Stock Exchange, on the principal other national or regional securities exchange on which Common Stock is then listed or, if Common Stock is not listed on a national or regional securities exchange, on Nasdaq or, if Common Stock is not quoted on Nasdaq, on the principal other market on which Common Stock is then traded.

(jj) “Trading Price” of the Preferred Stock on any date of determination means the average of the secondary market bid quotations obtained by the Company or the calculation agent for 5,000 shares of Preferred Stock at approximately 3:30 p.m., New York City time, on such determination date from three independent nationally recognized securities dealers that the Company or the calculation agent selects; provided that if three such bids cannot reasonably be obtained by the Company or the calculation agent, but two such bids are obtained, the average of the two bids shall be used, and if only one such bid can reasonably be obtained by the Company or the calculation agent, that one bid shall be used. If the Company or the calculation agent cannot reasonably obtain at least one bid for 5,000 shares of Preferred Stock from a nationally recognized securities dealer, then the Trading Price per share of Preferred Stock will be deemed to be less than 98% of the product of (A) the Closing Sale Price of the Common Stock on such date (B) and the Conversion Price on such date.

(kk) “Transfer Agent” shall mean UMB Bank, N.A., the Company’s duly appointed transfer agent, registrar and conversion and dividend disbursing agent for the Preferred

 

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Stock. The Company may, in its sole discretion, remove the Transfer Agent with 10 days’ prior notice to the Transfer Agent; provided , that the Company shall appoint a successor Transfer Agent who shall accept such appointment prior to the effectiveness of such removal.

(ll) “Transfer Restricted Securities” shall mean each share of Preferred Stock (or the shares of Common Stock into which such share of Preferred Stock is convertible) until (i) the date on which such security or its predecessor has been effectively registered under the Securities Act and disposed of in accordance with the Shelf Registration Statement or (ii) the date on which such security or predecessor is distributed to the public pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act or is saleable pursuant to Rule 144(k) under the Securities Act.

(mm) “Voting Rights Triggering Event” shall mean the failure of the Company to pay dividends on the Preferred Stock with respect to six or more quarterly periods (whether or not consecutive).

(nn) “Voting Stock” shall mean, with respect to any Person, securities of any class or classes of Capital Stock in such Person entitling the holders thereof (whether at all times or only so long as no senior class of stock has voting power by reason of contingency) to vote in the election of members of the Board of Directors or other governing body of such Person. For purposes of this definition, “Capital Stock” shall mean, with respect to any Person, any and all shares, interests, participations or other equivalents (however designated) of corporate stock or partnership interests and any and all warrants, options and rights with respect thereto (whether or not currently exercisable), including each class of common stock and preferred stock of such Person.

3. Dividends.

(a) The holders of shares of the outstanding Preferred Stock shall be entitled, when, as and if declared by the Board of Directors out of funds of the Company legally available therefor, to receive cumulative cash dividends at the rate per annum of 4.125 % per share on the Liquidation Preference (equivalent to $41.25 per annum per share), payable quarterly in arrears (the “Dividend Rate”). The Dividend Rate may be increased in the circumstances described in Section 3(b) below. Dividends payable for each full dividend period will be computed by dividing the Dividend Rate by four and shall be payable in arrears on each Dividend Payment Date (commencing June 15, 2004) for the quarterly period ending immediately prior to such Dividend Payment Date, to the holders of record of Preferred Stock at the close of business on the Dividend Record Date applicable to such Dividend Payment Date. Such dividends shall be cumulative from the most recent date as to which dividends shall have been paid or, if no dividends have been paid, from the Issue Date (whether or not in any dividend period or periods there shall be funds of the Company legally available for the payment of such dividends) and shall accrue on a day-to-day basis, whether or not earned or declared, from and after the Issue Date. Dividends payable for any partial dividend period, including the initial partial dividend period ending immediately prior to June 15, 2004, shall be computed on the basis of days elapsed over a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months. Accumulations of dividends on shares of Preferred Stock shall not bear interest.

 

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(b) If (i) by July 28, 2004, the Shelf Registration Statement has not been filed with the Commission, (ii) by November 25, 2004, the Shelf Registration Statement has not been declared effective by the Commission or (iii) after the Shelf Registration Statement has been declared effective, (A) the Shelf Registration Statement thereafter ceases to be effective or (B) the Shelf Registration Statement or the related prospectus ceases to be usable (in each case, subject to the exceptions described below) in connection with resales of Transfer Restricted Securities during the period that any Transfer Restricted Securities (other than Transfer Restricted Securities held or beneficially owned by affiliates of the Company) remain outstanding (each such event referred to in clauses (i), (ii) and (iii), a “Registration Default”), additional dividends shall accrue on the Preferred Stock at the rate of .50% per annum (resulting in a Dividend Rate of 4.625% per annum during the continuance of a Registration Default), from and including the date on which any such Registration Default shall occur to but excluding the date on which all Registration Defaults have been cured. At all other times, dividends shall accumulate on the Preferred Stock at the Dividend Rate as described in Section 3(a).

A Registration Default referred to in clause (iii) of Section 3(b) shall be deemed not to have occurred and be continuing in relation to the Shelf Registration Statement or the related prospectus if (i) such Registration Default has occurred solely as a result of (x) the filing of a post-effective amendment to the Shelf Registration Statement to incorporate annual audited financial information with respect to the Company where such post-effective amendment is not yet effective and needs to be declared effective to permit Holders to use the related prospectus or (y) other material events, with respect to the Company that would need to be described in the Shelf Registration Statement or the related prospectus and (ii) in the case of clause (y), the Company is proceeding promptly and in good faith to amend or supplement such Shelf Registration Statement and related prospectus to describe such events; provided , however , that in any case if such Registration Default referred to in clause (iii) of Section 3(b) occurs for a continuous period in excess of 30 days, additional dividends as described in Section 3(b) shall be payable in accordance therewith from the day such Registration Default occurs until such Registration Default is cured.

(c) No dividend will be declared or paid upon, or any sum set apart for the payment of dividends upon, any outstanding share of the Preferred Stock with respect to any dividend period unless all dividends for all preceding dividend periods have been declared and paid or declared and a sufficient sum set apart for the payment of such dividend, upon all outstanding shares of Preferred Stock.

(d) No dividends or other distributions (other than a dividend or distribution payable solely in shares of Parity Stock or Junior Stock (in the case of Parity Stock) or Junior Stock (in the case of Junior Stock) and other than cash paid in lieu of fractional shares) may be declared, made or paid, or set apart for payment upon, any Parity Stock or Junior Stock, nor may any Parity Stock or Junior Stock be redeemed, purchased or otherwise acquired for any consideration (or any money paid to or made available for a sinking fund for the redemption of any Parity Stock or Junior Stock) by or on behalf of the Company (except by conversion into or exchange for shares of Parity Stock or Junior Stock (in the case of Parity Stock) or Junior Stock (in the case of Junior Stock)), unless full Accumulated Dividends shall have been or contemporaneously are declared and paid, or are declared and a sum sufficient for the payment thereof is set apart for such payment, on the Preferred Stock and any Parity Stock for all dividend

 

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payment periods terminating on or prior to the date of such declaration, payment, redemption, purchase or acquisition. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if full dividends have not been paid on the Preferred Stock and any Parity Stock, dividends may be declared and paid on the Preferred Stock and such Parity Stock so long as the dividends are declared and paid pro rata so that the amounts of dividends declared per share on the Preferred Stock and such Parity Stock will in all cases bear to each other the same ratio that accumulated and unpaid dividends per share on the shares of Preferred Stock and such other Parity Stock bear to each other.

(e) Holders of shares of Preferred Stock shall not be entitled to any dividends on the Preferred Stock, whether payable in cash, property or stock, in excess of full cumulative dividends. No interest, or sum of money in lieu of interest, shall be payable in respect of any dividend payment or payments on the Preferred Stock which may be in arrears.

(f) The holders of shares of Preferred Stock at the close of business on a Dividend Record Date will be entitled to receive the dividend payment on those shares on the next following Dividend Payment Date notwithstanding the subsequent conversion thereof or the Company’s default in payment of the dividend due on that Dividend Payment Date. However, shares of Preferred Stock surrendered for conversion during the period between the close of business on any Dividend Record Date and the close of business on the Business Day immediately preceding the applicable Dividend Payment Date must be accompanied by payment of an amount equal to the dividend payable on the shares on that Dividend Payment Date. A holder of shares of Preferred Stock on a Dividend Record Date who (or whose transferee) tenders any shares for conversion on the corresponding Dividend Payment Date will receive the dividend payable by the Company on the Preferred Stock on that date, and the converting holder need not include payment in the amount of such dividend upon surrender of shares of Preferred Stock for conversion. Except as provided above with respect to a voluntary conversion pursuant to Section 7, the Company shall make no payment or allowance for unpaid dividends, whether or not in arrears, on converted shares or for dividends on the shares of Common Stock issued upon conversion.

4. Change of Control.

(a) Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control, each holder of Preferred Stock shall, in the event that the Market Value for the period ending on the Change of Control Date is less than the Conversion Price, have a one-time option (the “Change of Control Option”) to convert all of such holder’s outstanding shares of Preferred Stock into fully paid and nonassessable shares of Common Stock at an adjusted Conversion Price equal to the greater of (i) the Market Value for the period ending on the Change of Control Date and (ii) $8.0733. The Change of Control Option must be exercised, if at all, during the period of not less than 30 days nor more than 60 days commencing on the third Business Day after notice of a Change in Control has been given by the Company in accordance with Section 4(b). In lieu of issuing the shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion in the event of a Change of Control, the Company may, at its option, make a cash payment equal to the Market Value for each share of such Common Stock otherwise issuable determined for the period ending on the Change of Control Date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, upon the occurrence of a Change of Control in which (i) each holder of Common Stock receives consideration consisting solely of common stock of the successor, acquiror or other third party (and cash paid in lieu of fractional shares)

 

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that is listed on a national securities exchange or quoted on the NASDAQ National Market and (ii) all the Common Stock has been exchanged for, converted into or acquired for common stock of the successor, acquiror or other third party (and cash in lieu of factional shares), and the Preferred Stock becomes convertible solely into such common stock, the Conversion Price will not be adjusted as described in this Section 4(a).

(b) In the event of a Change of Control (other than a Change of Control described in the last sentence of Section 4(a)), notice of such Change of Control shall be given, within five Business Days of the Change of Control Date, by the Company by first-class mail to each record holder of shares of Preferred Stock, at such holder’s address as the same appears on the books of the Company. Each such notice shall state (i) that a Change of Control has occurred; (ii) the last day on which the Change of Control Option may be exercised (the “Expiration Date”) pursuant to the terms hereof; (iii) the name and address of the Transfer Agent; and (iv) the procedures that holders must follow to exercise the Change of Control Option.

(c) On or before the Expiration Date, each holder of shares of Preferred Stock wishing to exercise the Change of Control Option shall surrender the certificate or certificates representing the shares of Preferred Stock to be converted, in the manner and at the place designated in the notice described in Section 4(b), and on such date the cash or shares of Common Stock due to such holder shall be delivered to the Person whose name appears on such certificate or certificates as the owner thereof and the shares represented by each surrendered certificate shall be returned to authorized but unissued shares. Upon surrender (in accordance with the notice described in Section 4(b)) of the certificate or certificates representing any shares to be so converted (properly endorsed or assigned for transfer, if the Company shall so require and the notice shall so state), such shares shall be converted by the Company at the adjusted Conversion Price, if applicable, as described in Section 4(a).

(d) The rights of holders of Preferred Stock pursuant to this Section 4 are in addition to, and not in lieu of, the rights of holders of Preferred Stock provided for in Section 7 hereof.

5. Voting.

(a) The shares of Preferred Stock shall have no voting rights except as set forth below or as otherwise required by Oklahoma law from time to time:

(i) If and whenever at any time or times a Voting Rights Triggering Event occurs, then the holders of shares of Preferred Stock, voting as a single class with any other preferred stock or preference securities having similar voting rights that are exercisable, including the 5.00% Preferred Stock, the 6.00% Preferred Stock and the 6.75% Preferred Stock (the “Voting Rights Class”), will be entitled at the next regular or special meeting of stockholders of the Company to elect two additional directors of the Company. Upon the election of any such additional directors, the number of directors that comprise the Board of Directors shall be increased by such number of additional directors.

 

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(ii) Such voting rights may be exercised at a special meeting of the holders of the shares of the Voting Rights Class, called as hereinafter provided, or at any annual meeting of stockholders held for the purpose of electing directors, and thereafter at each such annual meeting until such time as all dividends in arrears on the shares of Preferred Stock shall have been paid in full, at which time or times such voting rights and the term of the directors elected pursuant to Section 5(a)(i) shall terminate.

(iii) At any time when such voting rights shall have vested in holders of shares of the Voting Rights Class, an Officer of the Company may call, and, upon written request of the record holders of shares representing at least twenty-five percent (25%) of the voting power of the shares then outstanding of the Voting Rights Class, addressed to the Secretary of the Company, shall call a special meeting of the holders of shares of the Voting Rights Class. Such meeting shall be held at the earliest practicable date upon the notice required for annual meetings of stockholders at the place for holding annual meetings of stockholders of the Company, or, if none, at a place designated by the Board of Directors. Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 5(a)(iii), no such special meeting shall be called during a period within the 60 days immediately preceding the date fixed for the next annual meeting of stockholders in which such case, the election of directors pursuant to Section 5(a)(i) shall be held at such annual meeting of stockholders.

(iv) At any meeting held for the purpose of electing directors at which the holders of the Voting Rights Class shall have the right to elect directors as provided herein, the presence in person or by proxy of the holders of shares representing more than fifty percent (50%) in voting power of the then outstanding shares of the Voting Rights Class shall be required and shall be sufficient to constitute a quorum of such class for the election of directors by such class. The affirmative vote of the holders of shares of Preferred Stock constituting a majority of the shares of Preferred Stock present at such meeting, in person or by proxy, shall be sufficient to elect any such director.

(v) Any director elected pursuant to the voting rights created under this Section 5(a) shall hold office until the next annual meeting of stockholders (unless such term has previously terminated pursuant to Section 5(a)(ii) ) and any vacancy in respect of any such director shall be filled only by vote of the remaining director so elected by holders of the Voting Rights Class, or if there be no such remaining director, by the holders of shares of the Voting Rights Class at a special meeting called in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Section 5, or, if no such special meeting is called, at the next annual meeting of stockholders. Upon any termination of such voting rights, the term of office of all directors elected pursuant to this Section 5 shall terminate.

(vi) So long as any shares of Preferred Stock remain outstanding, unless a greater percentage shall then be required by law, the Company shall not, without the affirmative vote or consent of the holders of at least 66  2 / 3 % of the outstanding Preferred Stock voting or consenting, as the case may be, separately as one class, (i) create, authorize or issue any class or series of Senior Stock (or any security convertible into Senior Stock) or (ii) amend the Certificate of Incorporation so as to affect adversely the specified rights, preferences, privileges or voting rights of holders of shares of Preferred Stock.

 

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(vii) In exercising the voting rights set forth in this Section 5(a), each share of Preferred Stock shall be entitled to one vote.

(b) The Company may authorize, increase the authorized amount of, or issue any class or series of Parity Stock or Junior Stock, without the consent of the holders of Preferred Stock, and in taking such actions the Company shall not be deemed to have affected adversely the rights, preferences, privileges or voting rights of holders of shares of Preferred Stock.

6. Liquidation Rights.

(a) In the event of any liquidation, winding-up or dissolution of the Company, whether voluntary of involuntary, each holder of shares of Preferred Stock shall be entitled to receive and to be paid out of the assets of the Company available for distribution to its stockholders the Liquidation Preference plus Accumulated Dividends and Accrued Dividends thereon in preference to the holders of, and before any payment or distribution is made on, any Junior Stock, including, without limitation, on any Common Stock.

(b) Neither the sale, conveyance, exchange or transfer (for cash, shares of stock, securities or other consideration) of all or substantially all the assets or business of the Company (other than in connection with the liquidation, winding-up or dissolution of its business) nor the merger or consolidation of the Company into or with any other Person shall be deemed to be a liquidation, winding-up or dissolution, voluntary or involuntary, for the purposes of this Section 6.

(c) After the payment to the holders of the shares of Preferred Stock of full preferential amounts provided for in this Section 6, the holders of Preferred Stock as such shall have no right or claim to any of the remaining assets of the Company.

(d) In the event the assets of the Company available for distribution to the holders of shares of Preferred Stock upon any liquidation, winding-up or dissolution of the Company, whether voluntary or involuntary, shall be insufficient to pay in full all amounts to which such holders are entitled pursuant to Section 6(a), no such distribution shall be made on account of any shares of Parity Stock upon such liquidation, dissolution or winding-up unless proportionate distributable amounts shall be paid on account of the shares of Preferred Stock, ratably, in proportion to the full distributable amounts for which holders of all Preferred Stock and of any Parity Stock are entitled upon such liquidation, winding-up or dissolution.

7. Conversion.

(a) Each holder of Preferred Stock shall have the right, only on or after the occurrence of the conversion triggering events described in Section 7(b), at its option, from the Issue Date to convert, subject to the terms and provisions of this Section 7, any or all of such holder’s shares of Preferred Stock. In such case, the shares of Preferred Stock shall be converted into such whole number of fully paid and nonassessable shares of Common Stock as is equal, subject to Section 7(h), to the product of the number of shares of Preferred Stock being so converted multiplied by the quotient of (i) the Liquidation Preference divided by (ii) the Conversion Price (as defined below) then in effect. The Conversion Price initially shall be $16.6513, subject to adjustment as set forth in Section 7(d).

 

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The conversion right of a holder of Preferred Stock shall be exercised by the holder by the surrender to the Company of the certificates representing shares to be converted at any time during usual business hours at its principal place of business or the offices of its duly appointed Transfer Agent to be maintained by it, accompanied by written notice to the Company in the form of Exhibit B that the holder elects to convert all or a portion of the shares of Preferred Stock represented by such certificate and specifying the name or names (with address) in which a certificate or certificates for shares of Common Stock are to be issued and (if so required by the Company or its duly appointed Transfer Agent) by a written instrument or instruments of transfer in form reasonably satisfactory to the Company or its duly appointed Transfer Agent duly executed by the holder or its duly authorized legal representative and transfer tax stamps or funds therefor, if required pursuant to Section 7(j). Immediately prior to the close of business on the date of receipt by the Company or its duly appointed Transfer Agent of notice of conversion of shares of Preferred Stock, each converting holder of Preferred Stock shall be deemed to be the holder of record of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of such holder’s Preferred Stock notwithstanding that the share register of the Company shall then be closed or that certificates representing such Common Stock shall not then be actually delivered to such holder. On the date of any conversion, all rights with respect to the shares of Preferred Stock so converted, including the rights, if any, to receive notices, will terminate, except only the rights of holders thereof to (i) receive certificates for the number of whole shares of Common Stock into which such shares of Preferred Stock have been converted and cash, in lieu of any fractional shares as provided in Section 7(g); and (ii) exercise the rights to which they are entitled as holders of Common Stock.

(b) A holder’s right to convert its shares of Preferred Stock will arise only upon the occurrence of the following events:

(i) Conversion Rights Based on Common Share Price. A holder may surrender shares of Preferred Stock for conversion into shares of Common Stock during any fiscal quarter after the fiscal quarter ending June 30, 2004 (and only during such fiscal quarter) if the Closing Sale Price of Common Stock for at least 20 Trading Days in a period of 30 consecutive Trading Days ending on the last Trading Day of the immediately preceding fiscal quarter is more than 130% of the Conversion Price on such Trading Day. If this Closing Sale Price condition is not satisfied at the end of any fiscal quarter, then conversion pursuant to this Section 7(b)(i) will not be permitted in the following fiscal quarter. The Company shall determine for each Trading Day during the 30 consecutive Trading Day period specified in this Section 7(b)(i) whether the Closing Sale Price exceeds 130% of the Conversion Price and whether the Preferred Stock shall be convertible as a result of the occurrence of the event set forth in this Section 7(b)(i).

(ii) Conversion Upon Satisfaction of Trading Price Condition . A holder may surrender its shares of Preferred Stock for conversion into Common Stock during the five business day period after any five consecutive Trading Day period in which the Trading Price of the Preferred Stock for each day of such five Trading Day period was less than 98% of the product of the Closing Sale Price of the Common Stock and the Conversion Price in effect on each such day. The Company shall determine whether the Preferred Stock may be converted pursuant to this Section 7(b)(ii) based on Trading Prices obtained from three independent nationally known securities dealers. The Company shall have no obligation to determine the

 

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Trading Price unless a holder of Preferred Stock provides it with reasonable evidence that the Trading Price was less than 98% of the product of the Closing Sale Price and the then-current Conversion Price. If such evidence is provided, the Company shall determine the Trading Price of the Preferred Stock beginning on the next Trading Day and on each successive Trading Day until the Trading Price is greater than or equal to 98% of the product of the Closing Sale Price and the then current Conversion Price.

(iii) Conversion Rights Upon Occurrence of Certain Corporate Transactions.

(1) If the Company is party to a consolidation, merger, binding share exchange or sale of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets, in each case pursuant to which the Common Stock would be converted into cash, securities or other property, a holder may surrender its shares of Preferred Stock for conversion into Common Stock at any time from and after the date that is 15 days prior to the anticipated effective date of the transaction until 15 days after the actual date of such transaction and, at the effective time, the right to convert shares of Preferred Stock into Common Stock will be changed into a right to convert such Preferred Stock into the kind and amount of cash, securities or other property of the Company or another person that the holder would have received if the holder had converted the holder’s Preferred Stock immediately prior to the transaction.

(2) If the Company elects to (A) distribute to all holders of Common Stock rights or warrants entitling them to purchase, for a period expiring within 45 days of the record date for such distribution, Common Stock at less than the average Closing Sale Price for the ten consecutive Trading Days immediately preceding the declaration date for such distribution or (B) distribute to all holders of Common Stock, cash, assets, debt securities or rights to purchase the Company’s securities, which distribution has a per share value exceeding 5% of the Closing Sale Price of Common Stock on the Trading Day immediately preceding the declaration date for such distribution; then, in either case, the Company must notify holders of Preferred Stock at least 20 days prior to the ex-dividend date for such distribution. Once the Company has given such notice, a holder may surrender its shares of Preferred Stock for conversion at any time until the earlier of the close of business on the business day immediately preceding the ex-dividend date or any announcement by the Company that such distribution will not take place. Notwithstanding the foregoing, holders shall not have the right to surrender shares of Preferred Stock for conversion pursuant to this Section 7(b)(iii)(2), and no adjustment to the Conversion Price will be made, if all holders of the Preferred Stock will otherwise participate, on the same basis as a holder of Common Shares, in the distribution described above without first converting Preferred Stock into Common Shares.

(iv) Upon a Change of Control, holders of Preferred Stock shall, if the Market Value at such time is less than the Conversion Price, have a one-time option to convert all of their outstanding shares of Preferred Stock into Common Stock pursuant to Section 4.

(v) Upon determination that holders of Preferred Stock are or will be entitled to convert their Preferred Stock into Common Stock in accordance with any of the provisions of this Section 7(b), the Company will issue a press release and publish such information on its website on the World Wide Web.

 

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(c) If the last day for the exercise of the conversion right shall not be a Business Day, then such conversion right may be exercised on the next preceding Business Day.

(d) The Conversion Price shall be subject to adjustment as follows:

(i) In case the Company shall at any time or from time to time (A) pay a dividend (or other distribution) payable in shares of Common Stock on any class of capital stock (which, for purposes of this Section 7(d) shall include, without limitation, any dividends or distributions in the form of options, warrants or other rights to acquire capital stock) of the Company (other than the issuance of shares of Common Stock in connection with the conversion of preferred stock); (B) subdivide the outstanding shares of Common Stock into a larger number of shares; (C) combine the outstanding shares of Common Stock into a smaller number of shares; (D) issue any shares of its capital stock in a reclassification of the Common Stock; or (E) pay a dividend or make a distribution to all holders of shares of Common Stock (other than a dividend or distribution subject to Section 7(d)(ii)) pursuant to a stockholder rights plan, “poison pill” or similar arrangement and excluding dividends payable on the Preferred Stock then, and in each such case, the Conversion Price in effect immediately prior to such event shall be adjusted (and any other appropriate actions shall be taken by the Company) so that the holder of any share of Preferred Stock thereafter surrendered for conversion shall be entitled to receive the number of shares of Common Stock that such holder would have owned or would have been entitled to receive upon or by reason of any of the events described above, had such share of Preferred Stock been converted into shares of Common Stock immediately prior to the occurrence of such event. An adjustment made pursuant to this Section 7(d)(i) shall become effective retroactively (x) in the case of any such dividend or distribution, to the day immediately following the close of business on the record date for the determination of holders of Common Stock entitled to receive such dividend or distribution or (y) in the case of any such subdivision, combination or reclassification, to the close of business on the day upon which such corporate action becomes effective.

(ii) In case the Company shall at any time or from time to time issue to all holders of its Common Stock rights, options or warrants entitling the holders thereof to subscribe for or purchase shares of Common Stock (or securities convertible into or exchangeable for shares of Common Stock) at a price per share less than the Market Value for the period ending on the date of issuance (treating the price per share of any security convertible or exchangeable or exercisable into Common Stock as equal to (A) the sum of the price paid to acquire such security convertible, exchangeable or exercisable into Common Stock plus any additional consideration payable (without regard to any anti-dilution adjustments) upon the conversion, exchange or exercise of such security into Common Stock divided by (B) the number of shares of Common Stock into which such convertible, exchangeable or exercisable security is initially convertible, exchangeable or exercisable), other than (i) issuances of such rights, options or warrants if the holder of Preferred Stock would be entitled to receive such rights, options or warrants upon conversion at any time of shares of Preferred Stock into Common Stock and (ii) issuances that are subject to certain triggering events (until such time as such triggering events occur), then, and in each such case, the Conversion Price then in effect

 

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shall be adjusted by dividing the Conversion Price in effect on the day immediately prior to the record date of such issuance by a fraction (y) the numerator of which shall be the sum of the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding on such record date plus the number of additional shares of Common Stock issued or to be issued upon or as a result of the issuance of such rights, options or warrants (or the maximum number into or for which such convertible or exchangeable securities initially may convert or exchange or for which such options, warrants or other rights initially may be exercised) and (z) the denominator of which shall be the sum of the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding on such record date plus the number of shares of Common Stock which the aggregate consideration for the total number of such additional shares of Common Stock so issued (or into or for which such convertible or exchangeable securities may convert or exchange or for which such options, warrants or other rights may be exercised plus the aggregate amount of any additional consideration initially payable upon the conversion, exchange or exercise of such security) would purchase at the Market Value for the period ending on the date of conversion; provided , that if the Company distributes rights or warrants (other than those referred to above in this subparagraph (d)(ii)) pro rata to the holders of Common Stock, so long as such rights or warrants have not expired or been redeemed by the Company, (y) the holder of any Preferred Stock surrendered for conversion shall be entitled to receive upon such conversion, in addition to the shares of Common Stock then issuable upon such conversion (the “Conversion Shares”), a number of rights or warrants to be determined as follows: (i) if such conversion occurs on or prior to the date for the distribution to the holders of rights or warrants of separate certificates evidencing such rights or warrants (the “Distribution Date”), the same number of rights or warrants to which a holder of a number of shares of Common Stock equal to the number of Conversion Shares is entitled at the time of such conversion in accordance with the terms and provisions applicable to the rights or warrants and (ii) if such conversion occurs after the Distribution Date, the same number of rights or warrants to which a holder of the number of shares of Common Stock into which such Preferred Stock was convertible immediately prior to such Distribution Date would have been entitled on such Distribution Date had such Preferred Stock been converted immediately prior to such Distribution Date in accordance with the terms and provisions applicable to the rights and warrants and (z) the Conversion Price shall not be subject to adjustment on account of any declaration, distribution or exercise of such rights or warrants.

(iii) If the Company shall at any time make a distribution, by dividend or otherwise, to all holders of shares of its Common Stock consisting exclusively of cash (excluding any cash portion of distributions referred to in clause (E) of paragraph (d)(i) above and cash distributed upon a merger or consolidation to which paragraph (h) below applies) in an amount per share of Common Stock that, when combined with the per share amounts of all other all-cash distributions to all holders of shares of its Common Stock made within the 90-day period ending on the record date for the distribution giving rise to an adjustment pursuant to this Section 7(d)(iii), exceeds $0.055 per share of Common Stock (the “Distribution Threshold Amount”), then the Conversion Price will be adjusted by multiplying:

(1) the Conversion Price in effect immediately prior to the close of business on the record date fixed for the determination of holders of Common Stock entitled to receive such distribution by

 

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(2) a fraction, the numerator of which will be the Market Value on the fourth trading day on the NYSE prior to such record date minus the amount of cash per share of Common Stock so distributed in excess of the Dividend Threshold Amount for which an adjustment has not otherwise been made pursuant to this Section 7(d)(iii) and the denominator of which will be the Market Value on the fourth trading day on the NYSE prior to such record date.

Subject to Section 7(e), such adjustment shall become effective immediately after the record date for the determination of holders of Common Stock entitled to receive the distribution giving rise to an adjustment pursuant to this Section 7(d)(iii). The Dividend Threshold Amount is subject to adjustment under the same circumstances under which the Conversion Price is subject to adjustment pursuant to Section 7(d)(i) or Section 7(d)(ii).

(iv) In the case the Company at any time or from time to time shall take any action affecting its Common Stock (it being understood that the issuance or sale of shares of Common Stock (or securities convertible into or exchangeable for shares of Common Stock, or any options, warrants or other rights to acquire shares of Common Stock) to any Person at a price per share less than the Conversion Price then in effect shall not be deemed such an action), other than an action described in any of Section 7(d)(i) through Section 7(d)(iii), inclusive, or Section 7(h), then the Conversion Price shall be adjusted in such manner and at such time as the Board of Directors of the Company in good faith determines to be equitable in the circumstances (such determination to be evidenced in a resolution, a certified copy of which shall be mailed to the holders of the Preferred Stock).

(v) Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, no adjustment under this Section 7(d) need be made to the Conversion Price unless such adjustment would require an increase or decrease of at least 1% of the Conversion Price then in effect. Any lesser adjustment shall be carried forward and shall be made at the time of and together with the next subsequent adjustment, if any, which, together with any adjustment or adjustments so carried forward, shall amount to an increase or decrease of at least 1% of such Conversion; provided , however , that with respect to adjustments to be made to the Conversion Price in connection with cash dividends paid by the Company, the Company shall make such adjustments, regardless of whether such aggregate adjustments amount to 1% or more of the Conversion Price, no later than March 15 of each calendar year.

(vi) The Company reserves the right to make such reductions in the Conversion Price in addition to those required in the foregoing provisions as it considers advisable in order that any event treated for Federal income tax purposes as a dividend of stock or stock rights will not be taxable to the recipients. In the event the Company elects to make such a reduction in the Conversion Price, the Company will comply with the requirements of Rule 14e-1 under the Exchange Act, and any other securities laws and regulations thereunder if and to the extent that such laws and regulations are applicable in connection with the reduction of the Conversion Price.

(e) If the Company shall take a record of the holders of its Common Stock for the purpose of entitling them to receive a dividend or other distribution, and shall thereafter (and before the dividend or distribution has been paid or delivered to stockholders) legally abandon its plan to pay or deliver such dividend or distribution, then thereafter no adjustment in the Conversion Price then in effect shall be required by reason of the taking of such record.

 

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(f) Upon any increase or decrease in the Conversion Price, then, and in each such case, the Company promptly shall deliver to each holder of Preferred Stock a certificate signed by an authorized officer of the Company, setting forth in reasonable detail the event requiring the adjustment and the method by which such adjustment was calculated and specifying the increased or decreased Conversion Price then in effect following such adjustment.

(g) No fractional shares or securities representing fractional shares of Common Stock shall be issued upon the conversion of any shares of Preferred Stock, whether voluntary or mandatory. If more than one share of Preferred Stock shall be surrendered for conversion at one time by the same holder, the number of full shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion thereof shall be computed on the basis of the aggregate Liquidation Preference of the shares of Preferred Stock so surrendered. If the conversion of any share or shares of Preferred Stock results in a fraction, an amount equal to such fraction multiplied by the last reported sale price of the Common Stock on the NYSE (or on such other national securities exchange or automated quotation system on which the Common Stock is then listed for trading or authorized for quotation or, if the Common Stock is not then so listed or authorized for quotation, an amount determined in good faith by the Board of Directors to be the fair value of the Common Stock) at the close of business on the trading day next preceding the day of conversion shall be paid to such holder in cash by the Company.

(h) In the event of any reclassification of outstanding shares of Common Stock (other than a change in par value, or from par value to no par value, or from no par value to par value), or in the event of any consolidation or merger of the Company with or into another Person or any merger of another Person with or into the Company (other than a consolidation or merger in which the Company is the resulting or surviving Person and which does not result in any reclassification or change of outstanding Common Stock), or in the event of any sale or other disposition to another Person of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company (computed on a consolidated basis) (any of the foregoing, a “Transaction”), each share of Preferred Stock then outstanding shall, without the consent of any holder of Preferred Stock, become convertible at any time, at the option of the holder thereof, only into the kind and amount of securities (of the Company or another issuer), cash and other property receivable upon such Transaction by a holder of the number of shares of Common Stock into which such share of Preferred Stock could have been converted immediately prior to such Transaction, after giving effect to any adjustment event. The provisions of this Section 7(h) and any equivalent thereof in any such securities similarly shall apply to successive Transactions. The provisions of this Section 7(h) shall be the sole right of holders of Preferred Stock in connection with any Transaction and such holders shall have no separate vote thereon.

(i) The Company shall at all times reserve and keep available for issuance upon the conversion of the Preferred Stock such number of its authorized but unissued shares of Common Stock as will from time to time be sufficient to permit the conversion of all outstanding shares of Preferred Stock, and shall take all action required to increase the authorized number of shares of Common Stock if at any time there shall be insufficient unissued shares of Common Stock to permit such reservation or to permit the conversion of all outstanding shares of Preferred Stock.

 

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(j) The issuance or delivery of certificates for Common Stock upon the conversion of shares of Preferred Stock shall be made without charge to the converting holder of shares of Preferred Stock for such certificates or for any tax in respect of the issuance or delivery of such certificates or the securities represented thereby, and such certificates shall be issued or delivered in the respective names of, or in such names as may be directed by, the holders of the shares of Preferred Stock converted; provided , however , that the Company shall not be required to pay any tax which may be payable in respect of any transfer involved in the issuance and delivery of any such certificate in a name other than that of the holder of the shares of Preferred Stock converted, and the Company shall not be required to issue or deliver such certificate unless or until the Person or Persons requesting the issuance or delivery thereof shall have paid to the Company the amount of such tax or shall have established to the reasonable satisfaction of the Company that such tax has been paid.

8. Mandatory Conversion.

(a) At any time on or after March 15, 2009, the Company shall have the right, at its option, to cause the Preferred Stock, in whole but not in part, to be automatically converted into that number of whole shares of Common Stock for each share of Preferred Stock equal to the quotient of (i) the Liquidation Preference divided by (ii) the Conversion Price then in effect, with any resulting fractional shares of Common Stock to be settled in accordance with Section 7(g). The Company may exercise its right to cause a mandatory conversion pursuant to this Section 8(a) only if the closing price of the Common Stock equals or exceeds 130% of the Conversion Price then in effect for at least 20 trading days in any consecutive 30-day trading period on the NYSE (or such other national securities exchange or automated quotation system on which the Common Stock is then listed or authorized for quotation), including the last trading day of such 30-day period, ending on the trading day prior to the Company’s issuance of a press release announcing the mandatory conversion as described in Section 8(b).

(b) To exercise the mandatory conversion right described in Section 8(a), the Company must issue a press release for publication on the Dow Jones News Service prior to the opening of business on the first trading day following any date on which the conditions described in Section 8(a) are met, announcing such a mandatory conversion. The Company shall also give notice by mail or by publication (with subsequent prompt notice by mail) to the holders of Preferred Stock (not more than four Business Days after the date of the press release) of the mandatory conversion announcing the Company’s intention to convert the Preferred Stock. The conversion date will be a date selected by the Company (the “Mandatory Conversion Date”) and will be no more than five days after the date on which the Company issues the press release described in this Section 8(b).

(c) In addition to any information required by applicable law or regulation, the press release and notice of a mandatory conversion described in Section 8(b) shall state, as appropriate: (i) the Mandatory Conversion Date; (ii) the number of shares of Common Stock to be issued upon conversion of each share of Preferred Stock; (iii) the number of shares of Preferred Stock to be converted; and (iv) that dividends on the Preferred Stock to be converted will cease to accrue on the Mandatory Conversion Date.

 

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(d) On and after the Mandatory Conversion Date, dividends will cease to accrue on the Preferred Stock called for a mandatory conversion pursuant to Section 8(a) and all rights of holders of such Preferred Stock will terminate except for the right to receive the whole shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion thereof and cash, in lieu of any fractional shares of Common Stock in accordance with Section 7(g). The dividend payment with respect to the Preferred Stock called for a mandatory conversion pursuant to Section 8(a) on a date during the period between the close of business on any Dividend Record Date to the close of business on the corresponding Dividend Payment Date will be payable on such Dividend Payment Date to the record holder of such share on such Dividend Record Date if such share has been converted after such Dividend Record Date and prior to such Dividend Payment Date. Except as provided in the immediately preceding sentence with respect to a mandatory conversion pursuant to Section 8(a), no payment or adjustment will be made upon conversion of Preferred Stock for Accrued Dividends or for dividends with respect to the Common Stock issued upon such conversion.

(e) The Company may not authorize, issue a press release or give notice of any mandatory conversion pursuant to Section 8(a) unless, prior to giving the conversion notice, all Accumulated Dividends on the Preferred Stock for periods ended prior to the date of such conversion notice shall have been paid in cash.

(f) In addition to the mandatory conversion right described in Section 8(a), if there are less than 25,000 shares of Preferred Stock outstanding, the Company shall have the right, at any time on or after March 15, 2009, at its option, to cause the Preferred Stock to be automatically converted into that number of whole shares of Common Stock equal to the quotient of (i) the Liquidation Preference divided by (ii) the lesser of (A) the Conversion Price then in effect and (B) the Market Value for the period ending on the second trading day immediately prior to the Mandatory Conversion Date, with any resulting fractional shares of Common Stock to be settled in cash in accordance with Section 7(g). The provisions of clauses (b), (c), (d) and (e) of this Section 8 shall apply to any mandatory conversion pursuant to this clause (f); provided that (i) the Mandatory Conversion Date described in Section 8(b) shall not be less than 15 days nor more than 30 days after the date on which the Company issues a press release pursuant to Section 8(b) announcing such mandatory conversion and (ii) the press release and notice of mandatory conversion described in Section 8(c) will not state the number of shares of Common Stock to be issued upon conversion of each share of Preferred Stock.

9. Consolidation, Merger and Sale of Assets.

(a) The Company, without the consent of the holders of any of the outstanding Preferred Stock, may consolidate with or merge into any other Person or convey, transfer or lease all or substantially all its assets to any Person or may permit any Person to consolidate with or merge into, or transfer or lease all or substantially all its properties to, the Company; provided , however , that (a) the successor, transferee or lessee is organized under the laws of the United States or any political subdivision thereof; (b) the shares of Preferred Stock will become shares of such successor, transferee or lessee, having in respect of such successor,

 

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transferee or lessee the same powers, preferences and relative participating, optional or other special rights and the qualification, limitations or restrictions thereon, the Preferred Stock had immediately prior to such transaction; and (c) the Company delivers to the Transfer Agent an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel stating that such transaction complies with this Certificate of Designation.

(b) Upon any consolidation by the Company with, or merger by the Company into, any other person or any conveyance, transfer or lease of all or substantially all the assets of the Company as described in Section 9(a), the successor resulting from such consolidation or into which the Company is merged or the transferee or lessee to which such conveyance, transfer or lease is made, will succeed to, and be substituted for, and may exercise every right and power of, the Company under the shares of Preferred Stock, and thereafter, except in the case of a lease, the predecessor (if still in existence) will be released from its obligations and covenants with respect to the Preferred Stock.

10. SEC Reports.

Whether or not the Company is required to file reports with the Commission, if any shares of Preferred Stock are outstanding, the Company shall file with the Commission all such reports and other information as it would be required to file with the Commission by Section 13(a)or 15(d) under the Exchange Act. The Company shall supply each holder of Preferred Stock, upon request, without cost to such holder, copies of such reports or other information.

11. Certificates.

(a) Form and Dating . The Preferred Stock and the Transfer Agent’s certificate of authentication shall be substantially in the form set forth in Exhibit A, which is hereby incorporated in and expressly made a part of this Certificate of Designation. The Preferred Stock certificate may have notations, legends or endorsements required by law, stock exchange rule, agreements to which the Company is subject, if any, or usage (provided that any such notation, legend or endorsement is in a form acceptable to the Company). Each Preferred Stock certificate shall be dated the date of its authentication. The terms of the Preferred Stock certificate set forth in Exhibit A are part of the terms of this Certificate of Designation.

(i) Global Preferred Stock. The Preferred Stock shall be issued initially in the form of one or more fully registered global certificates with the global securities legend and restricted securities legend set forth in Exhibit A hereto (the “Global Preferred Stock”), which shall be deposited on behalf of the purchasers represented thereby with the Transfer Agent, as custodian for DTC (or with such other custodian as DTC may direct), and registered in the name of DTC or a nominee of DTC, duly executed by the Company and authenticated by the Transfer Agent as hereinafter provided. The number of shares of Preferred Stock represented by Global Preferred Stock may from time to time be increased or decreased by adjustments made on the records of the Transfer Agent and DTC or its nominee as hereinafter provided. With respect to shares of Preferred Stock that are not “restricted securities” as defined in Rule 144 on a conversion date, all shares of Common Stock distributed on such conversion date will be freely transferable without restriction under the Securities Act (other than by affiliates), and such shares will be eligible for receipt in global form through the facilities of DTC.

 

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(ii) Book-Entry Provisions. In the event Global Preferred Stock is deposited with or on behalf of DTC, the Company shall execute and the Transfer Agent shall authenticate and deliver initially one or more Global Preferred Stock certificates that (a) shall be registered in the name of DTC as depository for such Global Preferred Stock or the nominee of DTC and (b) shall be delivered by the Transfer Agent to DTC or pursuant to DTC’s instructions or held by the Transfer Agent as custodian for DTC.

Members of, or participants in, DTC (“Agent Members”) shall have no rights under this Certificate of Designation with respect to any Global Preferred Stock held on their behalf by DTC or by the Transfer Agent as the custodian of DTC or under such Global Preferred Stock, and DTC may be treated by the Company, the Transfer Agent and any agent of the Company or the Transfer Agent as the absolute owner of such Global Preferred Stock for all purposes whatsoever. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing herein shall prevent the Company, the Transfer Agent or any agent of the Company or the Transfer Agent from giving effect to any written certification, proxy or other authorization furnished by DTC or impair, as between DTC and its Agent Members, the operation of customary practices of DTC governing the exercise of the rights of a holder of a beneficial interest in any Global Preferred Stock.

(iii) Certificated Preferred Stock; Certificated Common Stock. Except as provided in this paragraph 11(a) or in paragraph 11(c), owners of beneficial interests in Global Preferred Stock will not be entitled to receive physical delivery of Preferred Stock in fully registered certificated form (“Certificated Preferred Stock”). With respect to shares of Preferred Stock that are “restricted securities” as defined in Rule 144 on a conversion date, all shares of Common Stock issuable on conversion of such shares on such conversion date will be issued in fully registered certificated form (“Certificated Common Stock”). Certificates of Certificated Common Stock will be mailed or made available at the office of the Transfer Agent for the Preferred Stock on or as soon as reasonably practicable after the relevant conversion date to the converting holder.

After a transfer of any Preferred Stock or Certificated Common Stock during the period of the effectiveness of a Shelf Registration Statement with respect to such Preferred Stock or such Certificated Common Stock, all requirements pertaining to legends on such Preferred Stock (including Global Preferred Stock) or Certificated Common Stock will cease to apply, the requirements requiring that any such Certificated Common Stock issued to Holders be issued in certificated form, as the case may, will cease to apply, and Preferred Stock or Common Stock, as the case may be, in global or fully registered certificated form, in either case without legends, will be available to the transferee of the Holder of such Preferred Stock or Certificated Common Stock upon exchange of such transferring Holder’s Preferred Stock or Common Stock or directions to transfer such Holder’s interest in the Global Preferred Stock, as applicable.

(b) Execution and Authentication . Two Officers shall sign the Preferred Stock certificate for the Company by manual or facsimile signature.

 

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If an Officer whose signature is on a Preferred Stock certificate no longer holds that office at the time the Transfer Agent authenticates the Preferred Stock certificate, the Preferred Stock certificate shall be valid nevertheless.

A Preferred Stock certificate shall not be valid until an authorized signatory of the Transfer Agent manually signs the certificate of authentication on the Preferred Stock certificate. The signature shall be conclusive evidence that the Preferred Stock certificate has been authenticated under this Certificate of Designation.

The Transfer Agent shall authenticate and deliver certificates for up to 313,250 shares of Preferred Stock for original issue upon a written order of the Company signed by two Officers or by an Officer and an Assistant Treasurer of the Company. Such order shall specify the number of shares of Preferred Stock to be authenticated and the date on which the original issue of Preferred Stock is to be authenticated.

The Transfer Agent may appoint an authenticating agent reasonably acceptable to the Company to authenticate the certificates for Preferred Stock. Unless limited by the terms of such appointment, an authenticating agent may authenticate certificates for Preferred Stock whenever the Transfer Agent may do so. Each reference in this Certificate of Designation to authentication by the Transfer Agent includes authentication by such agent. An authenticating agent has the same rights as the Transfer Agent or agent for service of notices and demands.

(c) Transfer and Exchange . (i) Transfer and Exchange of Certificated Preferred Stock. When Certificated Preferred Stock is presented to the Transfer Agent with a request to register the transfer of such Certificated Preferred Stock or to exchange such Certificated Preferred Stock for an equal number of shares of Certificated Preferred Stock, the Transfer Agent shall register the transfer or make the exchange as requested if its reasonable requirements for such transaction are met; provided , however , that the Certificated Preferred Stock surrendered for transfer or exchange:

(1) shall be duly endorsed or accompanied by a written instrument of transfer in form reasonably satisfactory to the Company and the Transfer Agent, duly executed by the Holder thereof or its attorney duly authorized in writing; and

(2) is being transferred or exchanged pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act or pursuant to clause (i) or (ii) below, and is accompanied by the following additional information and documents, as applicable:

(I) if such Certificated Preferred Stock is being delivered to the Transfer Agent by a Holder for registration in the name of such Holder, without transfer, a certification from such Holder to that effect in substantially the form of Exhibit C hereto; or

(II) if such Certificated Preferred Stock is being transferred to the Company or to a “qualified institutional buyer (“QIB”) in accordance with Rule 144A under the Securities Act or pursuant to another exemption from registration under the Securities Act, (i) a certification to that effect (in substantially the form of Exhibit C hereto) and (ii) if the Company so requests, an

 

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Opinion of Counsel or other evidence reasonably satisfactory to it as to the compliance with the restrictions set forth in the legend set forth in paragraph 11(c) (vii).

(ii) Restrictions on Transfer of Certificated Preferred Stock for a Beneficial Interest in Global Preferred Stock. Certificated Preferred Stock may not be exchanged for a beneficial interest in Global Preferred Stock except upon satisfaction of the requirements set forth below. Upon receipt by the Transfer Agent of Certificated Preferred Stock, duly endorsed or accompanied by appropriate instruments of transfer, in form reasonably satisfactory to the Company and the Transfer Agent, together with written instructions directing the Transfer Agent to make, or to direct DTC to make, an adjustment on its books and records with respect to such Global Preferred Stock to reflect an increase in the number of shares of Preferred Stock represented by the Global Preferred Stock, then the Transfer Agent shall cancel such Certificated Preferred Stock and cause, or direct DTC to cause, in accordance with the standing instructions and procedures existing between DTC and the Transfer Agent, the number of shares of Preferred Stock represented by the Global Preferred Stock to be increased accordingly. If no Global Preferred Stock is then outstanding, the Company shall issue and the Transfer Agent shall authenticate, upon written order of the Company in the form of an Officers’ Certificate, a new Global Preferred Stock representing the appropriate number of shares.

(iii) Transfer and Exchange of Global Preferred Stock. The transfer and exchange of Global Preferred Stock or beneficial interests therein shall be effected through DTC, in accordance with this Certificate of Designation (including applicable restrictions on transfer set forth herein, if any) and the procedures of DTC therefor.

(iv) Transfer of a Beneficial Interest in Global Preferred Stock for a Certificated Preferred Stock.

(1) Any Person having a beneficial interest in Preferred Stock that is being transferred or exchanged pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act or pursuant to another exemption from registration thereunder may upon request, but only with the consent of the Company, and if accompanied by a certification from such Person to that effect (in substantially the form of Exhibit C hereto), exchange such beneficial interest for Certificated Preferred Stock representing the same number of shares of Preferred Stock. Upon receipt by the Transfer Agent of written instructions or such other form of instructions as is customary for DTC from DTC or its nominee on behalf of any Person having a beneficial interest in Global Preferred Stock and upon receipt by the Transfer Agent of a written order or such other form of instructions as is customary for DTC or the Person designated by DTC as having such a beneficial interest in a Transfer Restricted Security only, then, the Transfer Agent or DTC, at the direction of the Transfer Agent, will cause, in accordance with the standing instructions and procedures existing between DTC and the Transfer Agent, the number of shares of Preferred Stock represented by Global Preferred Stock to be reduced on its books and records and, following such reduction, the Company will execute and the Transfer Agent will authenticate and deliver to the transferee Certificated Preferred Stock.

 

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(2) Certificated Preferred Stock issued in exchange for a beneficial interest in a Global Preferred Stock pursuant to this paragraph 11(c)(iv) shall be registered in such names and in such authorized denominations as DTC, pursuant to instructions from its direct or indirect participants or otherwise, shall instruct the Transfer Agent. The Transfer Agent shall deliver such Certificated Preferred Stock to the Persons in whose names such Preferred Stock are so registered in accordance with the instructions of DTC.

(v) Restrictions on Transfer and Exchange of Global Preferred Stock.

(1) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Certificate of Designation (other than the provisions set forth in paragraph 11(c)(vi)), Global Preferred Stock may not be transferred as a whole except by DTC to a nominee of DTC or by a nominee of DTC to DTC or another nominee of DTC or by DTC or any such nominee to a successor depository or a nominee of such successor depository.

(2) In the event that the Global Preferred Stock is exchanged for Preferred Stock in definitive registered form pursuant to paragraph 11(c)(vi) prior to the effectiveness of a Shelf Registration Statement with respect to such securities, such Preferred Stock may be exchanged only in accordance with such procedures as are substantially consistent with the provisions of this paragraph 11(c) (including the certification requirements set forth in the Exhibits to this Certificate of Designation intended to ensure that such transfers comply with Rule 144A or such other applicable exemption from registration under the Securities Act, as the case may be) and such other procedures as may from time to time be adopted by the Company.

(vi) Authentication of Certificated Preferred Stock. If at any time:

(1) DTC notifies the Company that DTC is unwilling or unable to continue as depository for the Global Preferred Stock and a successor depository for the Global Preferred Stock is not appointed by the Company within 90 days after delivery of such notice;

(2) DTC ceases to be a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act and a successor depository for the Global Preferred Stock is not appointed by the Company within 90 days; or

(3) the Company, in its sole discretion, notifies the Transfer Agent in writing that it elects to cause the issuance of Certificated Preferred Stock under this Certificate of Designation,

then the Company will execute, and the Transfer Agent, upon receipt of a written order of the Company signed by two Officers or by an Officer and an Assistant Treasurer of the Company requesting the authentication and delivery of Certificated Preferred Stock to the Persons designated by the Company, will authenticate and deliver Certificated Preferred Stock equal to the number of shares of Preferred Stock represented by the Global Preferred Stock, in exchange for such Global Preferred Stock.

 

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(vii) Legend.

(1) Except as permitted by the following paragraph (2) and in paragraph 11(a)(iii), each certificate evidencing the Global Preferred Stock, the Certificated Preferred Stock and Certificated Common Stock shall bear a legend in substantially the following form:

“THE SECURITY EVIDENCED HEREBY (OR ITS PREDECESSOR) WAS ORIGINALLY ISSUED IN A TRANSACTION EXEMPT FROM REGISTRATION UNDER THE UNITED STATES SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 (THE “SECURITIES ACT”), AND THIS SECURITY (AND THE COMMON STOCK INTO WHICH THIS SECURITY IS CONVERTIBLE) MAY NOT BE OFFERED, SOLD OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED IN THE ABSENCE OF SUCH REGISTRATION OR AN APPLICABLE EXEMPTION THEREFROM. EACH PURCHASER OF THE SECURITY EVIDENCED HEREBY IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE SELLER MAY BE RELYING ON THE EXEMPTION FROM THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION 5 OF THE SECURITIES ACT PROVIDED BY RULE 144A THEREUNDER. THE HOLDER OF THE SECURITY EVIDENCED HEREBY AGREES FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE COMPANY THAT (A) SUCH SECURITY (AND THE COMMON STOCK INTO WHICH THIS SECURITY IS CONVERTIBLE) MAY BE OFFERED, RESOLD, PLEDGED OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED, ONLY (1) IN THE UNITED STATES TO A PERSON WHO THE SELLER REASONABLY BELIEVES IS A QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER (AS DEFINED IN RULE 144A UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT) PURCHASING FOR ITS OWN ACCOUNT OR FOR THE ACCOUNT OF A QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER IN A TRANSACTION MEETING THE REQUIREMENTS OF RULE 144A, (2) PURSUANT TO AN EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT PROVIDED BY RULE 144 THEREUNDER (IF AVAILABLE), (3) TO THE COMPANY OR (4) PURSUANT TO AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, IN EACH OF CASES (1) THROUGH (4) IN ACCORDANCE WITH ALL APPLICABLE SECURITIES LAWS OF THE STATES OF THE UNITED STATES AND (B) THE HOLDER WILL, AND EACH SUBSEQUENT HOLDER IS REQUIRED TO, NOTIFY ANY PURCHASER OF THIS SECURITY FROM IT OF THE RESALE RESTRICTIONS REFERRED TO IN (A) ABOVE. IN ANY CASE, THE HOLDER OF THIS SECURITY WILL NOT, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, ENGAGE IN ANY HEDGING TRANSACTION WITH REGARD TO THE SECURITY EXCEPT AS PERMITTED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT.” 1

 

1

Subject to removal upon registration under the Securities Act of 1933 or otherwise when the security shall no longer be a Transfer Restricted Security.

 

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(2) Upon any sale or transfer of a Transfer Restricted Security (including any Transfer Restricted Security represented by Global Preferred Stock) pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act or another exemption from registration under the Securities Act or an effective registration statement under the Securities Act:

(I) in the case of any Transfer Restricted Security that is a Certificated Preferred Stock, the Transfer Agent shall permit the Holder thereof to exchange such Transfer Restricted Security for Certificated Preferred Stock that does not bear a restrictive legend and rescind any restriction on the transfer of such Transfer Restricted Security; and

(II) in the case of any Transfer Restricted Security that is represented by a Global Preferred Stock, with the consent of the Company, the Transfer Agent shall permit the Holder thereof to exchange such Transfer Restricted Security for Certificated Preferred Stock that does not bear the legend set forth above and rescind any restriction on the transfer of such Transfer Restricted Security, if the Holder’s request for such exchange was made in reliance on Rule 144 or another exemption from registration under the Securities Act and the Holder certifies to that effect in writing to the Transfer Agent (such certification to be in the form set forth in Exhibit C hereto).

(viii) Cancelation or Adjustment of Global Preferred Stock. At such time as all beneficial interests in Global Preferred Stock have either been exchanged for Certificated Preferred Stock, converted or canceled, such Global Preferred Stock shall be returned to DTC for cancelation or retained and canceled by the Transfer Agent. At any time prior to such cancelation, if any beneficial interest in Global Preferred Stock is exchanged for Certificated Preferred Stock, converted or canceled, the number of shares of Preferred Stock represented by such Global Preferred Stock shall be reduced and an adjustment shall be made on the books and records of the Transfer Agent with respect to such Global Preferred Stock, by the Transfer Agent or DTC, to reflect such reduction.

(ix) Obligations with Respect to Transfers and Exchanges of Preferred Stock.

(1) To permit registrations of transfers and exchanges, the Company shall execute and the Transfer Agent shall authenticate Certificated Preferred Stock and Global Preferred Stock as required pursuant to the provisions of this paragraph 11(c).

(2) All Certificated Preferred Stock and Global Preferred Stock issued upon any registration of transfer or exchange of Certificated Preferred Stock or Global Preferred Stock shall be the valid obligations of the Company, entitled to the same benefits under this Certificate of Designation as the Certificated Preferred Stock or Global Preferred Stock surrendered upon such registration of transfer or exchange.

 

26


(3) Prior to due presentment for registration of transfer of any shares of Preferred Stock, the Transfer Agent and the Company may deem and treat the Person in whose name such shares of Preferred Stock are registered as the absolute owner of such Preferred Stock and neither the Transfer Agent nor the Company shall be affected by notice to the contrary.

(4) No service charge shall be made to a Holder for any registration of transfer or exchange upon surrender of any Preferred Stock certificate or Common Stock certificate at the office of the Transfer Agent maintained for that purpose. However, the Company may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge that may be imposed in connection with any registration of transfer or exchange of Preferred Stock certificates or Common Stock certificates.

(5) Upon any sale or transfer of shares of Preferred Stock (including any Preferred Stock represented by a Global Preferred Stock Certificate) or of Certificated Common Stock pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act or pursuant to Rule 144 or another exemption from registration under the Securities Act (and based upon an Opinion of Counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Company if it so requests):

(A) in the case of any Certificated Preferred Stock or Certificated Common Stock, the Company and the Transfer Agent shall permit the holder thereof to exchange such Preferred Stock or Certificated Common Stock for Certificated Preferred Stock or Certificated Common Stock, as the case may be, that does not bear a restrictive legend and rescind any restriction on the transfer of such Preferred Stock or Common Stock issuable in respect of the conversion of the Preferred Stock; and

(B) in the case of any Global Preferred Stock, such Preferred Stock shall not be required to bear the legend set forth in paragraph (c)(vii) above but shall continue to be subject to the provisions of paragraph (c)(iv) hereof; provided , however , that with respect to any request for an exchange of Preferred Stock that is represented by Global Preferred Stock for Certificated Preferred Stock that does not bear the legend set forth in paragraph (c)(vii) above in connection with a sale or transfer thereof pursuant to Rule 144 or another exemption from registration under the Securities Act (and based upon an Opinion of Counsel if the Company so requests), the Holder thereof shall certify in writing to the Transfer Agent that such request is being made pursuant to such exemption (such certification to be substantially in the form of Exhibit C hereto).

(x) No Obligation of the Transfer Agent.

 

27


(1) The Transfer Agent shall have no responsibility or obligation to any beneficial owner of Global Preferred Stock, a member of, or a participant in DTC or any other Person with respect to the accuracy of the records of DTC or its nominee or of any participant or member thereof, with respect to any ownership interest in the Preferred Stock or with respect to the delivery to any participant, member, beneficial owner or other Person (other than DTC) of any notice or the payment of any amount, under or with respect to such Global Preferred Stock. All notices and communications to be given to the Holders and all payments to be made to Holders under the Preferred Stock shall be given or made only to the Holders (which shall be DTC or its nominee in the case of the Global Preferred Stock). The rights of beneficial owners in any Global Preferred Stock shall be exercised only through DTC subject to the applicable rules and procedures of DTC. The Transfer Agent may rely and shall be fully protected in relying upon information furnished by DTC with respect to its members, participants and any beneficial owners.

(2) The Transfer Agent shall have no obligation or duty to monitor, determine or inquire as to compliance with any restrictions on transfer imposed under this Certificate of Designation or under applicable law with respect to any transfer of any interest in any Preferred Stock (including any transfers between or among DTC participants, members or beneficial owners in any Global Preferred Stock) other than to require delivery of such certificates and other documentation or evidence as are expressly required by, and to do so if and when expressly required by, the terms of this Certificate of Designation, and to examine the same to determine substantial compliance as to form with the express requirements hereof.

(d) Replacement Certificates . If a mutilated Preferred Stock certificate is surrendered to the Transfer Agent or if the Holder of a Preferred Stock certificate claims that the Preferred Stock certificate has been lost, destroyed or wrongfully taken, the Company shall issue and the Transfer Agent shall countersign a replacement Preferred Stock certificate if the reasonable requirements of the Transfer Agent and of Section 8 – 405 of the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect in the State of Oklahoma are met. If required by the Transfer Agent or the Company, such Holder shall furnish an indemnity bond sufficient in the judgment of the Company and the Transfer Agent to protect the Company and the Transfer Agent from any loss which either of them may suffer if a Preferred Stock certificate is replaced. The Company and the Transfer Agent may charge the Holder for their expenses in replacing a Preferred Stock certificate.

(e) Temporary Certificates . Until definitive Preferred Stock certificates are ready for delivery, the Company may prepare and the Transfer Agent shall countersign temporary Preferred Stock certificates. Temporary Preferred Stock certificates shall be substantially in the form of definitive Preferred Stock certificates but may have variations that the Company considers appropriate for temporary Preferred Stock certificates. Without unreasonable delay, the Company shall prepare and the Transfer Agent shall countersign definitive Preferred Stock certificates and deliver them in exchange for temporary Preferred Stock certificates.

 

28


(f) Cancelation . (i) In the event the Company shall purchase or otherwise acquire Certificated Preferred Stock, the same shall thereupon be delivered to the Transfer Agent for cancelation.

(ii) At such time as all beneficial interests in Global Preferred Stock have either been exchanged for Certificated Preferred Stock, converted, repurchased or canceled, such Global Preferred Stock shall thereupon be delivered to the Transfer Agent for cancelation.

(iii) The Transfer Agent and no one else shall cancel and destroy all Preferred Stock certificates surrendered for transfer, exchange, replacement or cancelation and deliver a certificate of such destruction to the Company unless the Company directs the Transfer Agent to deliver canceled Preferred Stock certificates to the Company. The Company may not issue new Preferred Stock certificates to replace Preferred Stock certificates to the extent they evidence Preferred Stock which the Company has purchased or otherwise acquired.

12. Additional Rights of Holders. In addition to the rights provided to Holders under this Certificate of Designation, Holders shall have the rights set forth in the Registration Rights Agreement.

13. Other Provisions.

(a) With respect to any notice to a holder of shares of Preferred Stock required to be provided hereunder, neither failure to mail such notice, nor any defect therein or in the mailing thereof, to any particular holder shall affect the sufficiency of the notice or the validity of the proceedings referred to in such notice with respect to the other holders or affect the legality or validity of any distribution, rights, warrant, reclassification, consolidation, merger, conveyance, transfer, dissolution, liquidation or winding-up, or the vote upon any such action. Any notice which was mailed in the manner herein provided shall be conclusively presumed to have been duly given whether or not the holder receives the notice.

(b) Shares of Preferred Stock issued and reacquired will be retired and canceled promptly after reacquisition thereof and, upon compliance with the applicable requirements of Oklahoma law, have the status of authorized but unissued shares of preferred stock of the Company undesignated as to series and may with any and all other authorized but unissued shares of preferred stock of the Company be designated or redesignated and issued or reissued, as the case may be, as part of any series of preferred stock of the Corporation, except that any issuance or reissuance of shares of Preferred Stock must be in compliance with this Certificate of Designation.

(c) The shares of Preferred Stock shall be issuable only in whole shares.

(d) All notice periods referred to herein shall commence on the date of the mailing of the applicable notice.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this certificate to be signed and attested this 29th day of March, 2004.

 

29


CHESAPEAKE ENERGY CORPORATION

By:

 

/s/ MARTHA A. BURGER

 

Martha A. Burger

 

Treasurer & Sr. Vice President

 

Attest:

 

/s/ JENNIFER M. GRIGSBY

 

Jennifer M. Grigsby

 

Assistant Treasurer & Corporate Secretary

 

30


EXHIBIT A

FORM OF PREFERRED STOCK

FACE OF SECURITY

[THE SECURITY EVIDENCED HEREBY (OR ITS PREDECESSOR) WAS ORIGINALLY ISSUED IN A TRANSACTION EXEMPT FROM REGISTRATION UNDER THE UNITED STATES SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 (THE “SECURITIES ACT”), AND THIS SECURITY (AND THE COMMON STOCK INTO WHICH THIS SECURITY IS CONVERTIBLE) MAY NOT BE OFFERED, SOLD OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED IN ABSENCE OF SUCH REGISTRATION OR AN APPLICABLE EXEMPTION THEREFROM. EACH PURCHASER OF THE SECURITY EVIDENCED HEREBY IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE SELLER MAY BE RELYING ON THE EXEMPTION FROM THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION 5 OF THE SECURITIES ACT PROVIDED BY RULE 144A THEREUNDER. THE HOLDER OF THE SECURITY EVIDENCED HEREBY AGREES FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE COMPANY THAT (A) SUCH SECURITY (AND THE COMMON STOCK INTO WHICH THIS SECURITY IS CONVERTIBLE) MAY BE OFFERED, RESOLD, PLEDGED OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED, ONLY (1) IN THE UNITED STATES TO A PERSON WHO THE SELLER REASONABLY BELIEVES IS A QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER (AS DEFINED IN RULE 144A UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT) PURCHASING FOR ITS OWN ACCOUNT OR FOR THE ACCOUNT OF A QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER IN A TRANSACTION MEETING THE REQUIREMENTS OF RULE 144A, (2) PURSUANT TO AN EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT PROVIDED BY RULE 144 THEREUNDER (IF AVAILABLE), (3) TO THE COMPANY OR (4) PURSUANT TO AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, IN EACH OF CASES (1) THROUGH (4) IN ACCORDANCE WITH ALL APPLICABLE SECURITIES LAWS OF THE STATES OF THE UNITED STATES AND (B) THE HOLDER WILL, AND EACH SUBSEQUENT HOLDER IS REQUIRED TO, NOTIFY ANY PURCHASER OF THIS SECURITY FROM IT OF THE RESALE RESTRICTIONS REFERRED TO IN (A) ABOVE. IN ANY CASE, THE HOLDER OF THIS SECURITY WILL NOT, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, ENGAGE IN ANY HEDGING TRANSACTION WITH REGARD TO THE SECURITY EXCEPT AS PERMITTED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT.] 1

[UNLESS THIS CERTIFICATE IS PRESENTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY, A NEW YORK CORPORATION (“DTC”), NEW YORK, NEW YORK, TO THE COMPANY OR ITS AGENT FOR REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER, EXCHANGE OR PAYMENT, AND ANY CERTIFICATE ISSUED IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF CEDE & CO. OR SUCH OTHER NAME AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC (AND ANY PAYMENT IS MADE TO CEDE & CO., OR TO SUCH OTHER ENTITY AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC) ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR OTHERWISE BY OR TO ANY PERSON IS WRONGFUL INASMUCH AS THE REGISTERED OWNER HEREOF, CEDE & CO. HAS AN INTEREST HEREIN.] 2

 

1

Subject to removal upon registration under the Securities Act of 1933 or otherwise when the security shall no longer be a Transfer Restricted Security.

 

A-1


[TRANSFERS OF THIS GLOBAL SECURITY SHALL BE LIMITED TO TRANSFERS IN WHOLE, BUT NOT IN PART, TO NOMINEES OF DTC OR TO A SUCCESSOR THEREOF OR SUCH SUCCESSOR’S NOMINEE AND TRANSFERS OF PORTIONS OF THIS GLOBAL SECURITY SHALL BE LIMITED TO TRANSFERS MADE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RESTRICTIONS SET FORTH IN THE CERTIFICATE OF DESIGNATION REFERRED TO BELOW.] 2

IN CONNECTION WITH ANY TRANSFER, THE HOLDER WILL DELIVER TO THE TRANSFER AGENT SUCH CERTIFICATES AND OTHER INFORMATION AS SUCH TRANSFER AGENT MAY REASONABLY REQUIRE TO CONFIRM THAT THE TRANSFER COMPLIES WITH THE FOREGOING RESTRICTIONS.

 

2

Subject to removal if not a global security.

 

A-2


Certificate Number

  Number of Shares of
Convertible Preferred Stock  

[        ]

  [        ]

CUSIP NO.: 165167883

4.125% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock (par value $0.01)

(liquidation preference $1000 per share of Convertible Preferred Stock)

of

Chesapeake Energy Corporation

Chesapeake Energy Corporation, an Oklahoma corporation (the “Company”), hereby certifies that [                      ] (the “Holder”) is the registered owner of [                      ] fully paid and non-assessable preferred securities of the Company designated the 4.125% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock (par value $0.01) (liquidation preference $1000 per share of Preferred Stock) (the “Preferred Stock”). The shares of Preferred Stock are transferable on the books and records of the Transfer Agent, in person or by a duly authorized attorney, upon surrender of this certificate duly endorsed and in proper form for transfer. The designations, rights, privileges, restrictions, preferences and other terms and provisions of the Preferred Stock represented hereby are issued and shall in all respects be subject to the provisions of the Certificate of Designation dated March 29, 2004, as the same may be amended from time to time (the “Certificate of Designation”). Capitalized terms used herein but not defined shall have the meaning given them in the Certificate of Designation. The Company will provide a copy of the Certificate of Designation to a Holder without charge upon written request to the Company at its principal place of business.

Reference is hereby made to select provisions of the Preferred Stock set forth on the reverse hereof, and to the Certificate of Designation, which select provisions and the Certificate of Designation shall for all purposes have the same effect as if set forth at this place.

Upon receipt of this certificate, the Holder is bound by the Certificate of Designation and is entitled to the benefits thereunder.

Unless the Transfer Agent’s Certificate of Authentication hereon has been properly executed, these shares of Preferred Stock shall not be entitled to any benefit under the Certificate of Designation or be valid or obligatory for any purpose.

 

A-3


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has executed this certificate this [        ] day of [    ], 2004.

 

CHESAPEAKE ENERGY CORPORATION

By:

 

 

Name:

 

Title:

 

 

By:

 

 

Name:

 

Title:

 

 

A-4


TRANSFER AGENT’S CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION

These are shares of the Preferred Stock referred to in the within-mentioned Certificate of Designation.

Dated:              , 2004

 

UMB BANK, N.A., as Transfer Agent,

By:

 

 

Authorized Signatory

 

A-5


REVERSE OF SECURITY

Cash dividends on each share of Preferred Stock shall be payable at a rate per annum set forth in the face hereof or as provided in the Certificate of Designation.

The shares of Preferred Stock shall be convertible into the Company’s Common Stock in the manner and according to the terms set forth in the Certificate of Designation.

The Company will furnish without charge to each holder who so requests the powers, designations, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights of each class of stock and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions of such preferences and/or rights.

 

A-6


ASSIGNMENT

 

FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned assigns and transfers the shares of Preferred Stock evidenced hereby to:

 

 

 

 

 

(Insert assignee’s social security or tax identification number)

 

 

 

(Insert address and zip code of assignee)

 

and irrevocably appoints:

 

 

 

 

 

agent to transfer the shares of Preferred Stock evidenced hereby on the books of the Transfer Agent. The agent may substitute another to act for him or her.

Date:                     

Signature:                                                              

(Sign exactly as your name appears on the other side of this Preferred Stock Certificate)

Signature Guarantee: 3                                                              

 

 

3

(Signature must be guaranteed by an “eligible guarantor institution” that is a bank, stockbroker, savings and loan association or credit union meeting the requirements of the Transfer Agent, which requirements include membership or participation in the Securities Transfer Agents Medallion Program (“STAMP”) or such other “signature guarantee program” as may be determined by the Transfer Agent in addition to, or in substitution for, STAMP, all in accordance with the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.)

 

A-7


EXHIBIT B

NOTICE OF CONVERSION

(To be Executed by the Holder

in order to Convert the Preferred Stock)

The undersigned hereby irrevocably elects to convert (the “Conversion”) shares of 4.125% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock (the “Preferred Stock”), represented by stock certificate No(s).              (the “Preferred Stock Certificates”) into shares of common stock (“Common Stock”) of Chesapeake Energy Corporation (the “Company”) according to the conditions of the Certificate of Designation of the Preferred Stock (the “Certificate of Designation”), as of the date written below. If shares are to be issued in the name of a person other than the undersigned, the undersigned will pay all transfer taxes payable with respect thereto and is delivering herewith the Preferred Stock Certificates. No fee will be charged to the holder for any conversion, except for transfer taxes, if any. A copy of each Preferred Stock Certificate is attached hereto (or evidence of loss, theft or destruction thereof).

The undersigned represents and warrants that all offers and sales by the undersigned of the shares of Common Stock issuable to the undersigned upon conversion of the Preferred Stock shall be made pursuant to registration of the Common Stock under the Securities Act of 1933 (the “Act”), or pursuant to any exemption from registration under the Act.

Any holder, upon the exercise of its conversion rights in accordance with the terms of the Certificate of Designation and the Preferred Stock, agrees to be bound by the terms of the Registration Rights Agreement.

Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed thereto in or pursuant to the Certificate of Designation.

Date of Conversion:                     

Applicable Conversion Price:                                                                                  

Number of shares of Preferred Stock to be Converted:                                     

Number of shares of Common Stock to be Issued: *                                         

Signature:                                                                                                                   

Name:                                                                                                                         

Address:**                                                                                                                 

Fax No.:                                                                                                                       

 

*

The Company is not required to issue shares of Common Stock until the original Preferred Stock Certificate(s) (or evidence of loss, theft or destruction thereof) to be converted are received

 

B-1


 

by the Company or its Transfer Agent. The Company shall issue and deliver shares of Common Stock to an overnight courier not later than three business days following receipt of the original Preferred Stock Certificate(s) to be converted.

 

**

Address where shares of Common Stock and any other payments or certificates shall be sent by the Company.

 

B-2


EXHIBIT C

CERTIFICATE TO BE DELIVERED UPON EXCHANGE OR

REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER OF PREFERRED STOCK

 

Re:

4.125% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock (the “Preferred Stock”) of Chesapeake Energy Corporation (the “Company”)

This Certificate relates to              shares of Preferred Stock held in ¨ */ book-entry or ¨ */ definitive form by                      (the “Transferor”).

The Transferor*:

 

  ¨

has requested the Transfer Agent by written order to deliver in exchange for its beneficial interest in the Preferred Stock held by the Depository shares of Preferred Stock in definitive, registered form equal to its beneficial interest in such Preferred Stock (or the portion thereof indicated above); or

 

  ¨

has requested the Transfer Agent by written order to exchange or register the transfer of Preferred Stock.

In connection with such request and in respect of such Preferred Stock, the Transferor does hereby certify that the Transferor is familiar with the Certificate of Designation relating to the above-captioned Preferred Stock and that the transfer of this Preferred Stock does not require registration under the Securities Act of 1933 (the “Securities Act”) because */:

 

  ¨

Such Preferred Stock is being acquired for the Transferor’s own account without transfer.

 

  ¨

Such Preferred Stock is being transferred to the Company.

 

  ¨

Such Preferred Stock is being transferred to a qualified institutional buyer (as defined in Rule 144A under the Securities Act), in reliance on Rule 144A.

 

  ¨

Such Preferred Stock is being transferred in reliance on and in compliance with another exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act (and based on an Opinion of Counsel if the Company so requests).

 

 

[INSERT NAME OF TRANSFEROR]

by:

 

 

Date:                     

 

*/

Please check applicable box.


CERTIFICATE OF ELIMINATION

Chesapeake Energy Corporation (the “Corporation”), a corporation organized and existing under the Oklahoma General Corporation Act,

DOES HEREBY CERTIFY:

FIRST: That the Corporation has acquired 45,000 shares of its 4.125% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $.01 per share (the “Acquired Shares”).

SECOND: That the Board of Directors of the Corporation has adopted resolutions retiring the Acquired Shares.

THIRD: That the Certificate of Designation for the 4.125% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock (the “Certificate of Designation”) prohibits the reissuance of shares when so retired and, pursuant to the provisions of Section 1078 of the Oklahoma General Corporation Act, upon the date of the filing of this Certificate of Elimination, the Certificate of Designation shall be amended so as to reduce the number of authorized shares of the 4.125% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock by 45,000 shares, being the total number of the Acquired Shares retired by the Board of Directors. Accordingly, the number of authorized but undesignated shares of preferred stock of the Company shall be increased by 45,000 shares. The retired Acquired Shares have a par value of $.01 per share and an aggregate par value of $450.00.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the Corporation has caused this Certificate to be executed by its Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, and attested to by its Secretary, this 1 st day of July, 2005.

 

CHESAPEAKE ENERGY CORPORATION

By:

 

/s/ Marcus C. Rowland

 

Marcus C. Rowland

 

Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

 

ATTEST:

/s/ Jennifer M. Grigsby

Jennifer M. Grigsby, Secretary


CERTIFICATE OF ELIMINATION

Chesapeake Energy Corporation (the “Corporation”), a corporation organized and existing under the Oklahoma General Corporation Act,

DOES HEREBY CERTIFY:

FIRST: That the Corporation has acquired 34,452 shares of its 4.125% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $.01 per share (the “Acquired Shares”).

SECOND: That the Board of Directors of the Corporation has adopted resolutions retiring the Acquired Shares.

THIRD: That the Certificate of Designation for the 4.125% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock (the “Certificate of Designation”) prohibits the reissuance of shares when so retired and, pursuant to the provisions of Section 1078 of the Oklahoma General Corporation Act, upon the date of the filing of this Certificate of Elimination, the Certificate of Designation shall be amended so as to reduce the number of authorized shares of the 4.125% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock by 34,452 shares, being the total number of the Acquired Shares retired by the Board of Directors. Accordingly, the number of authorized but undesignated shares of preferred stock of the Company shall be increased by 34,452 shares. The retired Acquired Shares have a par value of $.01 per share and an aggregate par value of $344.52.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the Corporation has caused this Certificate to be executed by its Treasurer and Senior Vice President – Human Resources, and attested to by its Secretary, this 22 nd day of July, 2005.

 

CHESAPEAKE ENERGY CORPORATION

By:

 

/s/ MARTHA A. BURGER

 

Martha A. Burger

 

Treasurer & Senior Vice President Human Resources

ATTEST:

 

/s/ JENNIFER M. GRIGSBY

Jennifer M. Grigsby

Secretary


CERTIFICATE OF ELIMINATION

Chesapeake Energy Corporation (the “Corporation”), a corporation organized and existing under the Oklahoma General Corporation Act,

DOES HEREBY CERTIFY:

FIRST: That the Corporation has acquired 41,765 shares of its 4.125% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $.01 per share (the “Acquired Shares”).

SECOND: That the Board of Directors of the Corporation has adopted resolutions retiring the Acquired Shares.

THIRD: That the Certificate of Designation for the 4.125% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock (the “Certificate of Designation”) prohibits the reissuance of shares when so retired and, pursuant to the provisions of Section 1078 of the Oklahoma General Corporation Act, upon the date of the filing of this Certificate of Elimination, the Certificate of Designation shall be amended so as to reduce the number of authorized shares of the 4.125% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock by 41,765 shares, being the total number of the Acquired Shares retired by the Board of Directors. Accordingly, the number of authorized but undesignated shares of preferred stock of the Company shall be increased by 41,765 shares. The retired Acquired Shares have a par value of $.01 per share and an aggregate par value of $417.65.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the Corporation has caused this Certificate to be executed by its Treasurer and Senior Vice President – Human Resources, and attested to by its Secretary, this 15 th day of August, 2005.

 

CHESAPEAKE ENERGY CORPORATION

By:

 

/s/ Martha A. Burger

 

Martha A. Burger

 

Treasurer & Senior Vice President Human Resources

ATTEST:

 

/s/ Jennifer M. Grigsby

Jennifer M. Grigsby

Secretary


CERTIFICATE OF ELIMINATION

Chesapeake Energy Corporation (the “Corporation”), a corporation organized and existing under the Oklahoma General Corporation Act,

DOES HEREBY CERTIFY:

FIRST: That the Corporation has acquired 12,558 shares of its 4.125% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $.01 per share (the “Acquired Shares”).

SECOND: That the Board of Directors of the Corporation has adopted resolutions retiring the Acquired Shares.

THIRD: That the Certificate of Designation for the 4.125% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock (the “Certificate of Designation”) prohibits the reissuance of shares when so retired and, pursuant to the provisions of Section 1078 of the Oklahoma General Corporation Act, upon the date of the filing of this Certificate of Elimination, the Certificate of Designation shall be amended so as to reduce the number of authorized shares of the 4.125% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock by 12,558 shares, being the total number of the Acquired Shares retired by the Board of Directors. Accordingly, the number of authorized but undesignated shares of preferred stock of the Company shall be increased by 12,558 shares. The retired Acquired Shares have a par value of $.01 per share and an aggregate par value of $125.58.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the Corporation has caused this Certificate to be executed by its Treasurer and Senior Vice President – Human Resources, and attested to by its Secretary, this 17 th day of August, 2005.

 

CHESAPEAKE ENERGY CORPORATION

By:

 

/s/ Martha A. Burger

 

Martha A. Burger

 

Treasurer & Senior Vice President Human Resources

ATTEST:

 

/s/ Jennifer M. Grigsby

Jennifer M. Grigsby

Secretary


CERTIFICATE OF ELIMINATION

Chesapeake Energy Corporation (the “Corporation”), a corporation organized and existing under the Oklahoma General Corporation Act,

DOES HEREBY CERTIFY:

FIRST: That the Corporation has acquired 13,540 shares of its 4.125% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $.01 per share (the “Acquired Shares”).

SECOND: That the Board of Directors of the Corporation has adopted resolutions retiring the Acquired Shares.

THIRD: That the Certificate of Designation for the 4.125% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock (the “Certificate of Designation”) prohibits the reissuance of shares when so retired and, pursuant to the provisions of Section 1078 of the Oklahoma General Corporation Act, upon the date of the filing of this Certificate of Elimination, the Certificate of Designation shall be amended so as to reduce the number of authorized shares of the 4.125% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock by 13,540 shares, being the total number of the Acquired Shares retired by the Board of Directors. Accordingly, the number of authorized but undesignated shares of preferred stock of the Company shall be increased by 13,540 shares. The retired Acquired Shares have a par value of $.01 per share and an aggregate par value of $135.40.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the Corporation has caused this Certificate to be executed by its Treasurer and Senior Vice President – Human Resources, and attested to by its Secretary, this 23 rd day of August, 2005.

 

CHESAPEAKE ENERGY CORPORATION

By:

 

/s/ Martha A. Burger

 

Martha A. Burger

 

Treasurer & Senior Vice President Human Resources

ATTEST:

 

/s/ Jennifer M. Grigsby

Jennifer M. Grigsby

Secretary


CERTIFICATE OF ELIMINATION

Chesapeake Energy Corporation (the “Corporation”), a corporation organized and existing under the Oklahoma General Corporation Act,

DOES HEREBY CERTIFY:

FIRST: That the Corporation has acquired 27,325 shares of its 4.125% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $.01 per share (the “Acquired Shares”).

SECOND: That the Board of Directors of the Corporation has adopted resolutions retiring the Acquired Shares.

THIRD: That the Certificate of Designation for the 4.125% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock (the “Certificate of Designation”) prohibits the reissuance of shares when so retired and, pursuant to the provisions of Section 1078 of the Oklahoma General Corporation Act, upon the date of the filing of this Certificate of Elimination, the Certificate of Designation shall be amended so as to reduce the number of authorized shares of the 4.125% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock by 27,325 shares, being the total number of the Acquired Shares retired by the Board of Directors. Accordingly, the number of authorized but undesignated shares of preferred stock of the Company shall be increased by 27,325 shares. The retired Acquired Shares have a par value of $.01 per share and an aggregate par value of $273.25.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the Corporation has caused this Certificate to be executed by its Treasurer and Senior Vice President – Human Resources, and attested to by its Secretary, this 27 th day of September, 2005.

 

CHESAPEAKE ENERGY CORPORATION

By:

 

/s/ Martha A. Burger

 

Martha A. Burger

 

Treasurer & Senior Vice President Human Resources

ATTEST:

 

/s/ Jennifer M. Grigsby

Jennifer M. Grigsby

Secretary


CERTIFICATE OF ELIMINATION

Chesapeake Energy Corporation (the “Corporation”), a corporation organized and existing under the Oklahoma General Corporation Act,

DOES HEREBY CERTIFY:

FIRST: That the Corporation has acquired 4,035 shares of its 4.125% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $.01 per share (the “Acquired Shares”).

SECOND: That the Board of Directors of the Corporation has adopted resolutions retiring the Acquired Shares.

THIRD: That the Certificate of Designation for the 4.125% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock (the “Certificate of Designation”) prohibits the reissuance of shares when so retired and, pursuant to the provisions of Section 1078 of the Oklahoma General Corporation Act, upon the date of the filing of this Certificate of Elimination, the Certificate of Designation shall be amended so as to reduce the number of authorized shares of the 4.125% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock by 4,035 shares, being the total number of the Acquired Shares retired by the Board of Directors. Accordingly, the number of authorized but undesignated shares of preferred stock of the Company shall be increased by 4,035 shares. The retired Acquired Shares have a par value of $.01 per share and an aggregate par value of $40.35.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the Corporation has caused this Certificate to be executed by its Treasurer and Senior Vice President – Human Resources, and attested to by its Secretary, this 30 th day of September, 2005.

 

CHESAPEAKE ENERGY CORPORATION

By:

 

/s/ Martha A. Burger

 

Martha A. Burger

 

Treasurer & Senior Vice President Human Resources

ATTEST:

 

/s/ Jennifer M. Grigsby

Jennifer M. Grigsby

Secretary


CERTIFICATE OF ELIMINATION

Chesapeake Energy Corporation (the “Corporation”), a corporation organized and existing under the Oklahoma General Corporation Act,

DOES HEREBY CERTIFY:

FIRST: That the Corporation has acquired 4,530 shares of its 4.125% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $.01 per share (the “Acquired Shares”).

SECOND: That the Board of Directors of the Corporation has adopted resolutions retiring the Acquired Shares.

THIRD: That the Certificate of Designation for the 4.125% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock (the “Certificate of Designation”) prohibits the reissuance of shares when so retired and, pursuant to the provisions of Section 1078 of the Oklahoma General Corporation Act, upon the date of the filing of this Certificate of Elimination, the Certificate of Designation shall be amended so as to reduce the number of authorized shares of the 4.125% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock by 4,530 shares, being the total number of the Acquired Shares retired by the Board of Directors. Accordingly, the number of authorized but undesignated shares of preferred stock of the Company shall be increased by 4,530 shares. The retired Acquired Shares have a par value of $.01 per share and an aggregate par value of $45.30.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the Corporation has caused this Certificate to be executed by its Treasurer and Senior Vice President – Human Resources, and attested to by its Secretary, this 6 th day of October, 2005.

 

CHESAPEAKE ENERGY CORPORATION

By:

 

/s/ Martha A. Burger

 

Martha A. Burger

 

Treasurer & Senior Vice President Human Resources

ATTEST:

 

/s/ Jennifer M. Grigsby

Jennifer M. Grigsby

Secretary


CERTIFICATE OF ELIMINATION

Chesapeake Energy Corporation (the “Corporation”), a corporation organized and existing under the Oklahoma General Corporation Act,

DOES HEREBY CERTIFY:

FIRST: That the Corporation has acquired 3,950 shares of its 4.125% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $.01 per share (the “Acquired Shares”).

SECOND: That the Board of Directors of the Corporation has adopted resolutions retiring the Acquired Shares.

THIRD: That the Certificate of Designation for the 4.125% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock (the “Certificate of Designation”) prohibits the reissuance of shares when so retired and, pursuant to the provisions of Section 1078 of the Oklahoma General Corporation Act, upon the date of the filing of this Certificate of Elimination, the Certificate of Designation shall be amended so as to reduce the number of authorized shares of the 4.125% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock by 3,950 shares, being the total number of the Acquired Shares retired by the Board of Directors. Accordingly, the number of authorized but undesignated shares of preferred stock of the Company shall be increased by 3,950 shares. The retired Acquired Shares have a par value of $.01 per share and an aggregate par value of $39.50.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the Corporation has caused this Certificate to be executed by its Treasurer and Senior Vice President – Human Resources, and attested to by its Secretary, this 21 st day of October, 2005.

 

CHESAPEAKE ENERGY CORPORATION

By:

 

/s/ Martha A. Burger

 

Martha A. Burger

 

Treasurer & Senior Vice President Human Resources

ATTEST:

 

/s/ Jennifer M. Grigsby

Jennifer M. Grigsby

Secretary


CERTIFICATE OF ELIMINATION

Chesapeake Energy Corporation (the “Corporation”), a corporation organized and existing under the Oklahoma General Corporation Act,

DOES HEREBY CERTIFY:

FIRST: That the Corporation has acquired 29,285 shares of its 4.125% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $.01 per share (the “Acquired Shares”).

SECOND: That the Board of Directors of the Corporation has adopted resolutions retiring the Acquired Shares.

THIRD: That the Certificate of Designation for the 4.125% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock (the “Certificate of Designation”) prohibits the reissuance of shares when so retired and, pursuant to the provisions of Section 1078 of the Oklahoma General Corporation Act, upon the date of the filing of this Certificate of Elimination, the Certificate of Designation shall be amended so as to reduce the number of authorized shares of the 4.125% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock by 29,285 shares, being the total number of the Acquired Shares retired by the Board of Directors. Accordingly, the number of authorized but undesignated shares of preferred stock of the Company shall be increased by 29,285 shares. The retired Acquired Shares have a par value of $.01 per share and an aggregate par value of $292.85.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the Corporation has caused this Certificate to be executed by its Treasurer and Senior Vice President – Human Resources, and attested to by its Secretary, this 14 th day of November, 2005.

 

CHESAPEAKE ENERGY CORPORATION

By:

 

/s/ Martha A. Burger

 

Martha A. Burger

 

Treasurer & Senior Vice President Human Resources

ATTEST:

 

/s/ Jennifer M. Grigsby

Jennifer M. Grigsby

Secretary


CERTIFICATE OF ELIMINATION

Chesapeake Energy Corporation (the “Corporation”), a corporation organized and existing under the Oklahoma General Corporation Act,

DOES HEREBY CERTIFY:

FIRST: That the Corporation has acquired 2,000 shares of its 4.125% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $.01 per share (the “Acquired Shares”).

SECOND: That the Board of Directors of the Corporation has adopted resolutions retiring the Acquired Shares.

THIRD: That the Certificate of Designation for the 4.125% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock (the “Certificate of Designation”) prohibits the reissuance of shares when so retired and, pursuant to the provisions of Section 1078 of the Oklahoma General Corporation Act, upon the date of the filing of this Certificate of Elimination, the Certificate of Designation shall be amended so as to reduce the number of authorized shares of the 4.125% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock by 2,000 shares, being the total number of the Acquired Shares retired by the Board of Directors. Accordingly, the number of authorized but undesignated shares of preferred stock of the Company shall be increased by 2,000 shares. The retired Acquired Shares have a par value of $.01 per share and an aggregate par value of $20.00.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the Corporation has caused this Certificate to be executed by its Treasurer and Senior Vice President – Human Resources, and attested to by its Secretary, this 18 th day of November, 2005.

 

CHESAPEAKE ENERGY CORPORATION

By:

 

/s/ Martha A. Burger

 

Martha A. Burger

 

Treasurer & Senior Vice President Human Resources

ATTEST:

 

/s/ Jennifer M. Grigsby

Jennifer M. Grigsby

Secretary


CERTIFICATE OF ELIMINATION

Chesapeake Energy Corporation (the “Corporation”), a corporation organized and existing under the Oklahoma General Corporation Act,

DOES HEREBY CERTIFY:

FIRST: That the Corporation has acquired 1,750 shares of its 4.125% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $.01 per share (the “Acquired Shares”).

SECOND: That the Board of Directors of the Corporation has adopted resolutions retiring the Acquired Shares.

THIRD: That the Certificate of Designation for the 4.125% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock (the “Certificate of Designation”) prohibits the reissuance of shares when so retired and, pursuant to the provisions of Section 1078 of the Oklahoma General Corporation Act, upon the date of the filing of this Certificate of Elimination, the Certificate of Designation shall be amended so as to reduce the number of authorized shares of the 4.125% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock by 1,750 shares, being the total number of the Acquired Shares retired by the Board of Directors. Accordingly, the number of authorized but undesignated shares of preferred stock of the Company shall be increased by 1,750 shares. The retired Acquired Shares have a par value of $.01 per share and an aggregate par value of $17.50.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the Corporation has caused this Certificate to be executed by its Treasurer and Senior Vice President – Human Resources, and attested to by its Secretary, this 20 th day of December, 2005.

 

CHESAPEAKE ENERGY CORPORATION

By:

 

/s/ Martha A. Burger

 

Martha A. Burger

 

Treasurer & Senior Vice President Human Resources

ATTEST:

 

/s/ Jennifer M. Grigsby

Jennifer M. Grigsby

Secretary


CERTIFICATE OF ELIMINATION

Chesapeake Energy Corporation (the “Corporation”), a corporation organized and existing under the Oklahoma General Corporation Act,

DOES HEREBY CERTIFY:

FIRST: That the Corporation has acquired 4,000 shares of its 4.125% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $.01 per share (the “Acquired Shares”).

SECOND: That the Board of Directors of the Corporation has adopted resolutions retiring the Acquired Shares.

THIRD: That the Certificate of Designation for the 4.125% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock (the “Certificate of Designation”) prohibits the reissuance of shares when so retired and, pursuant to the provisions of Section 1078 of the Oklahoma General Corporation Act, upon the date of the filing of this Certificate of Elimination, the Certificate of Designation shall be amended so as to reduce the number of authorized shares of the 4.125% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock by 4,000 shares, being the total number of the Acquired Shares retired by the Board of Directors. Accordingly, the number of authorized but undesignated shares of preferred stock of the Company shall be increased by 4,000 shares. The retired Acquired Shares have a par value of $.01 per share and an aggregate par value of $40.00.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the Corporation has caused this Certificate to be executed by its Treasurer and Senior Vice President – Human Resources, and attested to by its Secretary, this 23 rd day of December, 2005.

 

CHESAPEAKE ENERGY CORPORATION

By:

 

/s/ Martha A. Burger

 

Martha A. Burger

 

Treasurer & Senior Vice President Human Resources

ATTEST:

 

/s/ Jennifer M. Grigsby

Jennifer M. Grigsby

Secretary


CERTIFICATE OF ELIMINATION

Chesapeake Energy Corporation (the “Corporation”), a corporation organized and existing under the Oklahoma General Corporation Act,

DOES HEREBY CERTIFY:

FIRST: That the Corporation has acquired 2,750 shares of its 4.125% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $.01 per share (the “Acquired Shares”).

SECOND: That the Board of Directors of the Corporation has adopted resolutions retiring the Acquired Shares.

THIRD: That the Certificate of Designation for the 4.125% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock (the “Certificate of Designation”) prohibits the reissuance of shares when so retired and, pursuant to the provisions of Section 1078 of the Oklahoma General Corporation Act, upon the date of the filing of this Certificate of Elimination, the Certificate of Designation shall be amended so as to reduce the number of authorized shares of the 4.125% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock by 2,750 shares, being the total number of the Acquired Shares retired by the Board of Directors. Accordingly, the number of authorized but undesignated shares of preferred stock of the Company shall be increased by 2,750 shares. The retired Acquired Shares have a par value of $.01 per share and an aggregate par value of $27.50.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the Corporation has caused this Certificate to be executed by its Treasurer and Senior Vice President – Human Resources, and attested to by its Secretary, this 23 rd day of January, 2006.

 

CHESAPEAKE ENERGY CORPORATION

By:

 

/s/ Martha A. Burger

 

Martha A. Burger

 

Treasurer & Senior Vice President Human Resources

ATTEST:

 

/s/ Jennifer M. Grigsby

Jennifer M. Grigsby

Secretary


CERTIFICATE OF ELIMINATION

Chesapeake Energy Corporation (the “Corporation”), a corporation organized and existing under the Oklahoma General Corporation Act,

DOES HEREBY CERTIFY:

FIRST: That the Corporation has acquired 83,245 shares of its 4.125% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $.01 per share (the “Acquired Shares”).

SECOND: That the Board of Directors of the Corporation has adopted resolutions retiring the Acquired Shares.

THIRD: That the Certificate of Designation for the 4.125% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock (the “Certificate of Designation”) prohibits the reissuance of shares when so retired and, pursuant to the provisions of Section 1078 of the Oklahoma General Corporation Act, upon the date of the filing of this Certificate of Elimination, the Certificate of Designation shall be amended so as to reduce the number of authorized shares of the 4.125% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock by 83,245 shares, being the total number of the Acquired Shares retired by the Board of Directors. Accordingly, the number of authorized but undesignated shares of preferred stock of the Company shall be increased by 83,245 shares. The retired Acquired Shares have a par value of $.01 per share and an aggregate par value of $832.45.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the Corporation has caused this Certificate to be executed by its Treasurer and Senior Vice President – Human Resources, and attested to by its Secretary, this 2 nd day of June, 2006.

 

CHESAPEAKE ENERGY CORPORATION

By:

 

/s/ Martha A. Burger

 

Martha A. Burger

 

Treasurer & Senior Vice President Human Resources

ATTEST:

 

/s/ Jennifer M. Grigsby

Jennifer M. Grigsby

Secretary


CERTIFICATE OF ELIMINATION

Chesapeake Energy Corporation (the “Corporation”), a corporation organized and existing under the Oklahoma General Corporation Act,

DOES HEREBY CERTIFY:

FIRST: That the Corporation has acquired 3 shares of its 4.125% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $.01 per share (the “Acquired Shares”).

SECOND: That the Board of Directors of the Corporation has adopted resolutions retiring the Acquired Shares.

THIRD: That the Certificate of Designation for the 4.125% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock (the “Certificate of Designation”) prohibits the reissuance of shares when so retired and, pursuant to the provisions of Section 1078 of the Oklahoma General Corporation Act, upon the date of the filing of this Certificate of Elimination, the Certificate of Designation shall be amended so as to reduce the number of authorized shares of the 4.125% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock by 3 shares, being the total number of the Acquired Shares retired by the Board of Directors. Accordingly, the number of authorized but undesignated shares of preferred stock of the Company shall be increased by 3 shares. The retired Acquired Shares have a par value of $.01 per share and an aggregate par value of $.03.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the Corporation has caused this Certificate to be executed by its Senior Vice President, Treasurer and Corporate Secretary, and attested to by its Assistant Secretary, this 30 th day of April, 2007.

 

CHESAPEAKE ENERGY CORPORATION

By:

 

/s/ Jennifer M. Grigsby

 

Jennifer M. Grigsby

 

Senior Vice President, Treasurer & Corporate Secretary

ATTEST:

 

/s/ Anita L. Brodrick

Anita L. Brodrick

Assistant Secretary


CERTIFICATE OF ELIMINATION

Chesapeake Energy Corporation (the “Corporation”), a corporation organized and existing under the Oklahoma General Corporation Act,

DOES HEREBY CERTIFY:

FIRST: That the Corporation has acquired 3 shares of its 4.125% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $.01 per share (the “Acquired Shares”).

SECOND: That the Board of Directors of the Corporation has adopted resolutions retiring the Acquired Shares.

THIRD: That the Certificate of Designation for the 4.125% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock (the “Certificate of Designation”) prohibits the reissuance of shares when so retired and, pursuant to the provisions of Section 1078 of the Oklahoma General Corporation Act, upon the date of the filing of this Certificate of Elimination, the Certificate of Designation shall be amended so as to reduce the number of authorized shares of the 4.125% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock by 3 shares, being the total number of the Acquired Shares retired by the Board of Directors. Accordingly, the number of authorized but undesignated shares of preferred stock of the Company shall be increased by 3 shares. The retired Acquired Shares have a par value of $.01 per share and an aggregate par value of $.03.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the Corporation has caused this Certificate to be executed by its Senior Vice President, Treasurer and Corporate Secretary, and attested to by its Assistant Secretary, this 29 th day of May, 2008.

 

CHESAPEAKE ENERGY CORPORATION

By:

 

/s/ Jennifer M. Grigsby

 

Jennifer M. Grigsby

 

Senior Vice President, Treasurer & Corporate Secretary

ATTEST:

 

/s/ Anita L. Brodrick

Anita L. Brodrick

Assistant Secretary


CERTIFICATE OF ELIMINATION

Chesapeake Energy Corporation (the “Corporation”), a corporation organized and existing under the Oklahoma General Corporation Act,

DOES HEREBY CERTIFY:

FIRST: That the Corporation has acquired 10 shares of its 4.125% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $.01 per share (the “Acquired Shares”).

SECOND: That the Board of Directors of the Corporation has adopted resolutions retiring the Acquired Shares.

THIRD: That the Certificate of Designation for the 4.125% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock (the “Certificate of Designation”) prohibits the reissuance of shares when so retired and, pursuant to the provisions of Section 1078 of the Oklahoma General Corporation Act, upon the date of the filing of this Certificate of Elimination, the Certificate of Designation shall be amended so as to reduce the number of authorized shares of the 4.125% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock by 10 shares, being the total number of the Acquired Shares retired by the Board of Directors. Accordingly, the number of authorized but undesignated shares of preferred stock of the Company shall be increased by 10 shares. The retired Acquired Shares have a par value of $.01 per share and an aggregate par value of $.10.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the Corporation has caused this Certificate to be executed by its Senior Vice President, Treasurer and Corporate Secretary, and attested to by its Assistant Secretary, this 11 th day of July, 2008.

 

CHESAPEAKE ENERGY CORPORATION

By:

 

/s/ Jennifer M. Grigsby

 

Jennifer M. Grigsby

 

Senior Vice President, Treasurer & Corporate Secretary

ATTEST:

 

/s/ Anita L. Brodrick

Anita L. Brodrick

Assistant Secretary


CERTIFICATE OF ELIMINATION

Chesapeake Energy Corporation (the “Corporation”), a corporation organized and existing under the Oklahoma General Corporation Act,

DOES HEREBY CERTIFY:

FIRST: That the Corporation has acquired 16 shares of its 4.125% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $.01 per share (the “Acquired Shares”).

SECOND: That the Board of Directors of the Corporation has adopted resolutions retiring the Acquired Shares.

THIRD: That the Certificate of Designation for the 4.125% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock (the “Certificate of Designation”) prohibits the reissuance of shares when so retired and, pursuant to the provisions of Section 1078 of the Oklahoma General Corporation Act, upon the date of the filing of this Certificate of Elimination, the Certificate of Designation shall be amended so as to reduce the number of authorized shares of the 4.125% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock by 16 shares, being the total number of the Acquired Shares retired by the Board of Directors. Accordingly, the number of authorized but undesignated shares of preferred stock of the Company shall be increased by 16 shares. The retired Acquired Shares have a par value of $.01 per share and an aggregate par value of $0.16.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the Corporation has caused this Certificate to be executed by its Senior Vice President, Treasurer and Corporate Secretary, and attested to by its Assistant Secretary, this 1 st day of August, 2008.

 

CHESAPEAKE ENERGY CORPORATION

By:

 

/s/ Jennifer M. Grigsby

 

Jennifer M. Grigsby

 

Senior Vice President, Treasurer & Corporate Secretary

ATTEST:

 

/s/ Anita L. Brodrick

Anita L. Brodrick

Assistant Secretary

Exhibit 3.1.4

CERTIFICATE OF DESIGNATION

OF

5.00% CUMULATIVE CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK (SERIES 2005B)

OF

CHESAPEAKE ENERGY CORPORATION

Pursuant to Section 1032(G) of the Oklahoma General Corporation Act

CHESAPEAKE ENERGY CORPORATION, an Oklahoma corporation (the “Company”), does hereby certify that the following resolution was duly adopted by action of the Board of Directors of the Company, with the provisions thereof fixing the number of shares of the series and the dividend rate being set by action of the Board of Directors of the Company:

RESOLVED that pursuant to the authority expressly granted to and vested in the Board of Directors of the Company by the provisions of Article IV, Section 1 of the Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, as amended from time to time (the “Certificate of Incorporation”), and pursuant to Section 1032(G) of the Oklahoma General Corporation Act, the Board of Directors hereby creates a series of preferred stock of the Company and hereby states that the voting powers, designations, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights of which, and qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof (in addition to the provisions set forth in the Certificate of Incorporation which are applicable to the preferred stock of all classes and series), shall be as follows:

1. Designation and Amount; Ranking

(a) There shall be created from the 20,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Company authorized to be issued pursuant to the Certificate of Incorporation, a series of preferred stock, designated as the “5.00% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock (Series 2005B),” par value $0.01 per share (the “Preferred Stock”), and the number of shares of such series shall be 5,750,000. Such number of shares may be decreased by resolution of the Board of Directors; provided that no decrease shall reduce the number of shares of Preferred Stock to a number less than that of the shares of Preferred Stock then outstanding plus the number of shares issuable upon exercise of options or rights then outstanding.

(b) The Preferred Stock will, with respect to both dividend rights and rights upon the liquidation, winding-up or dissolution of the Company, rank on a parity with the 6.00% Preferred Stock, the 5.00% Preferred Stock (Series 2003), the 4.125% Preferred Stock, the 5.00% Preferred Stock (Series 2005) and the 4.50% Preferred Stock and the Preferred Stock will, with respect to dividend rights or rights upon the liquidation, winding-up or dissolution of the Company rank (i) senior to all Junior Stock, (ii) on a parity with all other Parity Stock and (iii) junior to all Senior Stock.


2. Definitions. As used herein, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

(a) “4.125% Preferred Stock” shall mean the series of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Company designated as the “4.125% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock.”

(b) “4.50% Preferred Stock” shall mean the series of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Company designated as the “4.50% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock.”

(c) “5.00% Preferred Stock (Series 2003)” shall mean the series of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Company designated as the “5.00% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock.”

(d) “5.00% Preferred Stock (Series 2005)” shall mean the series of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Company designated as the “5.00% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock (Series 2005).”

(e) “6.00% Preferred Stock” shall mean the series of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Company designated as the “6.00% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock.”

(f) “Accrued Dividends” shall mean, with respect to any share of Preferred Stock, as of any date, the accrued and unpaid dividends on such share from and including the most recent Dividend Payment Date (or the Issue Date, if such date is prior to the first Dividend Payment Date) to but not including such date.

(g) “Accumulated Dividends” shall mean, with respect to any share of Preferred Stock, as of any date, the aggregate accumulated and unpaid dividends on such share from the Issue Date until the most recent Dividend Payment Date on or prior to such date. There shall be no Accumulated Dividends with respect to any share of Preferred Stock prior to the first Dividend Payment Date.

(h) “Affiliate” shall have the meaning ascribed to it, on the date hereof, under Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

(i) “Board of Directors” shall mean the Board of Directors of the Company or, with respect to any action to be taken by the Board of Directors, any committee of the Board of Directors duly authorized to take such action.

(j) “Business Day” shall mean any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banks in The City of New York are authorized or required by law or executive order to close.

(k) “Closing Sale Price” of the Common Stock on any date means the closing sale price per share (or if no closing sale price is reported, the average of the closing bid and ask prices or, if more than one in either case, the average of the average closing bid and the average closing ask prices) on such date as reported on the principal United States securities exchange on

 

2


which the Common Stock is traded or, if the Common Stock is not listed on a United States national or regional securities exchange, as reported by Nasdaq or by the National Quotation Bureau Incorporated. In the absence of such a quotation, the Closing Sale Price will be an amount determined in good faith by the Board of Directors to be the fair value of the Common Stock.

(l) “Common Stock” shall mean the common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Company, or any other class of stock resulting from successive changes or reclassifications of such common stock consisting solely of changes in par value, or from par value to no par value, or as a result of a subdivision, combination, merger, consolidation or similar transaction in which the Company is a constituent corporation.

(m) “Conversion Price” shall mean $39.07, subject to adjustment as set forth in Section 7(d).

(n) “DTC” or “Depository” shall mean The Depository Trust Company.

(o) “Dividend Payment Date” shall mean February 15, May 15, August 15 and November 15 of each year, commencing February 15, 2006.

(p) “Dividend Record Date” shall mean February 1, May 1, August 1 and November 1 of each year.

(q) “Effective Date” shall mean the date on which a Fundamental Change event occurs.

(r) “Exchange Act” shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

(s) “Fundamental Change” shall mean any of the following events: (i) the sale, lease or transfer, in one or a series of related transactions, of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets (determined on a consolidated basis) to any Person or group (as such term is used in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act), other than to Permitted Holders; (ii) the adoption of a plan the consummation of which would result in the liquidation or dissolution of the Company; (iii) the acquisition, directly or indirectly, by any Person or group (as such term is used in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act) other than Permitted Holders of beneficial ownership (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act) of more than 50% of the aggregate voting power of the Voting Stock of the Company; provided , however , that the Permitted Holders beneficially own (as defined in Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, in the aggregate a lesser percentage of the total voting power of the Voting Stock of the Company than such other Person or group and do not have the right or ability by voting power, contract or otherwise to elect or designate for election a majority of the Board of Directors (for the purposes of this definition, such other Person or group shall be deemed to beneficially own any Voting Stock of a specified corporation held by a parent corporation, if such other Person or group is the beneficial owner (as defined above), directly or indirectly, of more than 35% of the voting power of the Voting Stock of such parent corporation and the Permitted Holders beneficially own (as defined in this proviso), directly or indirectly, in the aggregate a lesser percentage of the voting power of the Voting Stock of such parent corporation

 

3


and do not have the right or ability by voting power, contract or otherwise to elect or designate for election a majority of the Board of Directors of such parent corporation; (iv) during any period of two consecutive years, individuals who at the beginning of such period comprised the Board of Directors of the Company (together with any new directors whose election by such Board of Directors or whose nomination for election by the shareholders of the Company was approved by a vote of 66  2 / 3 % of the directors of the Company then still in office who were either directors at the beginning of such period or whose election or nomination for election was previously so approved) cease for any reason to constitute a majority of the Board of Directors of the Company then in office; or (v) the Common Stock ceases to be listed on a national securities exchange or quoted on Nasdaq or another over-the-counter market in the United States; provided , however , that a Fundamental Change will not be deemed to have occurred in the case of a merger or consolidation, if (i) at least 90% of the consideration (excluding cash payments for fractional shares and cash payments pursuant to dissenters’ appraisal rights) in the merger or consolidation consists of common stock of a United States company traded on a national securities exchange or quoted on Nasdaq (or which will be so traded or quoted when issued or exchanged in connection with such transaction) and (ii) as a result of such transaction or transactions the shares of Preferred Stock become convertible solely into such common stock.

(t) “Holder” or “holder” shall mean a holder of record of the Preferred Stock.

(u) “Issue Date” shall mean November 8, 2005, the original date of issuance of the Preferred Stock.

(v) “Junior Stock” shall mean all classes of common stock of the Company and the Series A Junior Participating Convertible Preferred Stock and each other class of capital stock or series of preferred stock established after the Issue Date, by the Board of Directors, the terms of which do not expressly provide that such class or series ranks senior to or on parity with the Preferred Stock as to dividend rights or rights upon the liquidation, winding-up or dissolution of the Company.

(w) “Liquidation Preference” shall mean, with respect to each share of Preferred Stock, $100.00.

(x) “Make-Whole Premium” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4A.

(y) “Market Value” shall mean the average Closing Sale Price of the Common Stock for a five consecutive Trading Day period on the NYSE (or such other national securities exchange or automated quotation system on which the Common Stock is then listed or authorized for quotation or, if the Common Stock is not so listed or authorized for quotation, an amount determined in good faith by the Board of Directors to be the fair value of the Common Stock) ending immediately prior to the date of determination.

(z) “NYSE” shall mean the New York Stock Exchange, Inc.

(aa) “Officer” shall mean the Chairman of the Board of Directors, the President, any Vice President, the Treasurer, the Secretary or any Assistant Secretary of the Company.

 

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(bb) “Officers’ Certificate” shall mean a certificate signed by two Officers.

(cc) “Opinion of Counsel” shall mean a written opinion from legal counsel who is acceptable to the Transfer Agent. The counsel may be an employee of or counsel to the Company or the Transfer Agent.

(dd) “Parity Stock” shall mean 6.00% Preferred Stock, the 5.00% Preferred Stock (Series 2003), the 5.00% Preferred Stock (Series 2005), the 4.50% Preferred Stock, the 4.125% Preferred Stock and any class of capital stock or series of preferred stock established after the Issue Date by the Board of Directors, the terms of which expressly provide that such class or series will rank on parity with the Preferred Stock as to dividend rights or rights upon the liquidation, winding-up or dissolution of the Company.

(ee) “Permitted Holders” means Aubrey K. McClendon and Tom L. Ward and their respective Affiliates.

(ff) “Person” shall mean any individual, corporation, general partnership, limited partnership, limited liability partnership, joint venture, association, joint-stock company, trust, limited liability company, unincorporated organization or government or any agency or political subdivision thereof.

(gg) “Purchase Agreement” shall mean that certain Purchase Agreement with respect to the Preferred Stock, dated November 2, 2005, among the Company, Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., Banc of America Securities LLC, Credit Suisse First Boston LLC, Lehman Brothers Inc. and UBS Securities LLC and the other initial purchasers named therein.

(hh) “Registration Rights Agreement” means the Registration Rights Agreement to be dated November 8, 2005, among the Company, Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., Banc of America Securities LLC, Credit Suisse First Boston LLC, Lehman Brothers Inc. and UBS Securities LLC and the other initial purchasers named in the Purchase Agreement, with respect to the Preferred Stock.

(ii) “SEC” or “Commission” shall mean the Securities and Exchange Commission.

(jj) “Securities Act” shall mean the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

(kk) “Senior Stock” shall mean each class of capital stock or series of preferred stock established after the Issue Date by the Board of Directors, the terms of which expressly provide that such class or series will rank senior to the Preferred Stock as to dividend rights or rights upon the liquidation, winding-up or dissolution of the Company.

(ll) “Shelf Registration Statement” shall mean a shelf registration statement filed with the SEC to cover resales of Transfer Restricted Securities by holders thereof, as required by the Registration Rights Agreement.

(mm) “Trading Day” shall mean a day during which trading in securities generally occurs on the New York Stock Exchange or, if Common Stock is not listed on the New

 

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York Stock Exchange, on the principal other national or regional securities exchange on which Common Stock is then listed or, if Common Stock is not listed on a national or regional securities exchange, on Nasdaq or, if Common Stock is not quoted on Nasdaq, on the principal other market on which Common Stock is then traded.

(nn) “Transfer Agent” shall mean UMB Bank, N.A., the Company’s duly appointed transfer agent, registrar and conversion and dividend disbursing agent for the Preferred Stock. The Company may, in its sole discretion, remove the Transfer Agent with 10 days’ prior notice to the Transfer Agent; provided , that the Company shall appoint a successor Transfer Agent who shall accept such appointment prior to the effectiveness of such removal.

(oo) “Transfer Restricted Securities” shall mean each share of Preferred Stock (or the shares of Common Stock issued as a dividend on the Preferred Stock or into which such share of Preferred Stock is convertible) until (i) the date on which such security or its predecessor has been effectively registered under the Securities Act and disposed of in accordance with the Shelf Registration Statement or (ii) the date on which such security or predecessor is distributed to the public pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act or is saleable pursuant to Rule 144(k) under the Securities Act.

(pp) “Voting Rights Triggering Event” shall mean the failure of the Company to pay dividends on the Preferred Stock with respect to six or more quarterly periods (whether or not consecutive).

(qq) “Voting Stock” shall mean, with respect to any Person, securities of any class or classes of Capital Stock in such Person entitling the holders thereof (whether at all times or only so long as no senior class of stock has voting power by reason of contingency) to vote in the election of members of the Board of Directors or other governing body of such Person. For purposes of this definition, “Capital Stock” shall mean, with respect to any Person, any and all shares, interests, participations or other equivalents (however designated) of corporate stock or partnership interests and any and all warrants, options and rights with respect thereto (whether or not currently exercisable), including each class of common stock and preferred stock of such Person.

3. Dividends.

(a) The holders of shares of the outstanding Preferred Stock shall be entitled, when, as and if declared by the Board of Directors out of funds of the Company legally available therefor, to receive cumulative dividends at the rate per annum of 5.00% per share on the Liquidation Preference (equivalent to $5.00 per annum per share), payable quarterly in arrears (the “Dividend Rate”). The Dividend Rate may be increased in the circumstances described in Section 3(b) below. Dividends payable for each full dividend period will be computed by dividing the Dividend Rate by four and shall be payable in arrears on each Dividend Payment Date (commencing February 15, 2006) for the quarterly period ending immediately prior to such Dividend Payment Date, to the holders of record of Preferred Stock at the close of business on the Dividend Record Date applicable to such Dividend Payment Date. Such dividends shall be cumulative from the most recent date as to which dividends shall have been paid or, if no dividends have been paid, from the Issue Date (whether or not in any dividend period or periods

 

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there shall be funds of the Company legally available for the payment of such dividends) and shall accrue on a day-to-day basis, whether or not earned or declared, from and after the Issue Date. Dividends payable for any partial dividend period, including the initial dividend period ending immediately prior to February 15, 2006, shall be computed on the basis of days elapsed over a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months. Accumulations of dividends on shares of Preferred Stock shall not bear interest.

(b) If (i) by March 9, 2006, the Shelf Registration Statement has not been filed with the Commission, (ii) by July 7, 2006, the Shelf Registration Statement has not been declared effective by the Commission or (iii) after the Shelf Registration Statement has been declared effective, (A) the Shelf Registration Statement thereafter ceases to be effective or (B) the Shelf Registration Statement or the related prospectus ceases to be usable (in each case, subject to the exceptions described below) in connection with resales of Transfer Restricted Securities during the period that any Transfer Restricted Securities (other than Transfer Restricted Securities held or beneficially owned by affiliates of the Company) remain outstanding (each such event referred to in clauses (i), (ii) and (iii), a “Registration Default”), additional dividends shall accrue on the Preferred Stock at the rate of .50% per annum (resulting in a Dividend Rate of 5.50% per annum during the continuance of a Registration Default), from and including the date on which any such Registration Default shall occur to but excluding the date on which all Registration Defaults have been cured. At all other times, dividends shall accumulate on the Preferred Stock at the Dividend Rate as described in Section 3(a).

A Registration Default referred to in clause (iii) of Section 3(b) shall be deemed not to have occurred and be continuing in relation to the Shelf Registration Statement or the related prospectus if (i) such Registration Default has occurred solely as a result of (x) the filing of a post-effective amendment to the Shelf Registration Statement to incorporate annual audited financial information with respect to the Company where such post-effective amendment is not yet effective and needs to be declared effective to permit Holders to use the related prospectus or (y) other material events, with respect to the Company that would need to be described in the Shelf Registration Statement or the related prospectus and (ii) in the case of clause (y), the Company is proceeding promptly and in good faith to amend or supplement such Shelf Registration Statement and related prospectus to describe such events; provided , however , that in any case if such Registration Default referred to in clause (iii) of Section 3(b) occurs for a continuous period in excess of 30 days, additional dividends as described in Section 3(b) shall be payable in accordance therewith from the day such Registration Default occurs until such Registration Default is cured.

(c) No dividend will be declared or paid upon, or any sum set apart for the payment of dividends upon, any outstanding share of the Preferred Stock with respect to any dividend period unless all dividends for all preceding dividend periods have been declared and paid or declared and a sufficient sum or number of shares of common stock have been set apart for the payment of such dividend, upon all outstanding shares of Preferred Stock.

(d) No dividend on the Preferred Stock will be paid in cash at any time that the Adjusted Consolidated EBITDA Coverage Ratio (as defined as of the date hereof in the indenture among the Company, the Subsidiary Guarantors (as defined therein) and The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A. dated as of June 20, 2005) is less than 2.00 to 1.00.

 

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(e) No dividends or other distributions (other than a dividend or distribution payable solely in shares of Parity Stock or Junior Stock (in the case of Parity Stock) or Junior Stock (in the case of Junior Stock) and other than cash paid in lieu of fractional shares) may be declared, made or paid, or set apart for payment upon, any Parity Stock or Junior Stock, nor may any Parity Stock or Junior Stock be redeemed, purchased or otherwise acquired for any consideration (or any money paid to or made available for a sinking fund for the redemption of any Parity Stock or Junior Stock) by or on behalf of the Company (except by conversion into or exchange for shares of Parity Stock or Junior Stock (in the case of Parity Stock) or Junior Stock (in the case of Junior Stock)), unless full Accumulated Dividends shall have been or contemporaneously are declared and paid, or are declared and a sum or number of shares of common stock sufficient for the payment thereof is set apart for such payment, on the Preferred Stock and any Parity Stock for all dividend payment periods terminating on or prior to the date of such declaration, payment, redemption, purchase or acquisition. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if full dividends have not been paid on the Preferred Stock and any Parity Stock, dividends may be declared and paid on the Preferred Stock and such Parity Stock so long as the dividends are declared and paid pro rata so that the amounts of dividends declared per share on the Preferred Stock and such Parity Stock will in all cases bear to each other the same ratio that accumulated and unpaid dividends per share on the shares of Preferred Stock and such other Parity Stock bear to each other.

(f) Holders of shares of Preferred Stock shall not be entitled to any dividends on the Preferred Stock, whether payable in cash, property or stock, in excess of full cumulative dividends. No interest, or sum of money in lieu of interest, shall be payable in respect of any dividend payment or payments on the Preferred Stock which may be in arrears.

(g) The holders of shares of Preferred Stock at the close of business on a Dividend Record Date will be entitled to receive the dividend payment on those shares on the next following Dividend Payment Date notwithstanding the subsequent conversion thereof or the Company’s default in payment of the dividend due on that Dividend Payment Date. However, shares of Preferred Stock surrendered for conversion during the period between the close of business on any Dividend Record Date and the close of business on the Business Day immediately preceding the applicable Dividend Payment Date must be accompanied by payment of an amount or number of shares of Common Stock equal to the dividend payable on the shares on that Dividend Payment Date. A holder of shares of Preferred Stock on a Dividend Record Date who (or whose transferee) tenders any shares for conversion on the corresponding Dividend Payment Date will receive the dividend payable by the Company on the Preferred Stock on that date, and the converting holder need not include payment in the amount of such dividend upon surrender of shares of Preferred Stock for conversion. Except as provided above with respect to a voluntary conversion pursuant to Section 7, the Company shall make no payment or allowance for unpaid dividends, whether or not in arrears, on converted shares or for dividends on the shares of Common Stock issued upon conversion.

3A. Method of Payment of Dividends.

(a) Subject to the restrictions set forth herein, dividends on the Preferred Stock may be paid:

(i) in cash;

 

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(ii) by delivery of shares of Common Stock; or

(iii) through any combination of cash and Common Stock.

(b) Common Stock issued in payment or partial payment of a dividend shall be valued for such purpose at 97% of the Market Value as determined on the second Trading Day immediately prior to the Dividend Record Date for such dividend.

(c) Dividend payments on the Preferred Stock will be made in cash, except to the extent the Company elects to make all or any portion of such payment in Common Stock by giving notice to Holders of such election and the portion of such payment that will be made in cash and the portion of such payment that will be made in Common Stock, 10 Trading Days prior to the Dividend Record Date for such dividend.

(d) No fractional shares of Common Stock will be delivered to Holders in payment or partial payment of a dividend. A cash adjustment will be paid to each Holder that would otherwise be entitled to a fraction of a share of Common Stock. Any portion of any such payment that is declared and not paid through the delivery of Common Stock will be paid in cash.

(e) No payment or partial payment of a dividend on the Preferred Stock may be made by delivery of Common Stock unless (i) the Common Stock to be delivered as payment therefore is freely transferable by the recipient without further action on its behalf, other than by reason of the fact that such recipient is our affiliate, or (ii) a Shelf Registration Statement relating to that Common Stock has been filed with the SEC and is effective to permit the resale of that Common Stock by the holders thereof.

4. Fundamental Change.

(a) Upon the occurrence of a Fundamental Change, each holder of Preferred Stock shall:

(i) if it converts its Preferred Stock at any time beginning at the opening of business on the Trading Day immediately following the Effective Date and ending at the close of business on the 30th Trading Day immediately following the Effective Date, receive:

(A) Common Stock and cash in lieu of fractional shares, as described in Section 7; and

(B) the Make-Whole Premium, if any, and

(ii) in the event that the Market Value for the period ending on the Effective Date is less than the Conversion Price, have a one-time option (the “Fundamental Change Option”) to convert all of such Holder’s outstanding shares of Preferred Stock into fully paid and nonassessable shares of Common Stock at an adjusted Conversion Price equal to the greater of (x) the Market Value for the period ending on the Effective Date and (y) $20.03. The

 

9


Fundamental Change Option must be exercised, if at all, during the period of not less than 30 days nor more than 60 days after the Fundamental Change Notice Date. In lieu of issuing the shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion in the event of a Fundamental Change, the Company may, at its option, make a cash payment equal to the Market Value for each share of such Common Stock otherwise issuable, determined for the period ending on the Effective Date.

(b) In the event of a Fundamental Change, notice of such Fundamental Change shall be given, within 10 Trading Days of the Effective Date, by the Company by first-class mail to each record holder of shares of Preferred Stock, at such holder’s address as the same appears on the books of the Company (such date of notice, the “Fundamental Change Notice Date”). Each such notice shall state (i) that a Fundamental Change has occurred; (ii) the last day on which the Make-Whole Premium can be received upon conversion and the last day on which the Fundamental Change Option may be exercised (each such date, an “Expiration Date”) pursuant to the terms hereof; (iii) the name and address of the Transfer Agent; and (iv) the procedures that holders must follow to exercise the Fundamental Change Option.

(c) On or before the applicable Expiration Date, each holder of shares of Preferred Stock wishing to exercise pursuant to Section 4(a) shall surrender the certificate or certificates representing the shares of Preferred Stock to be converted, in the manner and at the place designated in the notice described in Section 4(b), and on such date the cash or shares of Common Stock due to such holder shall be delivered to the Person whose name appears on such certificate or certificates as the owner thereof and the shares represented by each surrendered certificate shall be returned to authorized but unissued shares. Upon surrender (in accordance with the notice described in Section 4(b)) of the certificate or certificates representing any shares to be so converted (properly endorsed or assigned for transfer, if the Company shall so require and the notice shall so state), such shares shall be converted by the Company at the adjusted Conversion Price, if applicable, as described in Section 4(a).

(d) The rights of holders of Preferred Stock pursuant to this Section 4 are in addition to, and not in lieu of, the rights of holders of Preferred Stock provided for in Section 7 hereof and Section 4A.

4A. Determination of the Make-Whole Premium.

(a) If a Holder elects to convert Preferred Stock in connection with a transaction that is a Fundamental Change, the Company shall deliver to such Holder upon conversion, in addition to the shares of Common Stock and cash for fractional shares under Section 4 and Section 7, a make-whole premium (the “Make-Whole Premium”):

(i) equal to a percentage of the Liquidation Preference of the Preferred Stock converted determined by reference to the table in clause (d) below, based on the Effective Date and the price (the “Stock Price”) paid, or deemed to be paid, per share of our Common Stock in the transaction constituting the Fundamental Change, subject to adjustment as described below; and

(ii) in addition to, and not in substitution for, any cash, securities or other assets otherwise due to holders of Preferred Stock upon conversion.

 

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(b) The Make-Whole Premium will be paid solely in shares of Common Stock (other than cash in lieu of fractional shares) or in the same form of consideration into which all or substantially all of the Common Stock has been converted or exchanged in connection with the Fundamental Change (other than cash paid in lieu of fractional interests in any security or pursuant to dissenters’ rights). The Company will pay cash in lieu of fractional interests in any security or other property delivered in connection with such Fundamental Change. The Make-Whole Premium will be payable on the 35th Trading Day following the Effective Date for Preferred Stock converted in connection with a Fundamental Change. If holders of Common Stock receive or have the right to receive more than one form of consideration in connection with such Fundamental Change, then, for purposes of the foregoing, the forms of consideration in which the Make-Whole Premium will be paid will be in proportion to the relative value, determined as described below, of the different forms of consideration paid to holders of Common Stock in connection with the Fundamental Change.

(c) The Stock Price paid, or deemed paid, per share of Common Stock in the transaction constituting the Fundamental Change will be calculated as follows:

(i) In the case of a Fundamental Change in which all or substantially all of the shares of Common Stock have been, as of the Effective Date, converted into or exchanged for the right to receive securities or other assets or property, the consideration shall be valued as follows:

(A) securities that are traded on a U.S. national securities exchange or approved for quotation on the Nasdaq or any similar system of automated dissemination of quotations of securities prices, will be valued at the average of the closing prices of such securities for the five consecutive Trading Days beginning on the second Trading Day after the Fundamental Change Notice Date,

(B) other securities, assets or property, other than cash, that holders will have the right to receive will be valued based on the average of the fair market value of the securities, assets or property, other than cash, as determined by two independent nationally recognized investment banks, and

(C) 100% of any cash.

(ii) In all other cases, the value of Common Stock will equal the average of the closing prices of Common Stock for the five consecutive Trading Days beginning on the second Trading Day after the Fundamental Change Notice Date.

The value of Common Stock or other consideration for purposes of determining the number of shares of Common Stock or other consideration to be issued in respect of the Make-Whole Premium will be calculated in the same manner, except that to the extent such value is calculated pursuant to clause (i)(A), (i)(B) or (ii), such value shall be multiplied by 97%.

 

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(d) The following table sets forth the Stock Price paid, or deemed paid, per share of Common Stock in the transaction constituting the Fundamental Change, the Effective Date and Make-Whole Premium (expressed as a percentage of Liquidation Preference) upon a conversion in connection with a Fundamental Change:

Value as % of Liquidation Preference

Effective Date

 

     11/8/2005     11/15/2006     11/15/2007     11/15/2008     11/15/2009     11/15/2010     Thereafter  

$30.05

   0.0 %   0.0 %   0.0 %   0.0 %   0.0 %   0.0 %   0.0 %

$31.00

   2.7 %   2.0 %   1.2 %   0.4 %   0.0 %   0.0 %   0.0 %

$32.00

   4.7 %   3.7 %   2.8 %   2.2 %   1.8 %   1.7 %   1.7 %

$33.00

   6.7 %   5.7 %   4.6 %   3.6 %   3.1 %   3.1 %   3.1 %

$34.00

   8.5 %   7.5 %   6.5 %   5.5 %   4.8 %   4.7 %   4.7 %

$35.00

   10.6 %   9.4 %   8.1 %   7.2 %   6.5 %   6.4 %   6.4 %

$40.00

   18.2 %   17.0 %   15.6 %   14.0 %   12.2 %   11.3 %   11.3 %

$45.00

   16.2 %   14.7 %   12.8 %   11.1 %   9.1 %   7.3 %   7.3 %

$50.00

   14.3 %   12.9 %   11.0 %   8.7 %   6.0 %   3.0 %   3.0 %

$60.00

   11.4 %   10.1 %   8.3 %   6.1 %   3.4 %   0.0 %   0.0 %

$70.00

   9.2 %   8.0 %   6.4 %   4.5 %   2.4 %   0.0 %   0.0 %

$80.00

   7.4 %   6.4 %   5.0 %   3.6 %   1.9 %   0.0 %   0.0 %

$100.00

   4.4 %   3.8 %   2.9 %   2.1 %   1.2 %   0.0 %   0.0 %

$125.00

   1.8 %   1.5 %   1.1 %   0.8 %   0.4 %   0.0 %   0.0 %

 

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The Stock Prices set forth in the table will be adjusted as of any date on which the Conversion Price of the Convertible Preferred Stock is adjusted. The adjusted Stock Prices will equal the stock prices applicable immediately prior to the adjustment divided by a fraction, the numerator of which is the Conversion Price immediately prior to the adjustment to the Conversion Price and the denominator of which is the conversion price as so adjusted.

The exact Stock Price and Effective Date may not be set forth on the table, in which case:

(i) if the Stock Price is between two Stock Prices on the table or the Effective Date is between two Effective Dates on the table, the Make-Whole Premium will be determined by straight-line interpolation between Make-Whole Premium amounts set forth for the higher and lower Stock Prices and the two Effective Dates, as applicable, based on a 365-day year;

(ii) if the Stock Price is in excess of $125 per share (subject to adjustment in the same manner as the Stock Price) the payment corresponding to row $125 will be paid; and

(iii) if the Stock Price is less than or equal to $30.05 per share (subject to adjustment in the same manner as the Stock Price), no Make-Whole Premium will be paid.

5. Voting.

(a) The shares of Preferred Stock shall have no voting rights except as set forth below or as otherwise required by Oklahoma law from time to time:

(i) If and whenever at any time or times a Voting Rights Triggering Event occurs, then the holders of shares of Preferred Stock, voting as a single class with any other preferred stock or preference securities having similar voting rights that are exercisable, including the 6.00% Preferred Stock, the 5.00% Preferred Stock (Series 2003), the

 

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5.00% Preferred Stock (Series 2005), the 4.50% Preferred Stock and the 4.125% Preferred Stock (the “Voting Rights Class”), will be entitled at the next regular or special meeting of stockholders of the Company to elect two additional directors of the Company. Upon the election of any such additional directors, the number of directors that comprise the Board of Directors shall be increased by such number of additional directors.

(ii) Such voting rights may be exercised at a special meeting of the holders of the shares of the Voting Rights Class, called as hereinafter provided, or at any annual meeting of stockholders held for the purpose of electing directors, and thereafter at each such annual meeting until such time as all dividends in arrears on the shares of Preferred Stock shall have been paid in full, at which time or times such voting rights and the term of the directors elected pursuant to Section 5(a)(i) shall terminate.

(iii) At any time when such voting rights shall have vested in holders of shares of the Voting Rights Class, an Officer of the Company may call, and, upon written request of the record holders of shares representing at least twenty-five percent (25%) of the voting power of the shares then outstanding of the Voting Rights Class, addressed to the Secretary of the Company, shall call a special meeting of the holders of shares of the Voting Rights Class. Such meeting shall be held at the earliest practicable date upon the notice required for annual meetings of stockholders at the place for holding annual meetings of stockholders of the Company, or, if none, at a place designated by the Board of Directors. Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 5(a)(iii), no such special meeting shall be called during a period within the 60 days immediately preceding the date fixed for the next annual meeting of stockholders in which such case, the election of directors pursuant to Section 5(a)(i) shall be held at such annual meeting of stockholders.

(iv) At any meeting held for the purpose of electing directors at which the holders of the Voting Rights Class shall have the right to elect directors as provided herein, the presence in person or by proxy of the holders of shares representing more than fifty percent (50%) in voting power of the then outstanding shares of the Voting Rights Class shall be required and shall be sufficient to constitute a quorum of such class for the election of directors by such class. The affirmative vote of the holders of shares of Preferred Stock constituting a majority of the shares of Preferred Stock present at such meeting, in person or by proxy, shall be sufficient to elect any such director.

(v) Any director elected pursuant to the voting rights created under this Section 5(a) shall hold office until the next annual meeting of stockholders (unless such term has previously terminated pursuant to Section 5(a)(ii) ) and any vacancy in respect of any such director shall be filled only by vote of the remaining director so elected by holders of the Voting Rights Class, or if there be no such remaining director, by the holders of shares of the Voting Rights Class at a special meeting called in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Section 5, or, if no such special meeting is called, at the next annual meeting of stockholders. Upon any termination of such voting rights, the term of office of all directors elected pursuant to this Section 5 shall terminate.

(vi) So long as any shares of Preferred Stock remain outstanding, unless a greater percentage shall then be required by law, the Company shall not, without the

 

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affirmative vote or consent of the holders of at least 66  2 / 3 % of the outstanding Preferred Stock voting or consenting, as the case may be, separately as one class, (i) create, authorize or issue any class or series of Senior Stock (or any security convertible into Senior Stock) or (ii) amend the Certificate of Incorporation so as to affect adversely the specified rights, preferences, privileges or voting rights of holders of shares of Preferred Stock.

(vii) In exercising the voting rights set forth in this Section 5(a), each share of Preferred Stock shall be entitled to one vote.

(b) The Company may authorize, increase the authorized amount of, or issue any class or series of Parity Stock or Junior Stock, without the consent of the holders of Preferred Stock, and in taking such actions the Company shall not be deemed to have affected adversely the rights, preferences, privileges or voting rights of holders of shares of Preferred Stock.

6. Liquidation Rights.

(a) In the event of any liquidation, winding-up or dissolution of the Company, whether voluntary or involuntary, each holder of shares of Preferred Stock shall be entitled to receive and to be paid out of the assets of the Company available for distribution to its stockholders the Liquidation Preference plus Accumulated Dividends and Accrued Dividends thereon in preference to the holders of, and before any payment or distribution is made on, any Junior Stock, including, without limitation, on any Common Stock.

(b) Neither the sale, conveyance, exchange or transfer (for cash, shares of stock, securities or other consideration) of all or substantially all the assets or business of the Company (other than in connection with the liquidation, winding-up or dissolution of its business) nor the merger or consolidation of the Company into or with any other Person shall be deemed to be a liquidation, winding-up or dissolution, voluntary or involuntary, for the purposes of this Section 6.

(c) After the payment to the holders of the shares of Preferred Stock of full preferential amounts provided for in this Section 6, the holders of Preferred Stock as such shall have no right or claim to any of the remaining assets of the Company.

(d) In the event the assets of the Company available for distribution to the holders of shares of Preferred Stock upon any liquidation, winding-up or dissolution of the Company, whether voluntary or involuntary, shall be insufficient to pay in full all amounts to which such holders are entitled pursuant to Section 6(a), no such distribution shall be made on account of any shares of Parity Stock upon such liquidation, dissolution or winding-up unless proportionate distributable amounts shall be paid on account of the shares of Preferred Stock, ratably, in proportion to the full distributable amounts for which holders of all Preferred Stock and of any Parity Stock are entitled upon such liquidation, winding-up or dissolution.

7. Conversion.

(a) Each holder of Preferred Stock shall have the right, at any time, at its option, from the Issue Date to convert, subject to the terms and provisions of this Section 7, any or all of such holder’s shares of Preferred Stock. In such case, the shares of Preferred Stock shall

 

15


be converted into such whole number of fully paid and nonassessable shares of Common Stock as is equal, subject to Section 7(h), to the product of the number of shares of Preferred Stock being so converted multiplied by the quotient of (i) the Liquidation Preference divided by (ii) the Conversion Price then in effect.

The conversion right of a holder of Preferred Stock shall be exercised by the holder by the surrender to the Company of the certificates representing shares to be converted at any time during usual business hours at its principal place of business or the offices of its duly appointed Transfer Agent to be maintained by it, accompanied by written notice to the Company in the form of Exhibit B that the holder elects to convert all or a portion of the shares of Preferred Stock represented by such certificate and specifying the name or names (with address) in which a certificate or certificates for shares of Common Stock are to be issued and (if so required by the Company or its duly appointed Transfer Agent) by a written instrument or instruments of transfer in form reasonably satisfactory to the Company or its duly appointed Transfer Agent duly executed by the holder or its duly authorized legal representative and transfer tax stamps or funds therefor, if required pursuant to Section 7(j). Immediately prior to the close of business on the date of receipt by the Company or its duly appointed Transfer Agent of notice of conversion of shares of Preferred Stock, each converting holder of Preferred Stock shall be deemed to be the holder of record of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of such holder’s Preferred Stock notwithstanding that the share register of the Company shall then be closed or that certificates representing such Common Stock shall not then be actually delivered to such holder. On the date of any conversion, all rights with respect to the shares of Preferred Stock so converted, including the rights, if any, to receive notices, will terminate, except only the rights of holders thereof to (i) receive certificates for the number of whole shares of Common Stock into which such shares of Preferred Stock have been converted and cash, in lieu of any fractional shares as provided in Section 7(g); (ii) receive a Make-Whole Premium, if any, payable upon a Fundamental Change, in accordance with Section 4A; and (iii) exercise the rights to which they are entitled as holders of Common Stock.

(b) [Intentionally omitted].

(c) [Intentionally omitted].

(d) The Conversion Price shall be subject to adjustment as follows:

(i) In case the Company shall at any time or from time to time (A) pay a dividend (or other distribution) payable in shares of Common Stock on any class of capital stock (which, for purposes of this Section 7(d) shall include, without limitation, any dividends or distributions in the form of options, warrants or other rights to acquire capital stock) of the Company (other than the issuance of shares of Common Stock in connection with the conversion of, or payment or partial payment of dividends on, Preferred Stock); (B) subdivide the outstanding shares of Common Stock into a larger number of shares; (C) combine the outstanding shares of Common Stock into a smaller number of shares; (D) issue any shares of its capital stock in a reclassification of the Common Stock; or (E) pay a dividend or make a distribution to all holders of shares of Common Stock (other than a dividend or distribution subject to Section 7(d)(ii)) pursuant to a stockholder rights plan, “poison pill” or similar arrangement and excluding dividends payable on the Preferred Stock then, and in each such case,

 

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the Conversion Price in effect immediately prior to such event shall be adjusted (and any other appropriate actions shall be taken by the Company) so that the holder of any share of Preferred Stock thereafter surrendered for conversion shall be entitled to receive the number of shares of Common Stock that such holder would have owned or would have been entitled to receive upon or by reason of any of the events described above, had such share of Preferred Stock been converted into shares of Common Stock immediately prior to the occurrence of such event. An adjustment made pursuant to this Section 7(d)(i) shall become effective retroactively (x) in the case of any such dividend or distribution, to the day immediately following the close of business on the record date for the determination of holders of Common Stock entitled to receive such dividend or distribution or (y) in the case of any such subdivision, combination or reclassification, to the close of business on the day upon which such corporate action becomes effective.

(ii) In case the Company shall at any time or from time to time issue to all holders of its Common Stock rights, options or warrants entitling the holders thereof to subscribe for or purchase shares of Common Stock (or securities convertible into or exchangeable for shares of Common Stock) at a price per share less than the Market Value for the period ending on the date of issuance (treating the price per share of any security convertible or exchangeable or exercisable into Common Stock as equal to (A) the sum of the price paid to acquire such security convertible, exchangeable or exercisable into Common Stock plus any additional consideration payable (without regard to any anti-dilution adjustments) upon the conversion, exchange or exercise of such security into Common Stock divided by (B) the number of shares of Common Stock into which such convertible, exchangeable or exercisable security is initially convertible, exchangeable or exercisable), other than (i) issuances of such rights, options or warrants if the holder of Preferred Stock would be entitled to receive such rights, options or warrants upon conversion at any time of shares of Preferred Stock into Common Stock and (ii) issuances that are subject to certain triggering events (until such time as such triggering events occur), then, and in each such case, the Conversion Price then in effect shall be adjusted by dividing the Conversion Price in effect on the day immediately prior to the record date of such issuance by a fraction (y) the numerator of which shall be the sum of the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding on such record date plus the number of additional shares of Common Stock issued or to be issued upon or as a result of the issuance of such rights, options or warrants (or the maximum number into or for which such convertible or exchangeable securities initially may convert or exchange or for which such options, warrants or other rights initially may be exercised) and (z) the denominator of which shall be the sum of the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding on such record date plus the number of shares of Common Stock which the aggregate consideration for the total number of such additional shares of Common Stock so issued (or into or for which such convertible or exchangeable securities may convert or exchange or for which such options, warrants or other rights may be exercised plus the aggregate amount of any additional consideration initially payable upon the conversion, exchange or exercise of such security) would purchase at the Market Value for the period ending on the date of conversion; provided , that if the Company distributes rights or warrants (other than those referred to above in this subparagraph (d)(ii)) pro rata to the holders of Common Stock, so long as such rights or warrants have not expired or been redeemed by the Company, (y) the holder of any Preferred Stock surrendered for conversion shall be entitled to receive upon such conversion, in addition to the shares of Common Stock then issuable upon such conversion (the “Conversion Shares”), a number of rights or warrants to be determined as

 

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follows: (i) if such conversion occurs on or prior to the date for the distribution to the holders of rights or warrants of separate certificates evidencing such rights or warrants (the “Distribution Date”), the same number of rights or warrants to which a holder of a number of shares of Common Stock equal to the number of Conversion Shares is entitled at the time of such conversion in accordance with the terms and provisions applicable to the rights or warrants and (ii) if such conversion occurs after the Distribution Date, the same number of rights or warrants to which a holder of the number of shares of Common Stock into which such Preferred Stock was convertible immediately prior to such Distribution Date would have been entitled on such Distribution Date had such Preferred Stock been converted immediately prior to such Distribution Date in accordance with the terms and provisions applicable to the rights and warrants and (z) the Conversion Price shall not be subject to adjustment on account of any declaration, distribution or exercise of such rights or warrants.

(iii) If the Company shall at any time make a distribution, by dividend or otherwise, to all holders of shares of its Common Stock consisting exclusively of cash (excluding any cash portion of distributions referred to in clause (E) of paragraph (d)(i) above and cash distributed upon a merger or consolidation to which paragraph (h) below applies) in an amount per share of Common Stock that, when combined with the per share amounts of all other all-cash distributions to all holders of shares of its Common Stock made within the 90-day period ending on the record date for the distribution giving rise to an adjustment pursuant to this Section 7(d)(iii), exceeds $0.065 per share of Common Stock (the “Distribution Threshold Amount”), then the Conversion Price will be adjusted by multiplying:

(1) the Conversion Price in effect immediately prior to the close of business on the record date fixed for the determination of holders of Common Stock entitled to receive such distribution by

(2) a fraction, the numerator of which will be the Market Value on the fourth trading day on the NYSE prior to such record date minus the amount of cash per share of Common Stock so distributed in excess of the Distribution Threshold Amount for which an adjustment has not otherwise been made pursuant to this Section 7(d)(iii) and the denominator of which will be the Market Value on the fourth trading day on the NYSE prior to such record date.

Subject to Section 7(e), such adjustment shall become effective immediately after the record date for the determination of holders of Common Stock entitled to receive the distribution giving rise to an adjustment pursuant to this Section 7(d)(iii). If an adjustment is required to be made under this clause 7(d) as a result of a cash dividend in any quarterly period that exceeds the Distribution Threshold Amount, the adjustment shall be based upon the amount by which the distribution exceeds the Distribution Threshold Amount. If an adjustment is otherwise required to be made under this clause 7(d), the adjustment shall be based upon the full amount of the distribution. The Distribution Threshold Amount is subject to adjustment under the same circumstances under which the Conversion Price is subject to adjustment pursuant to Section 7(d)(i) or Section 7(d)(ii). Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event will the Conversion Price be less than $30.05, subject to adjustment under the same circumstances under which the Conversion Price is subject to adjustment pursuant to Section 7(d)(i), 7(d)(ii) and 7(d)(iv) and 7(d)(v).

 

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(iv) If the Company shall at any time or from time to time on the record date of such distribution; (A) complete a tender or exchange offer by the Company or any of its subsidiaries for shares of Common Stock that involves an aggregate consideration that, together with (I) any cash and other consideration payable in a tender or exchange offer by the Company or any of its subsidiaries for shares of Common Stock expiring within the then-preceding 12 months in respect of which no adjustment pursuant to this Section 7(d) has been made and (II) the aggregate amount of any such all-cash distributions referred to in clause (iii) above to all holders of shares of Common Stock within the then-preceding 12 months in respect of which no adjustments have been made, exceeds 15% of the Company’s market capitalization (defined as the product of the Market Value for the period ending on the record date of such distribution times the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding on such record date) on the expiration of such tender offer; or (B) make a distribution to all holders of its Common Stock consisting of evidences of indebtedness, shares of its capital stock other than Common Stock or assets (including securities, but excluding those dividends, rights, options, warrants and distributions referred to in paragraphs (d)(i), (d)(ii), (d)(iii) above or this (d)(iv)), then, and in each such case, the Conversion Price then in effect shall be adjusted by dividing the Conversion Price in effect immediately prior to the date of such distribution or completion of such tender or exchange offer, as the case may be, by a fraction (x) the numerator of which shall be the Market Value for the period ending on the record date referred to below, or, if such adjustment is made upon the completion of a tender or exchange offer, on the payment date for such offer, and (y) the denominator of which shall be such Market Value less the then fair market value (as determined by the Board of Directors of the Company) of the portion of the cash, evidences of indebtedness, securities or other assets so distributed or paid in such tender or exchange offer, applicable to one share of Common Stock (but such denominator shall not be less than one); provided , however , that no adjustment shall be made with respect to any distribution of rights to purchase securities of the Company if the holder of Preferred Stock would otherwise be entitled to receive such rights upon conversion at any time of shares of Preferred Stock into shares of Common Stock unless such rights are subsequently redeemed by the Company, in which case such redemption shall be treated for purposes of this Section 7(d)(iv) as a dividend on the Common Stock. Such adjustment shall be made whenever any such distribution is made or tender or exchange offer is completed, as the case may be, and shall become effective retroactively to a date immediately following the close of business on the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to receive such distribution.

(v) In the case the Company at any time or from time to time shall take any action affecting its Common Stock (it being understood that the issuance or sale of shares of Common Stock (or securities convertible into or exchangeable for shares of Common Stock, or any options, warrants or other rights to acquire shares of Common Stock) to any Person at a price per share less than the Conversion Price then in effect shall not be deemed such an action), other than an action described in any of Section 7(d)(i) through Section 7(d)(iv), inclusive, or Section 7(h), or the issuance of shares of Common Stock as a dividend on Preferred Stock, then the Conversion Price shall be adjusted in such manner and at such time as the Board of Directors of the Company in good faith determines to be equitable in the circumstances (such determination to be evidenced in a resolution, a certified copy of which shall be mailed to the holders of the Preferred Stock).

 

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(vi) Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, no adjustment under this Section 7(d) need be made to the Conversion Price unless such adjustment would require an increase or decrease of at least 1% of the Conversion Price then in effect. Any lesser adjustment shall be carried forward and shall be made at the time of and together with the next subsequent adjustment, if any, which, together with any adjustment or adjustments so carried forward, shall amount to an increase or decrease of at least 1% of such Conversion Price; provided , however , that with respect to adjustments to be made to the Conversion Price in connection with cash dividends paid by the Company, the Company shall make such adjustments, regardless of whether such aggregate adjustments amount to 1% or more of the Conversion Price, no later than November 15 of each calendar year.

(vii) The Company reserves the right to make such reductions in the Conversion Price in addition to those required in the foregoing provisions as it considers advisable in order that any event treated for Federal income tax purposes as a dividend of stock or stock rights will not be taxable to the recipients. In the event the Company elects to make such a reduction in the Conversion Price, the Company will comply with the requirements of Rule 14e-1 under the Exchange Act, and any other securities laws and regulations thereunder if and to the extent that such laws and regulations are applicable in connection with the reduction of the Conversion Price.

(e) If the Company shall take a record of the holders of its Common Stock for the purpose of entitling them to receive a dividend or other distribution, and shall thereafter (and before the dividend or distribution has been paid or delivered to stockholders) legally abandon its plan to pay or deliver such dividend or distribution, then thereafter no adjustment in the Conversion Price then in effect shall be required by reason of the taking of such record.

(f) Upon any increase or decrease in the Conversion Price, then, and in each such case, the Company promptly shall deliver to each holder of Preferred Stock a certificate signed by an authorized officer of the Company, setting forth in reasonable detail the event requiring the adjustment and the method by which such adjustment was calculated and specifying the increased or decreased Conversion Price then in effect following such adjustment.

(g) No fractional shares or securities representing fractional shares of Common Stock shall be issued upon the conversion of any shares of Preferred Stock, whether voluntary or mandatory, or in respect of the payment or partial payment of dividends on Preferred Stock in Common Stock. If more than one share of Preferred Stock shall be surrendered for conversion at one time by the same holder, the number of full shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion thereof shall be computed on the basis of the aggregate Liquidation Preference of the shares of Preferred Stock so surrendered. If the conversion of any share or shares of Preferred Stock results in a fraction, an amount equal to such fraction multiplied by the last reported sale price of the Common Stock on the NYSE (or on such other national securities exchange or automated quotation system on which the Common Stock is then listed for trading or authorized for quotation or, if the Common Stock is not then so listed or authorized for quotation, an amount determined in good faith by the Board of Directors to be the fair value of the Common Stock) at the close of business on the Trading Day next preceding the day of conversion shall be paid to such holder in cash by the Company.

 

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(h) In the event of any reclassification of outstanding shares of Common Stock (other than a change in par value, or from par value to no par value, or from no par value to par value), or in the event of any consolidation or merger of the Company with or into another Person or any merger of another Person with or into the Company (other than a consolidation or merger in which the Company is the resulting or surviving Person and which does not result in any reclassification or change of outstanding Common Stock), or in the event of any sale or other disposition to another Person of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company (computed on a consolidated basis) (any of the foregoing, a “Transaction”), each share of Preferred Stock then outstanding shall, without the consent of any holder of Preferred Stock, become convertible at any time, at the option of the holder thereof, only into the kind and amount of securities (of the Company or another issuer), cash and other property receivable upon such Transaction by a holder of the number of shares of Common Stock into which such share of Preferred Stock could have been converted immediately prior to such Transaction, after giving effect to any adjustment event. The provisions of this Section 7(h) and any equivalent thereof in any such securities similarly shall apply to successive Transactions. The provisions of this Section 7(h), Section 4 and Section 4A shall be the sole rights of holders of Preferred Stock in connection with any Transaction and such holders shall have no separate vote thereon.

(i) The Company shall at all times reserve and keep available for issuance upon the conversion of the Preferred Stock such number of its authorized but unissued shares of Common Stock as will from time to time be sufficient to permit the conversion of all outstanding shares of Preferred Stock, and shall take all action required to increase the authorized number of shares of Common Stock if at any time there shall be insufficient unissued shares of Common Stock to permit such reservation or to permit the conversion of all outstanding shares of Preferred Stock or the payment or partial payment of dividends declared on Preferred Stock that are payable in Common Stock.

(j) The issuance or delivery of certificates for Common Stock upon the conversion of shares of Preferred Stock or the payment or partial payment of a dividend on Preferred Stock in Common Stock, shall be made without charge to the converting holder or recipient of shares of Preferred Stock for such certificates or for any tax in respect of the issuance or delivery of such certificates or the securities represented thereby, and such certificates shall be issued or delivered in the respective names of, or in such names as may be directed by, the holders of the shares of Preferred Stock converted; provided , however , that the Company shall not be required to pay any tax which may be payable in respect of any transfer involved in the issuance and delivery of any such certificate in a name other than that of the holder of the shares of the relevant Preferred Stock and the Company shall not be required to issue or deliver such certificate unless or until the Person or Persons requesting the issuance or delivery thereof shall have paid to the Company the amount of such tax or shall have established to the reasonable satisfaction of the Company that such tax has been paid.

8. Mandatory Conversion.

(a) At any time on or after November 15, 2010, the Company shall have the right, at its option, to cause the Preferred Stock, in whole but not in part, to be automatically converted into that number of whole shares of Common Stock for each share of Preferred Stock equal to the quotient of (i) the Liquidation Preference divided by (ii) the Conversion Price then in

 

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effect, with any resulting fractional shares of Common Stock to be settled in accordance with Section 7(g). The Company may exercise its right to cause a mandatory conversion pursuant to this Section 8(a) only if the closing price of the Common Stock equals or exceeds 130% of the Conversion Price then in effect for at least 20 Trading Days in any consecutive 30 Trading Day period on the NYSE (or such other national securities exchange or automated quotation system on which the Common Stock is then listed or authorized for quotation), including the last Trading Day of such 30-day period, ending on the Trading Day prior to the Company’s issuance of a press release announcing the mandatory conversion as described in Section 8(b).

(b) To exercise the mandatory conversion right described in Section 8(a), the Company must issue a press release for publication on the Dow Jones News Service prior to the opening of business on the first Trading Day following any date on which the conditions described in Section 8(a) are met, announcing such a mandatory conversion. The Company shall also give notice by mail or by publication (with subsequent prompt notice by mail) to the holders of Preferred Stock (not more than four Business Days after the date of the press release) of the mandatory conversion announcing the Company’s intention to convert the Preferred Stock. The conversion date will be a date selected by the Company (the “Mandatory Conversion Date”) and will be no more than ten days after the date on which the Company issues the press release described in this Section 8(b).

(c) In addition to any information required by applicable law or regulation, the press release and notice of a mandatory conversion described in Section 8(b) shall state, as appropriate: (i) the Mandatory Conversion Date; (ii) the number of shares of Common Stock to be issued upon conversion of each share of Preferred Stock; (iii) the number of shares of Preferred Stock to be converted; and (iv) that dividends on the Preferred Stock to be converted will cease to accrue on the Mandatory Conversion Date.

(d) On and after the Mandatory Conversion Date, dividends will cease to accrue on the Preferred Stock called for a mandatory conversion pursuant to Section 8(a) and all rights of holders of such Preferred Stock will terminate except for the right to receive the whole shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion thereof and cash, in lieu of any fractional shares of Common Stock in accordance with Section 7(g). The dividend payment with respect to the Preferred Stock called for a mandatory conversion pursuant to Section 8(a) on a date during the period between the close of business on any Dividend Record Date to the close of business on the corresponding Dividend Payment Date will be payable on such Dividend Payment Date to the record holder of such share on such Dividend Record Date if such share has been converted after such Dividend Record Date and prior to such Dividend Payment Date. Except as provided in the immediately preceding sentence with respect to a mandatory conversion pursuant to Section 8(a), no payment or adjustment will be made upon conversion of Preferred Stock for Accrued Dividends or for dividends with respect to the Common Stock issued upon such conversion.

(e) The Company may not authorize, issue a press release or give notice of any mandatory conversion pursuant to Section 8(a) unless, prior to giving the conversion notice, all Accumulated Dividends on the Preferred Stock for periods ended prior to the date of such conversion notice shall have been paid.

 

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(f) In addition to the mandatory conversion right described in Section 8(a), if there are less than 250,000 shares of Preferred Stock outstanding, the Company shall have the right, at any time on or after November 15, 2010, at its option, to cause the Preferred Stock to be automatically converted into that number of whole shares of Common Stock equal to the quotient of (i) the Liquidation Preference divided by (ii) the lesser of (A) the Conversion Price then in effect and (B) the Market Value for the period ending on the second Trading Day immediately prior to the Mandatory Conversion Date, with any resulting fractional shares of Common Stock to be settled in cash in accordance with Section 7(g). The provisions of clauses (b), (c), (d) and (e) of this Section 8 shall apply to any mandatory conversion pursuant to this clause (f); provided that (i) the Mandatory Conversion Date described in Section 8(b) shall not be less than 15 days nor more than 30 days after the date on which the Company issues a press release pursuant to Section 8(b) announcing such mandatory conversion and (ii) the press release and notice of mandatory conversion described in Section 8(c) will not state the number of shares of Common Stock to be issued upon conversion of each share of Preferred Stock.

9. Consolidation, Merger and Sale of Assets.

(a) The Company, without the consent of the holders of any of the outstanding Preferred Stock, may consolidate with or merge into any other Person or convey, transfer or lease all or substantially all its assets to any Person or may permit any Person to consolidate with or merge into, or transfer or lease all or substantially all its properties to, the Company; provided , however , that (i) the successor, transferee or lessee is organized under the laws of the United States or any political subdivision thereof; (ii) the shares of Preferred Stock will become shares of such successor, transferee or lessee, having in respect of such successor, transferee or lessee the same powers, preferences and relative participating, optional or other special rights and the qualification, limitations or restrictions thereon, the Preferred Stock had immediately prior to such transaction; and (c) the Company delivers to the Transfer Agent an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel stating that such transaction complies with this Certificate of Designation.

(b) Upon any consolidation by the Company with, or merger by the Company into, any other person or any conveyance, transfer or lease of all or substantially all the assets of the Company as described in Section 9(a), the successor resulting from such consolidation or into which the Company is merged or the transferee or lessee to which such conveyance, transfer or lease is made, will succeed to, and be substituted for, and may exercise every right and power of, the Company under the shares of Preferred Stock, and thereafter, except in the case of a lease, the predecessor (if still in existence) will be released from its obligations and covenants with respect to the Preferred Stock. Nothing in this Section 9 limits the rights of Holders set out in Section 4 and Section 4A.

10. SEC Reports.

Whether or not the Company is required to file reports with the Commission, if any shares of Preferred Stock are outstanding, the Company shall file with the Commission all such reports and other information as it would be required to file with the Commission by Section 13(a)or 15(d) under the Exchange Act. The Company shall supply each holder of Preferred Stock, upon request, without cost to such holder, copies of such reports or other information.

 

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11. Certificates.

(a) Form and Dating . The Preferred Stock and the Transfer Agent’s certificate of authentication shall be substantially in the form set forth in Exhibit A, which is hereby incorporated in and expressly made a part of this Certificate of Designation. The Preferred Stock certificate may have notations, legends or endorsements required by law, stock exchange rules, agreements to which the Company is subject, if any, or usage (provided that any such notation, legend or endorsement is in a form acceptable to the Company). Each Preferred Stock certificate shall be dated the date of its authentication. The terms of the Preferred Stock certificate set forth in Exhibit A are part of the terms of this Certificate of Designation.

(i) Global Preferred Stock. The Preferred Stock shall be issued initially in the form of one or more fully registered global certificates with the global securities legend and restricted securities legend set forth in Exhibit A hereto (the “Global Preferred Stock”), which shall be deposited on behalf of the purchasers represented thereby with the Transfer Agent, as custodian for DTC (or with such other custodian as DTC may direct), and registered in the name of DTC or a nominee of DTC, duly executed by the Company and authenticated by the Transfer Agent as hereinafter provided. The number of shares of Preferred Stock represented by Global Preferred Stock may from time to time be increased or decreased by adjustments made on the records of the Transfer Agent and DTC or its nominee as hereinafter provided. With respect to shares of Preferred Stock that are not “restricted securities” as defined in Rule 144 on a conversion date, all shares of Common Stock distributed on such conversion date or the payment or partial payment of a dividend in Common Stock will be freely transferable without restriction under the Securities Act (other than by affiliates), and such shares will be eligible for receipt in global form through the facilities of DTC.

(ii) Book-Entry Provisions. In the event Global Preferred Stock is deposited with or on behalf of DTC, the Company shall execute and the Transfer Agent shall authenticate and deliver initially one or more Global Preferred Stock certificates that (a) shall be registered in the name of DTC as depository for such Global Preferred Stock or the nominee of DTC and (b) shall be delivered by the Transfer Agent to DTC or pursuant to DTC’s instructions or held by the Transfer Agent as custodian for DTC.

Members of, or participants in, DTC (“Agent Members”) shall have no rights under this Certificate of Designation with respect to any Global Preferred Stock held on their behalf by DTC or by the Transfer Agent as the custodian of DTC or under such Global Preferred Stock, and DTC may be treated by the Company, the Transfer Agent and any agent of the Company or the Transfer Agent as the absolute owner of such Global Preferred Stock for all purposes whatsoever. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing herein shall prevent the Company, the Transfer Agent or any agent of the Company or the Transfer Agent from giving effect to any written certification, proxy or other authorization furnished by DTC or impair, as between DTC and its Agent Members, the operation of customary practices of DTC governing the exercise of the rights of a holder of a beneficial interest in any Global Preferred Stock.

 

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(iii) Certificated Preferred Stock; Certificated Common Stock. Except as provided in this paragraph 11(a) or in paragraph 11(c), owners of beneficial interests in Global Preferred Stock will not be entitled to receive physical delivery of Preferred Stock in fully registered certificated form (“Certificated Preferred Stock”). With respect to shares of Preferred Stock that are “restricted securities” as defined in Rule 144 on a conversion date, all shares of Common Stock issuable on conversion of such shares on such conversion date or on payment or partial payment of a dividend in Common Stock will be issued in fully registered certificated form (“Certificated Common Stock”). Certificates of Certificated Common Stock will be mailed or made available at the office of the Transfer Agent for the Preferred Stock on or as soon as reasonably practicable after the relevant conversion date to the converting holder.

After a transfer of any Preferred Stock or Certificated Common Stock during the period of the effectiveness of a Shelf Registration Statement with respect to such Preferred Stock or such Certificated Common Stock, all requirements pertaining to legends on such Preferred Stock (including Global Preferred Stock) or Certificated Common Stock will cease to apply, the requirements requiring that any such Certificated Common Stock issued to Holders be issued in certificated form, as the case may, will cease to apply, and Preferred Stock or Common Stock, as the case may be, in global or fully registered certificated form, in either case without legends, will be available to the transferee of the Holder of such Preferred Stock or Certificated Common Stock upon exchange of such transferring Holder’s Preferred Stock or Common Stock or directions to transfer such Holder’s interest in the Global Preferred Stock, as applicable.

(b) Execution and Authentication . Two Officers shall sign the Preferred Stock certificate for the Company by manual or facsimile signature.

If an Officer whose signature is on a Preferred Stock certificate no longer holds that office at the time the Transfer Agent authenticates the Preferred Stock certificate, the Preferred Stock certificate shall be valid nevertheless.

A Preferred Stock certificate shall not be valid until an authorized signatory of the Transfer Agent manually signs the certificate of authentication on the Preferred Stock certificate. The signature shall be conclusive evidence that the Preferred Stock certificate has been authenticated under this Certificate of Designation.

The Transfer Agent shall authenticate and deliver certificates for up to 5,750,000 shares of Preferred Stock for original issue upon a written order of the Company signed by two Officers or by an Officer and an Assistant Treasurer of the Company. Such order shall specify the number of shares of Preferred Stock to be authenticated and the date on which the original issue of Preferred Stock is to be authenticated.

The Transfer Agent may appoint an authenticating agent reasonably acceptable to the Company to authenticate the certificates for Preferred Stock. Unless limited by the terms of such appointment, an authenticating agent may authenticate certificates for Preferred Stock whenever the Transfer Agent may do so. Each reference in this Certificate of Designation to authentication by the Transfer Agent includes authentication by such agent. An authenticating agent has the same rights as the Transfer Agent or agent for service of notices and demands.

 

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(c) Transfer and Exchange . (i) Transfer and Exchange of Certificated Preferred Stock. When Certificated Preferred Stock is presented to the Transfer Agent with a request to register the transfer of such Certificated Preferred Stock or to exchange such Certificated Preferred Stock for an equal number of shares of Certificated Preferred Stock, the Transfer Agent shall register the transfer or make the exchange as requested if its reasonable requirements for such transaction are met; provided , however , that the Certificated Preferred Stock surrendered for transfer or exchange:

(1) shall be duly endorsed or accompanied by a written instrument of transfer in form reasonably satisfactory to the Company and the Transfer Agent, duly executed by the Holder thereof or its attorney duly authorized in writing; and

(2) is being transferred or exchanged pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act or pursuant to clause (i) or (ii) below, and is accompanied by the following additional information and documents, as applicable:

(A) if such Certificated Preferred Stock is being delivered to the Transfer Agent by a Holder for registration in the name of such Holder, without transfer, a certification from such Holder to that effect in substantially the form of Exhibit C hereto; or

(B) if such Certificated Preferred Stock is being transferred to the Company or to a “qualified institutional buyer” (“QIB”) in accordance with Rule 144A under the Securities Act or pursuant to another exemption from registration under the Securities Act, (i) a certification to that effect (in substantially the form of Exhibit C hereto) and (ii) if the Company so requests, an Opinion of Counsel or other evidence reasonably satisfactory to it as to the compliance with the restrictions set forth in the legend set forth in paragraph 11(c) (vii).

(ii) Restrictions on Transfer of Certificated Preferred Stock for a Beneficial Interest in Global Preferred Stock. Certificated Preferred Stock may not be exchanged for a beneficial interest in Global Preferred Stock except upon satisfaction of the requirements set forth below. Upon receipt by the Transfer Agent of Certificated Preferred Stock, duly endorsed or accompanied by appropriate instruments of transfer, in form reasonably satisfactory to the Company and the Transfer Agent, together with written instructions directing the Transfer Agent to make, or to direct DTC to make, an adjustment on its books and records with respect to such Global Preferred Stock to reflect an increase in the number of shares of Preferred Stock represented by the Global Preferred Stock, then the Transfer Agent shall cancel such Certificated Preferred Stock and cause, or direct DTC to cause, in accordance with the standing instructions and procedures existing between DTC and the Transfer Agent, the number of shares of Preferred Stock represented by the Global Preferred Stock to be increased accordingly. If no Global Preferred Stock is then outstanding, the Company shall issue and the Transfer Agent shall authenticate, upon written order of the Company in the form of an Officers’ Certificate, a new Global Preferred Stock representing the appropriate number of shares.

 

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(iii) Transfer and Exchange of Global Preferred Stock. The transfer and exchange of Global Preferred Stock or beneficial interests therein shall be effected through DTC, in accordance with this Certificate of Designation (including applicable restrictions on transfer set forth herein, if any) and the procedures of DTC therefor.

(iv) Transfer of a Beneficial Interest in Global Preferred Stock for a Certificated Preferred Stock.

(1) Any Person having a beneficial interest in Preferred Stock that is being transferred or exchanged pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act or pursuant to another exemption from registration thereunder may upon request, but only with the consent of the Company, and if accompanied by a certification from such Person to that effect (in substantially the form of Exhibit C hereto), exchange such beneficial interest for Certificated Preferred Stock representing the same number of shares of Preferred Stock. Upon receipt by the Transfer Agent of written instructions or such other form of instructions as is customary for DTC from DTC or its nominee on behalf of any Person having a beneficial interest in Global Preferred Stock and upon receipt by the Transfer Agent of a written order or such other form of instructions as is customary for DTC or the Person designated by DTC as having such a beneficial interest in a Transfer Restricted Security only, then, the Transfer Agent or DTC, at the direction of the Transfer Agent, will cause, in accordance with the standing instructions and procedures existing between DTC and the Transfer Agent, the number of shares of Preferred Stock represented by Global Preferred Stock to be reduced on its books and records and, following such reduction, the Company will execute and the Transfer Agent will authenticate and deliver to the transferee Certificated Preferred Stock.

(2) Certificated Preferred Stock issued in exchange for a beneficial interest in a Global Preferred Stock pursuant to this paragraph 11(c)(iv) shall be registered in such names and in such authorized denominations as DTC, pursuant to instructions from its direct or indirect participants or otherwise, shall instruct the Transfer Agent. The Transfer Agent shall deliver such Certificated Preferred Stock to the Persons in whose names such Preferred Stock are so registered in accordance with the instructions of DTC.

(v) Restrictions on Transfer and Exchange of Global Preferred Stock.

(1) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Certificate of Designation (other than the provisions set forth in paragraph 11(c)(vi)), Global Preferred Stock may not be transferred as a whole except by DTC to a nominee of DTC or by a nominee of DTC to DTC or another nominee of DTC or by DTC or any such nominee to a successor depository or a nominee of such successor depository.

(2) In the event that the Global Preferred Stock is exchanged for Preferred Stock in definitive registered form pursuant to paragraph 11(c)(vi) prior to the effectiveness of a Shelf Registration Statement with respect to such securities, such Preferred Stock may be exchanged only in accordance with such procedures as are

 

27


substantially consistent with the provisions of this paragraph 11(c) (including the certification requirements set forth in the Exhibits to this Certificate of Designation intended to ensure that such transfers comply with Rule 144A or such other applicable exemption from registration under the Securities Act, as the case may be) and such other procedures as may from time to time be adopted by the Company.

(vi) Authentication of Certificated Preferred Stock. If at any time:

(1) DTC notifies the Company that DTC is unwilling or unable to continue as depository for the Global Preferred Stock and a successor depository for the Global Preferred Stock is not appointed by the Company within 90 days after delivery of such notice;

(2) DTC ceases to be a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act and a successor depository for the Global Preferred Stock is not appointed by the Company within 90 days; or

(3) the Company, in its sole discretion, notifies the Transfer Agent in writing that it elects to cause the issuance of Certificated Preferred Stock under this Certificate of Designation,

then the Company will execute, and the Transfer Agent, upon receipt of a written order of the Company signed by two Officers or by an Officer and an Assistant Treasurer of the Company requesting the authentication and delivery of Certificated Preferred Stock to the Persons designated by the Company, will authenticate and deliver Certificated Preferred Stock equal to the number of shares of Preferred Stock represented by the Global Preferred Stock, in exchange for such Global Preferred Stock.

(vii) Legend.

(1) Except as permitted by the following paragraph (2) and in paragraph 11(a)(iii), each certificate evidencing the Global Preferred Stock, the Certificated Preferred Stock and Certificated Common Stock shall bear a legend in substantially the following form:

“THIS SECURITY (OR ITS PREDECESSOR) WAS ORIGINALLY ISSUED IN A TRANSACTION EXEMPT FROM REGISTRATION UNDER THE UNITED STATES SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 (THE “SECURITIES ACT”), AND THIS SECURITY AND ANY SECURITY ISSUABLE UPON CONVERSION HEREOF MAY NOT BE OFFERED, SOLD OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED IN THE ABSENCE OF SUCH REGISTRATION OR AN APPLICABLE EXEMPTION THEREFROM. EACH PURCHASER OF THIS SECURITY IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE SELLER OF THIS SECURITY MAY BE RELYING ON THE EXEMPTION FROM THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION 5 OF THE SECURITIES ACT PROVIDED BY RULE 144A THEREUNDER.

 

28


THE HOLDER OF THIS SECURITY AGREES FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE COMPANY THAT (A) THIS SECURITY AND ANY SECURITY ISSUABLE UPON CONVERSION HEREOF MAY BE OFFERED, RESOLD, PLEDGED OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED, ONLY (I) IN THE UNITED STATES TO A PERSON WHO THE SELLER REASONABLY BELIEVES IS A QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER (AS DEFINED IN RULE 144A UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT) IN A TRANSACTION MEETING THE REQUIREMENTS OF RULE 144A, (II) OUTSIDE OF THE UNITED STATES IN AN OFFSHORE TRANSACTION IN ACCORDANCE WITH RULE 904 UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, (III) PURSUANT TO AN EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT PROVIDED BY RULE 144 THEREUNDER (IF AVAILABLE) OR (IV) PURSUANT TO AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, IN EACH OF CASES (I) THROUGH (IV) IN ACCORDANCE WITH ANY APPLICABLE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY STATE OF THE UNITED STATES, AND (B) THE HOLDER WILL, AND EACH SUBSEQUENT HOLDER IS REQUIRED TO, NOTIFY ANY PURCHASER OF THIS SECURITY FROM IT OF THE RESALE RESTRICTIONS REFERRED TO IN (A) ABOVE. IN ANY CASE, THE HOLDER HEREOF WILL NOT, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, ENGAGE IN ANY HEDGING TRANSACTION WITH REGARD TO THE SECURITIES EXCEPT AS PERMITTED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT.” 1

(2) Upon any sale or transfer of a Transfer Restricted Security (including any Transfer Restricted Security represented by Global Preferred Stock) pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act or another exemption from registration under the Securities Act or an effective registration statement under the Securities Act:

(A) in the case of any Transfer Restricted Security that is a Certificated Preferred Stock, the Transfer Agent shall permit the Holder thereof to exchange such Transfer Restricted Security for Certificated Preferred Stock that does not bear a restrictive legend and rescind any restriction on the transfer of such Transfer Restricted Security; and

(B) in the case of any Transfer Restricted Security that is represented by a Global Preferred Stock, with the consent of the Company, the Transfer Agent shall permit the Holder thereof to exchange such Transfer Restricted Security for Certificated Preferred Stock that does not bear the legend set forth above and rescind any restriction on the transfer of such Transfer Restricted Security, if the Holder’s request for such exchange was made in reliance on Rule 144 or another exemption from registration under the Securities Act and the Holder certifies to that effect in writing to the Transfer Agent (such certification to be in the form set forth in Exhibit C hereto).

 

1

Subject to removal upon registration under the Securities Act of 1933 or otherwise when the security shall no longer be a Transfer Restricted Security.

 

29


(viii) Cancelation or Adjustment of Global Preferred Stock. At such time as all beneficial interests in Global Preferred Stock have either been exchanged for Certificated Preferred Stock, converted or canceled, such Global Preferred Stock shall be returned to DTC for cancelation or retained and canceled by the Transfer Agent. At any time prior to such cancelation, if any beneficial interest in Global Preferred Stock is exchanged for Certificated Preferred Stock, converted or canceled, the number of shares of Preferred Stock represented by such Global Preferred Stock shall be reduced and an adjustment shall be made on the books and records of the Transfer Agent with respect to such Global Preferred Stock, by the Transfer Agent or DTC, to reflect such reduction.

(ix) Obligations with Respect to Transfers and Exchanges of Preferred Stock.

(1) To permit registrations of transfers and exchanges, the Company shall execute and the Transfer Agent shall authenticate Certificated Preferred Stock and Global Preferred Stock as required pursuant to the provisions of this paragraph 11(c).

(2) All Certificated Preferred Stock and Global Preferred Stock issued upon any registration of transfer or exchange of Certificated Preferred Stock or Global Preferred Stock shall be the valid obligations of the Company, entitled to the same benefits under this Certificate of Designation as the Certificated Preferred Stock or Global Preferred Stock surrendered upon such registration of transfer or exchange.

(3) Prior to due presentment for registration of transfer of any shares of Preferred Stock, the Transfer Agent and the Company may deem and treat the Person in whose name such shares of Preferred Stock are registered as the absolute owner of such Preferred Stock and neither the Transfer Agent nor the Company shall be affected by notice to the contrary.

(4) No service charge shall be made to a Holder for any registration of transfer or exchange upon surrender of any Preferred Stock certificate or Common Stock certificate at the office of the Transfer Agent maintained for that purpose. However, the Company may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge that may be imposed in connection with any registration of transfer or exchange of Preferred Stock certificates or Common Stock certificates.

(5) Upon any sale or transfer of shares of Preferred Stock (including any Preferred Stock represented by a Global Preferred Stock Certificate), Certificated Common Stock pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act or pursuant to Rule 144 or another exemption from registration under the Securities Act (and based upon an Opinion of Counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Company if it so requests) or the issue of Common Stock in payment or partial payment of a dividend on Preferred Stock pursuant to an effective registration statement:

(A) in the case of any Certificated Preferred Stock or Certificated Common Stock, the Company and the Transfer Agent shall permit the holder thereof to exchange such Preferred Stock or Certificated Common Stock for Certificated Preferred Stock or Certificated Common Stock, as the case may be, that does not bear a restrictive legend and rescind any restriction on the transfer of such Preferred Stock or Common Stock issuable in respect of the conversion of the Preferred Stock;

 

30


(B) in the case of any Common Stock issued in payment or partial payment of a dividend on Preferred Stock pursuant to an effective registration statement, the Certificated Common Stock issued in respect thereof shall not bear a restrictive legend; and

(C) in the case of any Global Preferred Stock, such Preferred Stock shall not be required to bear the legend set forth in paragraph (c)(vii) above but shall continue to be subject to the provisions of paragraph (c)(iv) hereof; provided , however , that with respect to any request for an exchange of Preferred Stock that is represented by Global Preferred Stock for Certificated Preferred Stock that does not bear the legend set forth in paragraph (c)(vii) above in connection with a sale or transfer thereof pursuant to Rule 144 or another exemption from registration under the Securities Act (and based upon an Opinion of Counsel if the Company so requests), the Holder thereof shall certify in writing to the Transfer Agent that such request is being made pursuant to such exemption (such certification to be substantially in the form of Exhibit C hereto).

(x) No Obligation of the Transfer Agent.

(1) The Transfer Agent shall have no responsibility or obligation to any beneficial owner of Global Preferred Stock, a member of, or a participant in DTC or any other Person with respect to the accuracy of the records of DTC or its nominee or of any participant or member thereof, with respect to any ownership interest in the Preferred Stock or with respect to the delivery to any participant, member, beneficial owner or other Person (other than DTC) of any notice or the payment of any amount, under or with respect to such Global Preferred Stock. All notices and communications to be given to the Holders and all payments to be made to Holders under the Preferred Stock shall be given or made only to the Holders (which shall be DTC or its nominee in the case of the Global Preferred Stock). The rights of beneficial owners in any Global Preferred Stock shall be exercised only through DTC subject to the applicable rules and procedures of DTC. The Transfer Agent may rely and shall be fully protected in relying upon information furnished by DTC with respect to its members, participants and any beneficial owners.

(2) The Transfer Agent shall have no obligation or duty to monitor, determine or inquire as to compliance with any restrictions on transfer imposed under this Certificate of Designation or under applicable law with respect to any transfer of any interest in any Preferred Stock (including any transfers between or among DTC

 

31


participants, members or beneficial owners in any Global Preferred Stock) other than to require delivery of such certificates and other documentation or evidence as are expressly required by, and to do so if and when expressly required by, the terms of this Certificate of Designation, and to examine the same to determine substantial compliance as to form with the express requirements hereof.

(d) Replacement Certificates . If a mutilated Preferred Stock certificate is surrendered to the Transfer Agent or if the Holder of a Preferred Stock certificate claims that the Preferred Stock certificate has been lost, destroyed or wrongfully taken, the Company shall issue and the Transfer Agent shall countersign a replacement Preferred Stock certificate if the reasonable requirements of the Transfer Agent and of Section 8-405 of the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect in the State of Oklahoma are met. If required by the Transfer Agent or the Company, such Holder shall furnish an indemnity bond sufficient in the judgment of the Company and the Transfer Agent to protect the Company and the Transfer Agent from any loss which either of them may suffer if a Preferred Stock certificate is replaced. The Company and the Transfer Agent may charge the Holder for their expenses in replacing a Preferred Stock certificate.

(e) Temporary Certificates . Until definitive Preferred Stock certificates are ready for delivery, the Company may prepare and the Transfer Agent shall countersign temporary Preferred Stock certificates. Temporary Preferred Stock certificates shall be substantially in the form of definitive Preferred Stock certificates but may have variations that the Company considers appropriate for temporary Preferred Stock certificates. Without unreasonable delay, the Company shall prepare and the Transfer Agent shall countersign definitive Preferred Stock certificates and deliver them in exchange for temporary Preferred Stock certificates.

(f) Cancelation . (i) In the event the Company shall purchase or otherwise acquire Certificated Preferred Stock, the same shall thereupon be delivered to the Transfer Agent for cancelation.

(ii) At such time as all beneficial interests in Global Preferred Stock have either been exchanged for Certificated Preferred Stock, converted, repurchased or canceled, such Global Preferred Stock shall thereupon be delivered to the Transfer Agent for cancelation.

(iii) The Transfer Agent and no one else shall cancel and destroy all Preferred Stock certificates surrendered for transfer, exchange, replacement or cancelation and deliver a certificate of such destruction to the Company unless the Company directs the Transfer Agent to deliver canceled Preferred Stock certificates to the Company. The Company may not issue new Preferred Stock certificates to replace Preferred Stock certificates to the extent they evidence Preferred Stock which the Company has purchased or otherwise acquired.

 

32


12. Additional Rights of Holders. In addition to the rights provided to Holders under this Certificate of Designation, Holders shall have the rights set forth in the Registration Rights Agreement.

13. Other Provisions.

(a) With respect to any notice to a holder of shares of Preferred Stock required to be provided hereunder, neither failure to mail such notice, nor any defect therein or in the mailing thereof, to any particular holder shall affect the sufficiency of the notice or the validity of the proceedings referred to in such notice with respect to the other holders or affect the legality or validity of any distribution, rights, warrant, reclassification, consolidation, merger, conveyance, transfer, dissolution, liquidation or winding-up, or the vote upon any such action. Any notice which was mailed in the manner herein provided shall be conclusively presumed to have been duly given whether or not the holder receives the notice.

(b) Shares of Preferred Stock issued and reacquired will be retired and canceled promptly after reacquisition thereof and, upon compliance with the applicable requirements of Oklahoma law, have the status of authorized but unissued shares of preferred stock of the Company undesignated as to series and may with any and all other authorized but unissued shares of preferred stock of the Company be designated or redesignated and issued or reissued, as the case may be, as part of any series of preferred stock of the Corporation, except that any issuance or reissuance of shares of Preferred Stock must be in compliance with this Certificate of Designation.

(c) The shares of Preferred Stock shall be issuable only in whole shares.

(d) All notice periods referred to herein shall commence on the date of the mailing of the applicable notice.

 

33


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this certificate to be signed and attested this 7th day of November, 2005.

 

CHESAPEAKE ENERGY CORPORATION

By:

 

/s/ Martha A. Burger

 

Martha A. Burger

 

Treasurer & Senior Vice President – Human Resources

 

Attest:

 

/s/ Jennifer M. Grigsby

 

Jennifer M. Grigsby

 

Corporate Secretary


EXHIBIT A

FORM OF PREFERRED STOCK

FACE OF SECURITY

[THIS SECURITY (OR ITS PREDECESSOR) WAS ORIGINALLY ISSUED IN A TRANSACTION EXEMPT FROM REGISTRATION UNDER THE UNITED STATES SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 (THE “SECURITIES ACT”), AND THIS SECURITY AND ANY SECURITY ISSUABLE UPON CONVERSION HEREOF MAY NOT BE OFFERED, SOLD OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED IN THE ABSENCE OF SUCH REGISTRATION OR AN APPLICABLE EXEMPTION THEREFROM. EACH PURCHASER OF THIS SECURITY IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE SELLER OF THIS SECURITY MAY BE RELYING ON THE EXEMPTION FROM THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION 5 OF THE SECURITIES ACT PROVIDED BY RULE 144A THEREUNDER.

THE HOLDER OF THIS SECURITY AGREES FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE COMPANY THAT (A) THIS SECURITY AND ANY SECURITY ISSUABLE UPON CONVERSION HEREOF MAY BE OFFERED, RESOLD, PLEDGED OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED, ONLY (I) IN THE UNITED STATES TO A PERSON WHO THE SELLER REASONABLY BELIEVES IS A QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER (AS DEFINED IN RULE 144A UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT) IN A TRANSACTION MEETING THE REQUIREMENTS OF RULE 144A, (II) OUTSIDE OF THE UNITED STATES IN AN OFFSHORE TRANSACTION IN ACCORDANCE WITH RULE 904 UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, (III) PURSUANT TO AN EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT PROVIDED BY RULE 144 THEREUNDER (IF AVAILABLE) OR (IV) PURSUANT TO AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, IN EACH OF CASES (I) THROUGH (IV) IN ACCORDANCE WITH ANY APPLICABLE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY STATE OF THE UNITED STATES, AND (B) THE HOLDER WILL, AND EACH SUBSEQUENT HOLDER IS REQUIRED TO, NOTIFY ANY PURCHASER OF THIS SECURITY FROM IT OF THE RESALE RESTRICTIONS REFERRED TO IN (A) ABOVE. IN ANY CASE, THE HOLDER HEREOF WILL NOT, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, ENGAGE IN ANY HEDGING TRANSACTION WITH REGARD TO THE SECURITIES EXCEPT AS PERMITTED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT.] 1

[UNLESS THIS CERTIFICATE IS PRESENTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY, A NEW YORK CORPORATION (“DTC”), NEW YORK, NEW YORK, TO THE COMPANY OR ITS AGENT FOR REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER, EXCHANGE OR PAYMENT, AND ANY CERTIFICATE ISSUED IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF CEDE & CO. OR SUCH OTHER NAME AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC (AND ANY PAYMENT IS MADE TO CEDE & CO., OR TO SUCH OTHER ENTITY AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC) ANY TRANSFER,

 

1

Subject to removal upon registration under the Securities Act of 1933 or otherwise when the security shall no longer be a Transfer Restricted Security.

 

A-1


PLEDGE OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR OTHERWISE BY OR TO ANY PERSON IS WRONGFUL INASMUCH AS THE REGISTERED OWNER HEREOF, CEDE & CO. HAS AN INTEREST HEREIN.] 2

[TRANSFERS OF THIS GLOBAL SECURITY SHALL BE LIMITED TO TRANSFERS IN WHOLE, BUT NOT IN PART, TO NOMINEES OF DTC OR TO A SUCCESSOR THEREOF OR SUCH SUCCESSOR’S NOMINEE AND TRANSFERS OF PORTIONS OF THIS GLOBAL SECURITY SHALL BE LIMITED TO TRANSFERS MADE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RESTRICTIONS SET FORTH IN THE CERTIFICATE OF DESIGNATION REFERRED TO BELOW.] 2

IN CONNECTION WITH ANY TRANSFER, THE HOLDER WILL DELIVER TO THE TRANSFER AGENT SUCH CERTIFICATES AND OTHER INFORMATION AS SUCH TRANSFER AGENT MAY REASONABLY REQUIRE TO CONFIRM THAT THE TRANSFER COMPLIES WITH THE FOREGOING RESTRICTIONS.

 

2

Subject to removal if not a global security.

 

A-2


Certificate Number     Number of Shares of
    Convertible Preferred Stock

[            ]

CUSIP NO.: 165167834

5.00% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock (Series 2005B) (par value $0.01)

(liquidation preference $100 per share of Convertible Preferred Stock)

of

Chesapeake Energy Corporation

Chesapeake Energy Corporation, an Oklahoma corporation (the “Company”), hereby certifies that [                      ] (the “Holder”) is the registered owner of [                      ] fully paid and non-assessable preferred securities of the Company designated the 5.00% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock (Series 2005B) (par value $0.01) (liquidation preference $100 per share of Preferred Stock) (the “Preferred Stock”). The shares of Preferred Stock are transferable on the books and records of the Transfer Agent, in person or by a duly authorized attorney, upon surrender of this certificate duly endorsed and in proper form for transfer. The designations, rights, privileges, restrictions, preferences and other terms and provisions of the Preferred Stock represented hereby are issued and shall in all respects be subject to the provisions of the Certificate of Designation dated November 7, 2005, as the same may be amended from time to time (the “Certificate of Designation”). Capitalized terms used herein but not defined shall have the meaning given them in the Certificate of Designation. The Company will provide a copy of the Certificate of Designation to a Holder without charge upon written request to the Company at its principal place of business.

Reference is hereby made to select provisions of the Preferred Stock set forth on the reverse hereof, and to the Certificate of Designation, which select provisions and the Certificate of Designation shall for all purposes have the same effect as if set forth at this place.

Upon receipt of this certificate, the Holder is bound by the Certificate of Designation and is entitled to the benefits thereunder.

Unless the Transfer Agent’s Certificate of Authentication hereon has been properly executed, these shares of Preferred Stock shall not be entitled to any benefit under the Certificate of Designation or be valid or obligatory for any purpose.

 

A-3


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has executed this certificate this      th day of                           .

 

CHESAPEAKE ENERGY CORPORATION

By:

 

 

Name:

 

Title:

 

By:

 

 

Name:

 

Title:

 

 

A-4


TRANSFER AGENT’S CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION

These are shares of the Preferred Stock referred to in the within-mentioned Certificate of Designation.

Dated:

UMB BANK, N.A., as Transfer Agent,

By:

 

 

 

Authorized Signatory

 

A-5


REVERSE OF SECURITY

Dividends on each share of Preferred Stock shall be payable at a rate per annum set forth in the face hereof or as provided in the Certificate of Designation.

The shares of Preferred Stock shall be convertible into the Company’s Common Stock in the manner and according to the terms set forth in the Certificate of Designation.

The Company will furnish without charge to each holder who so requests the powers, designations, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights of each class of stock and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions of such preferences and/or rights.

 

A-6


ASSIGNMENT

 

FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned assigns and transfers the shares of Preferred Stock evidenced hereby to:

 

 

 

 

 

(Insert assignee’s social security or tax identification number)

 

 

 

(Insert address and zip code of assignee)

 

and irrevocably appoints:

 

 

 

 

 

agent to transfer the shares of Preferred Stock evidenced hereby on the books of the Transfer Agent. The agent may substitute another to act for him or her.

Date:                         

Signature:                                                              

(Sign exactly as your name appears on the other side of this Preferred Stock Certificate)

Signature Guarantee: 3                                                              

 

3

(Signature must be guaranteed by an “eligible guarantor institution” that is a bank, stockbroker, savings and loan association or credit union meeting the requirements of the Transfer Agent, which requirements include membership or participation in the Securities Transfer Agents Medallion Program (“STAMP”) or such other “signature guarantee program” as may be determined by the Transfer Agent in addition to, or in substitution for, STAMP, all in accordance with the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.)

 

A-7


EXHIBIT B

NOTICE OF CONVERSION

(To be Executed by the Holder

in order to Convert the Preferred Stock)

The undersigned hereby irrevocably elects to convert (the “Conversion”) shares of 5.00% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock (Series 2005B) (the “Preferred Stock”), represented by stock certificate No(s). (the “Preferred Stock Certificates”) into shares of common stock (“Common Stock”) of Chesapeake Energy Corporation (the “Company”) according to the conditions of the Certificate of Designation of the Preferred Stock (the “Certificate of Designation”), as of the date written below. If shares are to be issued in the name of a person other than the undersigned, the undersigned will pay all transfer taxes payable with respect thereto and is delivering herewith the Preferred Stock Certificates. No fee will be charged to the holder for any conversion, except for transfer taxes, if any. A copy of each Preferred Stock Certificate is attached hereto (or evidence of loss, theft or destruction thereof).

The undersigned represents and warrants that all offers and sales by the undersigned of the shares of Common Stock issuable to the undersigned upon conversion of the Preferred Stock shall be made pursuant to registration of the Common Stock under the Securities Act of 1933 (the “Act”), or pursuant to any exemption from registration under the Act.

Any holder, upon the exercise of its conversion rights in accordance with the terms of the Certificate of Designation and the Preferred Stock, agrees to be bound by the terms of the Registration Rights Agreement.

Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed thereto in or pursuant to the Certificate of Designation.

Date of Conversion:                     

Applicable Conversion Price:                                                                                  

Number of shares of Preferred Stock to be Converted:                                     

Number of shares of Common Stock to be Issued: *                                         

Signature:                                                                                                                   

Name:                                                                                                                         

Address:**                                                                                                                 

Fax No.:                                                                                                                       

 

*

The Company is not required to issue shares of Common Stock until the original Preferred Stock Certificate(s) (or evidence of loss, theft or destruction thereof) to be converted are received

 

B-1


 

by the Company or its Transfer Agent. The Company shall issue and deliver shares of Common Stock to an overnight courier not later than three business days following receipt of the original Preferred Stock Certificate(s) to be converted.

**

Address where shares of Common Stock and any other payments or certificates shall be sent by the Company.

 

B-2


EXHIBIT C

CERTIFICATE TO BE DELIVERED UPON EXCHANGE OR

REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER OF PREFERRED STOCK

 

Re:

5.00% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock (Series 2005B) (the “Preferred Stock”) of Chesapeake Energy Corporation (the “Company”)

This Certificate relates to              shares of Preferred Stock held in ¨ */ book-entry or ¨ */ definitive form by                      (the “Transferor”).

The Transferor*:

 

  ¨

has requested the Transfer Agent by written order to deliver in exchange for its beneficial interest in the Preferred Stock held by the Depository shares of Preferred Stock in definitive, registered form equal to its beneficial interest in such Preferred Stock (or the portion thereof indicated above); or

 

  ¨

has requested the Transfer Agent by written order to exchange or register the transfer of Preferred Stock.

In connection with such request and in respect of such Preferred Stock, the Transferor does hereby certify that the Transferor is familiar with the Certificate of Designation relating to the above-captioned Preferred Stock and that the transfer of this Preferred Stock does not require registration under the Securities Act of 1933 (the “Securities Act”) because */:

 

  ¨

Such Preferred Stock is being acquired for the Transferor’s own account without transfer.

 

  ¨

Such Preferred Stock is being transferred to the Company.

 

  ¨

Such Preferred Stock is being transferred to a qualified institutional buyer (as defined in Rule 144A under the Securities Act), in reliance on Rule 144A.

 

  ¨

Such Preferred Stock is being transferred in reliance on and in compliance with another exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act (and based on an Opinion of Counsel if the Company so requests).

 

 

[INSERT NAME OF TRANSFEROR]

by:

 

 

Date:                     

 

*/

Please check applicable box.

 

C-1


CERTIFICATE OF ELIMINATION

Chesapeake Energy Corporation (the “Corporation”), a corporation organized and existing under the Oklahoma General Corporation Act,

DOES HEREBY CERTIFY:

FIRST: That the Corporation has acquired 1,020,000 shares of its 5.0% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock (Series 2005B), par value $.01 per share (the “Acquired Shares”).

SECOND: That the Board of Directors of the Corporation has adopted resolutions retiring the Acquired Shares.

THIRD: That the Certificate of Designation for the 5.0% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock (Series 2005B) (the “Certificate of Designation”) prohibits the reissuance of shares when so retired and, pursuant to the provisions of Section 1078 of the Oklahoma General Corporation Act, upon the date of the filing of this Certificate of Elimination, the Certificate of Designation shall be amended so as to reduce the number of authorized shares of the 5.0% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock (Series 2005B) by 1,020,000 shares, being the total number of the Acquired Shares retired by the Board of Directors. Accordingly, the number of authorized but undesignated shares of preferred stock of the Company shall be increased by 1,020,000 shares. The retired Acquired Shares have a par value of $.01 per share and an aggregate par value of $10,200.00.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the Corporation has caused this Certificate to be executed by its Senior Vice President, Treasurer and Corporate Secretary, and attested to by its Assistant Secretary, this 17 th day of April, 2008.

 

CHESAPEAKE ENERGY CORPORATION

By:

 

/s/ Jennifer M. Grigsby

 

Jennifer M. Grigsby

 

Senior Vice President, Treasurer and Corporate Secretary

ATTEST:

 

/s/ Anita L. Brodrick

Anita L. Brodrick

Assistant Secretary


CERTIFICATE OF ELIMINATION

Chesapeake Energy Corporation (the “Corporation”), a corporation organized and existing under the Oklahoma General Corporation Act,

DOES HEREBY CERTIFY:

FIRST: That the Corporation has acquired 669,300 shares of its 5.0% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock (Series 2005B), par value $.01 per share (the “Acquired Shares”).

SECOND: That the Board of Directors of the Corporation has adopted resolutions retiring the Acquired Shares.

THIRD: That the Certificate of Designation for the 5.0% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock (Series 2005B) (the “Certificate of Designation”) prohibits the reissuance of shares when so retired and, pursuant to the provisions of Section 1078 of the Oklahoma General Corporation Act, upon the date of the filing of this Certificate of Elimination, the Certificate of Designation shall be amended so as to reduce the number of authorized shares of the 5.0% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock (Series 2005B) by 669,300 shares, being the total number of the Acquired Shares retired by the Board of Directors. Accordingly, the number of authorized but undesignated shares of preferred stock of the Company shall be increased by 669,300 shares. The retired Acquired Shares have a par value of $.01 per share and an aggregate par value of $6,693.00.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the Corporation has caused this Certificate to be executed by its Senior Vice President, Treasurer and Corporate Secretary, and attested to by its Assistant Secretary, this 12 th day of May, 2008.

 

CHESAPEAKE ENERGY CORPORATION

By:

 

/s/ Jennifer M. Grigsby

 

Jennifer M. Grigsby

 

Senior Vice President, Treasurer and Corporate Secretary

ATTEST:

 

Anita L. Brodrick

Anita L. Brodrick

Assistant Secretary


CERTIFICATE OF ELIMINATION

Chesapeake Energy Corporation (the “Corporation”), a corporation organized and existing under the Oklahoma General Corporation Act,

DOES HEREBY CERTIFY:

FIRST: That the Corporation has acquired 703,700 shares of its 5.0% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock (Series 2005B), par value $.01 per share (the “Acquired Shares”).

SECOND: That the Board of Directors of the Corporation has adopted resolutions retiring the Acquired Shares.

THIRD: That the Certificate of Designation for the 5.0% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock (Series 2005B) (the “Certificate of Designation”) prohibits the reissuance of shares when so retired and, pursuant to the provisions of Section 1078 of the Oklahoma General Corporation Act, upon the date of the filing of this Certificate of Elimination, the Certificate of Designation shall be amended so as to reduce the number of authorized shares of the 5.0% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock (Series 2005B) by 703,700 shares, being the total number of the Acquired Shares retired by the Board of Directors. Accordingly, the number of authorized but undesignated shares of preferred stock of the Company shall be increased by 703,700 shares. The retired Acquired Shares have a par value of $.01 per share and an aggregate par value of $7,037.00.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the Corporation has caused this Certificate to be executed by its Senior Vice President, Treasurer and Corporate Secretary, and attested to by its Assistant Secretary, this 29 th day of May, 2008.

 

CHESAPEAKE ENERGY CORPORATION

By:

 

/s/ Jennifer M. Grigsby

 

Jennifer M. Grigsby

 

Senior Vice President, Treasurer and Corporate Secretary

ATTEST:

 

/s/ Anita L. Brodrick

Anita L. Brodrick

Assistant Secretary


CERTIFICATE OF ELIMINATION

Chesapeake Energy Corporation (the “Corporation”), a corporation organized and existing under the Oklahoma General Corporation Act,

DOES HEREBY CERTIFY:

FIRST: That the Corporation has acquired 325,500 shares of its 5.0% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock (Series 2005B), par value $.01 per share (the “Acquired Shares”).

SECOND: That the Board of Directors of the Corporation has adopted resolutions retiring the Acquired Shares.

THIRD: That the Certificate of Designation for the 5.0% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock (Series 2005B) (the “Certificate of Designation”) prohibits the reissuance of shares when so retired and, pursuant to the provisions of Section 1078 of the Oklahoma General Corporation Act, upon the date of the filing of this Certificate of Elimination, the Certificate of Designation shall be amended so as to reduce the number of authorized shares of the 5.0% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock (Series 2005B) by 325,500 shares, being the total number of the Acquired Shares retired by the Board of Directors. Accordingly, the number of authorized but undesignated shares of preferred stock of the Company shall be increased by 325,500 shares. The retired Acquired Shares have a par value of $.01 per share and an aggregate par value of $3,255.00.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the Corporation has caused this Certificate to be executed by its Senior Vice President, Treasurer and Corporate Secretary, and attested to by its Assistant Secretary, this 4 th day of June, 2008.

 

CHESAPEAKE ENERGY CORPORATION

By:

 

/s/ Jennifer M. Grigsby

 

Jennifer M. Grigsby

 

Senior Vice President, Treasurer and Corporate Secretary

ATTEST:

 

/s/ Anita L. Brodrick

Anita L. Brodrick

Assistant Secretary


CERTIFICATE OF ELIMINATION

Chesapeake Energy Corporation (the “Corporation”), a corporation organized and existing under the Oklahoma General Corporation Act,

DOES HEREBY CERTIFY:

FIRST: That the Corporation has acquired 147,300 shares of its 5.0% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock (Series 2005B), par value $.01 per share (the “Acquired Shares”).

SECOND: That the Board of Directors of the Corporation has adopted resolutions retiring the Acquired Shares.

THIRD: That the Certificate of Designation for the 5.0% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock (Series 2005B) (the “Certificate of Designation”) prohibits the reissuance of shares when so retired and, pursuant to the provisions of Section 1078 of the Oklahoma General Corporation Act, upon the date of the filing of this Certificate of Elimination, the Certificate of Designation shall be amended so as to reduce the number of authorized shares of the 5.0% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock (Series 2005B) by 147,300 shares, being the total number of the Acquired Shares retired by the Board of Directors. Accordingly, the number of authorized but undesignated shares of preferred stock of the Company shall be increased by 147,300 shares. The retired Acquired Shares have a par value of $.01 per share and an aggregate par value of $1,473.00.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the Corporation has caused this Certificate to be executed by its Senior Vice President, Treasurer and Corporate Secretary, and attested to by its Assistant Secretary, this 1 st day of August, 2008.

 

CHESAPEAKE ENERGY CORPORATION

By:

 

/s/ Jennifer M. Grigsby

 

Jennifer M. Grigsby

 

Senior Vice President, Treasurer and Corporate Secretary

ATTEST:

 

Anita L. Brodrick

Anita L. Brodrick

Assistant Secretary

Exhibit 3.1.6

CERTIFICATE OF DESIGNATION

OF

4.50% CUMULATIVE CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK

OF

CHESAPEAKE ENERGY CORPORATION

Pursuant to Section 1032(G) of the Oklahoma General Corporation Act

CHESAPEAKE ENERGY CORPORATION, an Oklahoma corporation (the “Company”), does hereby certify that the following resolution was duly adopted by action of the Board of Directors of the Company, with the provisions thereof fixing the number of shares of the series and the dividend rate being set by action of the Board of Directors of the Company:

RESOLVED that pursuant to the authority expressly granted to and vested in the Board of Directors of the Company by the provisions of Article IV, Section 1 of the Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, as amended from time to time (the “Certificate of Incorporation”), and pursuant to Section 1032(G) of the Oklahoma General Corporation Act, the Board of Directors hereby creates a series of preferred stock of the Company and hereby states that the voting powers, designations, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights of which, and qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof (in addition to the provisions set forth in the Certificate of Incorporation which are applicable to the preferred stock of all classes and series), shall be as follows:

1. Designation and Amount; Ranking.

(a) There shall be created from the 20,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Company authorized to be issued pursuant to the Certificate of Incorporation, a series of preferred stock, designated as the “4.50% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock,” par value $0.01 per share (the “Preferred Stock”), and the number of shares of such series shall be 3,450,000. Such number of shares may be decreased by resolution of the Board of Directors; provided that no decrease shall reduce the number of shares of Preferred Stock to a number less than that of the shares of Preferred Stock then outstanding plus the number of shares issuable upon exercise of options or rights then outstanding.

(b) The Preferred Stock will, with respect to both dividend rights and rights upon the liquidation, winding-up or dissolution of the Company, rank on a parity with the 5.00% Preferred Stock (Series 2005), the 6.00% Preferred Stock, the 5.00% Preferred Stock (Series 2003) and the 4.125% Preferred Stock, and the Preferred Stock will, with respect to dividend rights or rights upon the liquidation, winding-up or dissolution of the Company rank (i) senior to all Junior Stock, (ii) on a parity with all other Parity Stock and (iii) junior to all Senior Stock.


2. Definitions. As used herein, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

(a) “4.125% Preferred Stock” shall mean the series of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Company designated as the “4.125% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock.”

(b) “5.00% Preferred Stock (Series 2003)” shall mean the series of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Company designated as the “5.00% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock.”

(c) “5.00% Preferred Stock (Series 2005)” shall mean the series of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Company designated as the “5.00% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock (Series 2005).”

(d) “6.00% Preferred Stock” shall mean the series of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Company designated as the “6.00% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock.”

(e) “Accrued Dividends” shall mean, with respect to any share of Preferred Stock, as of any date, the accrued and unpaid dividends on such share from and including the most recent Dividend Payment Date (or the Issue Date, if such date is prior to the first Dividend Payment Date) to but not including such date.

(f) “Accumulated Dividends” shall mean, with respect to any share of Preferred Stock, as of any date, the aggregate accumulated and unpaid dividends on such share from the Issue Date until the most recent Dividend Payment Date on or prior to such date. There shall be no Accumulated Dividends with respect to any share of Preferred Stock prior to the first Dividend Payment Date.

(g) “Affiliate” shall have the meaning ascribed to it, on the date hereof, under Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

(h) “Board of Directors” shall mean the Board of Directors of the Company or, with respect to any action to be taken by the Board of Directors, any committee of the Board of Directors duly authorized to take such action.

(i) “Business Day” shall mean any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banks in The City of New York are authorized or required by law or executive order to close.

(j) “Closing Sale Price” of the Common Stock on any date means the closing sale price per share (or if no closing sale price is reported, the average of the closing bid and ask prices or, if more than one in either case, the average of the average closing bid and the average closing ask prices) on such date as reported on the principal United States securities exchange on which the Common Stock is traded or, if the Common Stock is not listed on a United States national or regional securities exchange, as reported by Nasdaq or by the National Quotation

 

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Bureau Incorporated. In the absence of such a quotation, the Closing Sale Price will be an amount determined in good faith by the Board of Directors to be the fair value of the Common Stock.

(k) “Common Stock” shall mean the common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Company, or any other class of stock resulting from successive changes or reclassifications of such common stock consisting solely of changes in par value, or from par value to no par value, or as a result of a subdivision, combination, merger, consolidation or similar transaction in which the Company is a constituent corporation.

(l) “Conversion Price” shall mean $44.172, subject to adjustment as set forth in Section 7(d).

(m) “DTC” or “Depository” shall mean The Depository Trust Company.

(n) “Dividend Payment Date” shall mean March 15, June 15, September 15 and December 15 of each year, commencing December 15, 2005.

(o) “Dividend Record Date” shall mean March 1, June 1, September 1 and December 1 of each year.

(p) “Effective Date” shall mean the date on which a Fundamental Change event occurs.

(q) “Exchange Act” shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

(r) “Fundamental Change” shall mean any of the following events: (i) the sale, lease or transfer, in one or a series of related transactions, of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets (determined on a consolidated basis) to any Person or group (as such term is used in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act), other than to Permitted Holders; (ii) the adoption of a plan the consummation of which would result in the liquidation or dissolution of the Company; (iii) the acquisition, directly or indirectly, by any Person or group (as such term is used in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act) other than Permitted Holders of beneficial ownership (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act) of more than 50% of the aggregate voting power of the Voting Stock of the Company; provided , however , that the Permitted Holders beneficially own (as defined in Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, in the aggregate a lesser percentage of the total voting power of the Voting Stock of the Company than such other Person or group and do not have the right or ability by voting power, contract or otherwise to elect or designate for election a majority of the Board of Directors (for the purposes of this definition, such other Person or group shall be deemed to beneficially own any Voting Stock of a specified corporation held by a parent corporation, if such other Person or group is the beneficial owner (as defined above), directly or indirectly, of more than 35% of the voting power of the Voting Stock of such parent corporation and the Permitted Holders beneficially own (as defined in this proviso), directly or indirectly, in the aggregate a lesser percentage of the voting power of the Voting Stock of such parent corporation and do not have the right or ability by voting power, contract or otherwise to elect or designate

 

3


for election a majority of the Board of Directors of such parent corporation; (iv) during any period of two consecutive years, individuals who at the beginning of such period comprised the Board of Directors of the Company (together with any new directors whose election by such Board of Directors or whose nomination for election by the shareholders of the Company was approved by a vote of 66 2/3% of the directors of the Company then still in office who were either directors at the beginning of such period or whose election or nomination for election was previously so approved) cease for any reason to constitute a majority of the Board of Directors of the Company then in office; or (v) the Common Stock ceases to be listed on a national securities exchange or quoted on Nasdaq or another over-the-counter market in the United States; provided , however , that a Fundamental Change will not be deemed to have occurred in the case of a merger or consolidation, if (i) at least 90% of the consideration (excluding cash payments for fractional shares and cash payments pursuant to dissenters’ appraisal rights) in the merger or consolidation consists of common stock of a United States company traded on a national securities exchange or quoted on Nasdaq (or which will be so traded or quoted when issued or exchanged in connection with such transaction) and (ii) as a result of such transaction or transactions the shares of Preferred Stock become convertible solely into such common stock.

(s) “Holder” or “holder” shall mean a holder of record of the Preferred Stock.

(t) “Issue Date” shall mean September 14, 2005, the original date of issuance of the Preferred Stock.

(u) “Junior Stock” shall mean all classes of common stock of the Company and the Series A Junior Participating Convertible Preferred Stock and each other class of capital stock or series of preferred stock established after the Issue Date, by the Board of Directors, the terms of which do not expressly provide that such class or series ranks senior to or on parity with the Preferred Stock as to dividend rights or rights upon the liquidation, winding-up or dissolution of the Company.

(v) “Liquidation Preference” shall mean, with respect to each share of Preferred Stock, $100.00.

(w) “Make-Whole Premium” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4A.

(x) “Market Value” shall mean the average Closing Sale Price of the Common Stock for a five consecutive Trading Day period on the NYSE (or such other national securities exchange or automated quotation system on which the Common Stock is then listed or authorized for quotation or, if the Common Stock is not so listed or authorized for quotation, an amount determined in good faith by the Board of Directors to be the fair value of the Common Stock) ending immediately prior to the date of determination.

(y) “NYSE” shall mean the New York Stock Exchange, Inc.

(z) “Officer” shall mean the Chairman of the Board of Directors, the President, any Vice President, the Treasurer, the Secretary or any Assistant Secretary of the Company.

 

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(aa) “Officers’ Certificate” shall mean a certificate signed by two Officers.

(bb) “Opinion of Counsel” shall mean a written opinion from legal counsel who is acceptable to the Transfer Agent. The counsel may be an employee of or counsel to the Company or the Transfer Agent.

(cc) “Parity Stock” shall mean the 6.00% Preferred Stock, the 5.00% Preferred Stock (Series 2005), the 4.125% Preferred Stock, the 5.00% Preferred Stock (Series 2003) and any class of capital stock or series of preferred stock established after the Issue Date by the Board of Directors, the terms of which expressly provide that such class or series will rank on parity with the Preferred Stock as to dividend rights or rights upon the liquidation, winding-up or dissolution of the Company.

(dd) “Permitted Holders” means Aubrey K. McClendon and Tom L. Ward and their respective Affiliates.

(ee) “Person” shall mean any individual, corporation, general partnership, limited partnership, limited liability partnership, joint venture, association, joint-stock company, trust, limited liability company, unincorporated organization or government or any agency or political subdivision thereof.

(ff) “SEC” or “Commission” shall mean the Securities and Exchange Commission.

(gg) “Securities Act” shall mean the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

(hh) “Senior Stock” shall mean each class of capital stock or series of preferred stock established after the Issue Date by the Board of Directors, the terms of which expressly provide that such class or series will rank senior to the Preferred Stock as to dividend rights or rights upon the liquidation, winding-up or dissolution of the Company.

(ii) “Trading Day” shall mean a day during which trading in securities generally occurs on the New York Stock Exchange or, if Common Stock is not listed on the New York Stock Exchange, on the principal other national or regional securities exchange on which Common Stock is then listed or, if Common Stock is not listed on a national or regional securities exchange, on Nasdaq or, if Common Stock is not quoted on Nasdaq, on the principal other market on which Common Stock is then traded.

(jj) “Transfer Agent” shall mean UMB Bank, N.A., the Company’s duly appointed transfer agent, registrar and conversion and dividend disbursing agent for the Preferred Stock. The Company may, in its sole discretion, remove the Transfer Agent with 10 days’ prior notice to the Transfer Agent; provided , that the Company shall appoint a successor Transfer Agent who shall accept such appointment prior to the effectiveness of such removal.

(kk) “Underwriting Agreement” shall mean that certain Underwriting Agreement with respect to the Preferred Stock, dated September 8, 2005, among the Company, Bank of America Securities LLC, Credit Suisse First Boston, Lehman Brothers Inc., Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated and Wachovia Capital Markets, LLC and the other underwriters named therein.

 

5


(ll) “Voting Rights Triggering Event” shall mean the failure of the Company to pay dividends on the Preferred Stock with respect to six or more quarterly periods (whether or not consecutive).

(mm) “Voting Stock” shall mean, with respect to any Person, securities of any class or classes of Capital Stock in such Person entitling the holders thereof (whether at all times or only so long as no senior class of stock has voting power by reason of contingency) to vote in the election of members of the Board of Directors or other governing body of such Person. For purposes of this definition, “Capital Stock” shall mean, with respect to any Person, any and all shares, interests, participations or other equivalents (however designated) of corporate stock or partnership interests and any and all warrants, options and rights with respect thereto (whether or not currently exercisable), including each class of common stock and preferred stock of such Person.

3. Dividends.

(a) The holders of shares of the outstanding Preferred Stock shall be entitled, when, as and if declared by the Board of Directors out of funds of the Company legally available therefor, to receive cumulative dividends at the rate per annum of 4.50% per share on the Liquidation Preference (equivalent to $4.50 per annum per share), payable quarterly in arrears (the “Dividend Rate”). Dividends payable for each full dividend period will be computed by dividing the Dividend Rate by four and shall be payable in arrears on each Dividend Payment Date (commencing December 15, 2005) for the quarterly period ending immediately prior to such Dividend Payment Date, to the holders of record of Preferred Stock at the close of business on the Dividend Record Date applicable to such Dividend Payment Date. Such dividends shall be cumulative from the most recent date as to which dividends shall have been paid or, if no dividends have been paid, from the Issue Date (whether or not in any dividend period or periods there shall be funds of the Company legally available for the payment of such dividends) and shall accrue on a day-to-day basis, whether or not earned or declared, from and after the Issue Date. Dividends payable for any partial dividend period, including the initial dividend period ending immediately prior to December 15, 2005, shall be computed on the basis of days elapsed over a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months. Accumulations of dividends on shares of Preferred Stock shall not bear interest.

(b) No dividend will be declared or paid upon, or any sum set apart for the payment of dividends upon, any outstanding share of the Preferred Stock with respect to any dividend period unless all dividends for all preceding dividend periods have been declared and paid or declared and a sufficient sum or number of shares of common stock have been set apart for the payment of such dividend, upon all outstanding shares of Preferred Stock.

(c) No dividend on the Preferred Stock will be paid in cash at any time that the Adjusted Consolidated EBITDA Coverage Ratio (as defined as of the date hereof in the indenture among the Company, the Subsidiary Guarantors (as defined therein) and The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A. dated as of June 20, 2005) is less than 2.00 to 1.00.

 

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(d) No dividends or other distributions (other than a dividend or distribution payable solely in shares of Parity Stock or Junior Stock (in the case of Parity Stock) or Junior Stock (in the case of Junior Stock) and other than cash paid in lieu of fractional shares) may be declared, made or paid, or set apart for payment upon, any Parity Stock or Junior Stock, nor may any Parity Stock or Junior Stock be redeemed, purchased or otherwise acquired for any consideration (or any money paid to or made available for a sinking fund for the redemption of any Parity Stock or Junior Stock) by or on behalf of the Company (except by conversion into or exchange for shares of Parity Stock or Junior Stock (in the case of Parity Stock) or Junior Stock (in the case of Junior Stock)), unless full Accumulated Dividends shall have been or contemporaneously are declared and paid, or are declared and a sum or number of shares of common stock sufficient for the payment thereof is set apart for such payment, on the Preferred Stock and any Parity Stock for all dividend payment periods terminating on or prior to the date of such declaration, payment, redemption, purchase or acquisition. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if full dividends have not been paid on the Preferred Stock and any Parity Stock, dividends may be declared and paid on the Preferred Stock and such Parity Stock so long as the dividends are declared and paid pro rata so that the amounts of dividends declared per share on the Preferred Stock and such Parity Stock will in all cases bear to each other the same ratio that accumulated and unpaid dividends per share on the shares of Preferred Stock and such other Parity Stock bear to each other.

(e) Holders of shares of Preferred Stock shall not be entitled to any dividends on the Preferred Stock, whether payable in cash, property or stock, in excess of full cumulative dividends. No interest, or sum of money in lieu of interest, shall be payable in respect of any dividend payment or payments on the Preferred Stock which may be in arrears.

(f) The holders of shares of Preferred Stock at the close of business on a Dividend Record Date will be entitled to receive the dividend payment on those shares on the next following Dividend Payment Date notwithstanding the subsequent conversion thereof or the Company’s default in payment of the dividend due on that Dividend Payment Date. However, shares of Preferred Stock surrendered for conversion during the period between the close of business on any Dividend Record Date and the close of business on the Business Day immediately preceding the applicable Dividend Payment Date must be accompanied by payment of an amount or number of shares of Common Stock equal to the dividend payable on the shares on that Dividend Payment Date. A holder of shares of Preferred Stock on a Dividend Record Date who (or whose transferee) tenders any shares for conversion on the corresponding Dividend Payment Date will receive the dividend payable by the Company on the Preferred Stock on that date, and the converting holder need not include payment in the amount of such dividend upon surrender of shares of Preferred Stock for conversion. Except as provided above with respect to a voluntary conversion pursuant to Section 7, the Company shall make no payment or allowance for unpaid dividends, whether or not in arrears, on converted shares or for dividends on the shares of Common Stock issued upon conversion.

3A. Method of Payment of Dividends.

(a) Subject to the restrictions set forth herein, dividends on the Preferred Stock may be paid:

(i) in cash;

 

7


(ii) by delivery of shares of Common Stock; or

(iii) through any combination of cash and Common Stock.

(b) Common Stock issued in payment or partial payment of a dividend shall be valued for such purpose at 97% of the Market Value as determined on the second Trading Day immediately prior to the Dividend Record Date for such dividend.

(c) Dividend payments on the Preferred Stock will be made in cash, except to the extent the Company elects to make all or any portion of such payment in Common Stock by giving notice to Holders of such election and the portion of such payment that will be made in cash and the portion of such payment that will be made in Common Stock, 10 Trading Days prior to the Dividend Record Date for such dividend.

(d) No fractional shares of Common Stock will be delivered to Holders in payment or partial payment of a dividend. A cash adjustment will be paid to each Holder that would otherwise be entitled to a fraction of a share of Common Stock. Any portion of any such payment that is declared and not paid through the delivery of Common Stock will be paid in cash.

(e) No payment or partial payment of a dividend on the Preferred Stock may be made by delivery of Common Stock unless (i) the Common Stock to be delivered as payment therefore is freely transferable by the recipient without further action on its behalf, other than by reason of the fact that such recipient is our affiliate, or (ii) a shelf registration statement relating to that Common Stock has been filed with the SEC and is effective to permit the resale of that Common Stock by the holders thereof.

4. Fundamental Change.

(a) Upon the occurrence of a Fundamental Change, each holder of Preferred Stock shall:

(i) if it converts its Preferred Stock at any time beginning at the opening of business on the Trading Day immediately following the Effective Date and ending at the close of business on the 30th Trading Day immediately following the Effective Date, receive:

(A) Common Stock and cash in lieu of fractional shares, as described in Section 7; and

(B) the Make-Whole Premium, if any, and

(ii) in the event that the Market Value for the period ending on the Effective Date is less than the Conversion Price, have a one-time option (the “Fundamental Change Option”) to convert all of such Holder’s outstanding shares of Preferred Stock into fully paid and nonassessable shares of Common Stock at an adjusted Conversion Price equal to the greater of (x) the Market Value for the period ending on the Effective Date and (y) $21.81. The

 

8


Fundamental Change Option must be exercised, if at all, during the period of not less than 30 days nor more than 60 days after the Fundamental Change Notice Date. In lieu of issuing the shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion in the event of a Fundamental Change, the Company may, at its option, make a cash payment equal to the Market Value for each share of such Common Stock otherwise issuable, determined for the period ending on the Effective Date.

(b) In the event of a Fundamental Change, notice of such Fundamental Change shall be given, within 10 Trading Days of the Effective Date, by the Company by first-class mail to each record holder of shares of Preferred Stock, at such holder’s address as the same appears on the books of the Company (such date of notice, the “Fundamental Change Notice Date”). Each such notice shall state (i) that a Fundamental Change has occurred; (ii) the last day on which the Make-Whole Premium can be received upon conversion and the last day on which the Fundamental Change Option may be exercised (each such date, an “Expiration Date”) pursuant to the terms hereof; (iii) the name and address of the Transfer Agent; and (iv) the procedures that holders must follow to exercise the Fundamental Change Option.

(c) On or before the applicable Expiration Date, each holder of shares of Preferred Stock wishing to exercise pursuant to Section 4(a) shall surrender the certificate or certificates representing the shares of Preferred Stock to be converted, in the manner and at the place designated in the notice described in Section 4(b), and on such date the cash or shares of Common Stock due to such holder shall be delivered to the Person whose name appears on such certificate or certificates as the owner thereof and the shares represented by each surrendered certificate shall be returned to authorized but unissued shares. Upon surrender (in accordance with the notice described in Section 4(b)) of the certificate or certificates representing any shares to be so converted (properly endorsed or assigned for transfer, if the Company shall so require and the notice shall so state), such shares shall be converted by the Company at the adjusted Conversion Price, if applicable, as described in Section 4(a).

(d) The rights of holders of Preferred Stock pursuant to this Section 4 are in addition to, and not in lieu of, the rights of holders of Preferred Stock provided for in Section 7 hereof and Section 4A.

4A. Determination of the Make-Whole Premium.

(a) If a Holder elects to convert Preferred Stock in connection with a transaction that is a Fundamental Change, the Company shall deliver to such Holder upon conversion, in addition to the shares of Common Stock and cash for fractional shares under Section 4 and Section 7, a make-whole premium (the “Make-Whole Premium”):

(i) equal to a percentage of the Liquidation Preference of the Preferred Stock converted determined by reference to the table in clause (d) below, based on the Effective Date and the price (the “Stock Price”) paid, or deemed to be paid, per share of our Common Stock in the transaction constituting the Fundamental Change, subject to adjustment as described below; and

(ii) in addition to, and not in substitution for, any cash, securities or other assets otherwise due to holders of Preferred Stock upon conversion.

 

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(b) The Make-Whole Premium will be paid solely in shares of Common Stock (other than cash in lieu of fractional shares) or in the same form of consideration into which all or substantially all of the Common Stock has been converted or exchanged in connection with the Fundamental Change (other than cash paid in lieu of fractional interests in any security or pursuant to dissenters’ rights). The Company will pay cash in lieu of fractional interests in any security or other property delivered in connection with such Fundamental Change. The Make-Whole Premium will be payable on the 35th Trading Day following the Effective Date for Preferred Stock converted in connection with a Fundamental Change. If holders of Common Stock receive or have the right to receive more than one form of consideration in connection with such Fundamental Change, then, for purposes of the foregoing, the forms of consideration in which the Make-Whole Premium will be paid will be in proportion to the relative value, determined as described below, of the different forms of consideration paid to holders of Common Stock in connection with the Fundamental Change.

(c) The Stock Price paid, or deemed paid, per share of Common Stock in the transaction constituting the Fundamental Change will be calculated as follows:

(i) In the case of a Fundamental Change in which all or substantially all of the shares of Common Stock have been, as of the Effective Date, converted into or exchanged for the right to receive securities or other assets or property, the consideration shall be valued as follows:

(A) securities that are traded on a U.S. national securities exchange or approved for quotation on the Nasdaq or any similar system of automated dissemination of quotations of securities prices, will be valued at the average of the closing prices of such securities for the five consecutive Trading Days beginning on the second Trading Day after the Fundamental Change Notice Date,

(B) other securities, assets or property, other than cash, that holders will have the right to receive will be valued based on the average of the fair market value of the securities, assets or property, other than cash, as determined by two independent nationally recognized investment banks, and

(C) 100% of any cash.

(ii) In all other cases, the value of Common Stock will equal the average of the closing prices of Common Stock for the five consecutive Trading Days beginning on the second Trading Day after the Fundamental Change Notice Date.

The value of Common Stock or other consideration for purposes of determining the number of shares of Common Stock or other consideration to be issued in respect of the Make-Whole Premium will be calculated in the same manner, except that to the extent such value is calculated pursuant to clause (i)(A), (i)(B) or (ii), such value shall be multiplied by 97%.

 

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(d) The following table sets forth the Stock Price paid, or deemed paid, per share of Common Stock in the transaction constituting the Fundamental Change, the Effective Date and Make-Whole Premium (expressed as a percentage of Liquidation Preference) upon a conversion in connection with a Fundamental Change:

 

Value as % of Liquidation Preference

Effective Date

 

     9/14/2005    9/15/2006    9/15/2007    9/15/2008    9/15/2009    9/15/2010    Thereafter
$ 32.72    0.05    0.00    0.00    0.00    0.00    0.00    0.00
$ 37.50    8.92    7.20    5.43    3.60    1.91    1.08    1.08
$ 44.17    21.75    19.76    17.62    15.22    12.62    10.71    10.71
$ 55.00    18.98    16.73    14.21    11.22    7.48    1.62    1.62
$ 70.00    16.32    13.95    11.26    8.04    4.06    0.00    0.00
$ 85.00    14.48    12.15    9.51    6.44    2.90    0.00    0.00
$ 100.00    13.10    10.88    8.40    5.58    2.47    0.00    0.00
$ 115.00    12.00    9.93    7.63    5.05    2.26    0.00    0.00

The Stock Prices set forth in the table will be adjusted as of any date on which the Conversion Price of the Convertible Preferred Stock is adjusted. The adjusted Stock Prices will equal the stock prices applicable immediately prior to the adjustment divided by a fraction, the numerator of which is the Conversion Price immediately prior to the adjustment to the Conversion Price and the denominator of which is the conversion price as so adjusted.

The exact Stock Price and Effective Date may not be set forth on the table, in which case:

(i) if the Stock Price is between two Stock Prices on the table or the Effective Date is between two Effective Dates on the table, the Make-Whole Premium will be determined by straight-line interpolation between Make-Whole Premium amounts set forth for the higher and lower Stock Prices and the two Effective Dates, as applicable, based on a 365-day year;

(ii) if the Stock Price is in excess of $115.00 per share (subject to adjustment in the same manner as the Stock Price) the payment corresponding to row $115.00 will be paid; and

(iii) if the Stock Price is less than or equal to $32.72 per share (subject to adjustment in the same manner as the Stock Price), no Make-Whole Premium will be paid.

5. Voting.

(a) The shares of Preferred Stock shall have no voting rights except as set forth below or as otherwise required by Oklahoma law from time to time:

(i) If and whenever at any time or times a Voting Rights Triggering Event occurs, then the holders of shares of Preferred Stock, voting as a single class with any other preferred stock or preference securities having similar voting rights that are exercisable, including the 5.00% Preferred Stock (Series 2003), the 6.00% Preferred Stock, the 5.00% Preferred Stock (Series 2005) and the 4.125% Preferred Stock (the “Voting Rights Class”), will be entitled at the next regular or special meeting of stockholders of the Company to elect two

 

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additional directors of the Company. Upon the election of any such additional directors, the number of directors that comprise the Board of Directors shall be increased by such number of additional directors.

(ii) Such voting rights may be exercised at a special meeting of the holders of the shares of the Voting Rights Class, called as hereinafter provided, or at any annual meeting of stockholders held for the purpose of electing directors, and thereafter at each such annual meeting until such time as all dividends in arrears on the shares of Preferred Stock shall have been paid in full, at which time or times such voting rights and the term of the directors elected pursuant to Section 5(a)(i) shall terminate.

(iii) At any time when such voting rights shall have vested in holders of shares of the Voting Rights Class, an Officer of the Company may call, and, upon written request of the record holders of shares representing at least twenty-five percent (25%) of the voting power of the shares then outstanding of the Voting Rights Class, addressed to the Secretary of the Company, shall call a special meeting of the holders of shares of the Voting Rights Class. Such meeting shall be held at the earliest practicable date upon the notice required for annual meetings of stockholders at the place for holding annual meetings of stockholders of the Company, or, if none, at a place designated by the Board of Directors. Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 5(a)(iii), no such special meeting shall be called during a period within the 60 days immediately preceding the date fixed for the next annual meeting of stockholders in which such case, the election of directors pursuant to Section 5(a)(i) shall be held at such annual meeting of stockholders.

(iv) At any meeting held for the purpose of electing directors at which the holders of the Voting Rights Class shall have the right to elect directors as provided herein, the presence in person or by proxy of the holders of shares representing more than fifty percent (50%) in voting power of the then outstanding shares of the Voting Rights Class shall be required and shall be sufficient to constitute a quorum of such class for the election of directors by such class. The affirmative vote of the holders of shares of Preferred Stock constituting a majority of the shares of Preferred Stock present at such meeting, in person or by proxy, shall be sufficient to elect any such director.

(v) Any director elected pursuant to the voting rights created under this Section 5(a) shall hold office until the next annual meeting of stockholders (unless such term has previously terminated pursuant to Section 5(a)(ii) ) and any vacancy in respect of any such director shall be filled only by vote of the remaining director so elected by holders of the Voting Rights Class, or if there be no such remaining director, by the holders of shares of the Voting Rights Class at a special meeting called in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Section 5, or, if no such special meeting is called, at the next annual meeting of stockholders. Upon any termination of such voting rights, the term of office of all directors elected pursuant to this Section 5 shall terminate.

(vi) So long as any shares of Preferred Stock remain outstanding, unless a greater percentage shall then be required by law, the Company shall not, without the affirmative vote or consent of the holders of at least 66 2/3% of the outstanding Preferred Stock voting or consenting, as the case may be, separately as one class, (i) create, authorize or issue

 

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any class or series of Senior Stock (or any security convertible into Senior Stock) or (ii) amend the Certificate of Incorporation so as to affect adversely the specified rights, preferences, privileges or voting rights of holders of shares of Preferred Stock.

(vii) In exercising the voting rights set forth in this Section 5(a), each share of Preferred Stock shall be entitled to one vote.

(b) The Company may authorize, increase the authorized amount of, or issue any class or series of Parity Stock or Junior Stock, without the consent of the holders of Preferred Stock, and in taking such actions the Company shall not be deemed to have affected adversely the rights, preferences, privileges or voting rights of holders of shares of Preferred Stock.

6. Liquidation Rights.

(a) In the event of any liquidation, winding-up or dissolution of the Company, whether voluntary or involuntary, each holder of shares of Preferred Stock shall be entitled to receive and to be paid out of the assets of the Company available for distribution to its stockholders the Liquidation Preference plus Accumulated Dividends and Accrued Dividends thereon in preference to the holders of, and before any payment or distribution is made on, any Junior Stock, including, without limitation, on any Common Stock.

(b) Neither the sale, conveyance, exchange or transfer (for cash, shares of stock, securities or other consideration) of all or substantially all the assets or business of the Company (other than in connection with the liquidation, winding-up or dissolution of its business) nor the merger or consolidation of the Company into or with any other Person shall be deemed to be a liquidation, winding-up or dissolution, voluntary or involuntary, for the purposes of this Section 6.

(c) After the payment to the holders of the shares of Preferred Stock of full preferential amounts provided for in this Section 6, the holders of Preferred Stock as such shall have no right or claim to any of the remaining assets of the Company.

(d) In the event the assets of the Company available for distribution to the holders of shares of Preferred Stock upon any liquidation, winding-up or dissolution of the Company, whether voluntary or involuntary, shall be insufficient to pay in full all amounts to which such holders are entitled pursuant to Section 6(a), no such distribution shall be made on account of any shares of Parity Stock upon such liquidation, dissolution or winding-up unless proportionate distributable amounts shall be paid on account of the shares of Preferred Stock, ratably, in proportion to the full distributable amounts for which holders of all Preferred Stock and of any Parity Stock are entitled upon such liquidation, winding-up or dissolution.

7. Conversion.

(a) Each holder of Preferred Stock shall have the right, at any time, at its option, from the Issue Date to convert, subject to the terms and provisions of this Section 7, any or all of such holder’s shares of Preferred Stock. In such case, the shares of Preferred Stock shall be converted into such whole number of fully paid and nonassessable shares of Common Stock

 

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as is equal, subject to Section 7(h), to the product of the number of shares of Preferred Stock being so converted multiplied by the quotient of (i) the Liquidation Preference divided by (ii) the Conversion Price then in effect.

The conversion right of a holder of Preferred Stock shall be exercised by the holder by the surrender to the Company of the certificates representing shares to be converted at any time during usual business hours at its principal place of business or the offices of its duly appointed Transfer Agent to be maintained by it, accompanied by written notice to the Company in the form of Exhibit B that the holder elects to convert all or a portion of the shares of Preferred Stock represented by such certificate and specifying the name or names (with address) in which a certificate or certificates for shares of Common Stock are to be issued and (if so required by the Company or its duly appointed Transfer Agent) by a written instrument or instruments of transfer in form reasonably satisfactory to the Company or its duly appointed Transfer Agent duly executed by the holder or its duly authorized legal representative and transfer tax stamps or funds therefor, if required pursuant to Section 7(j). Immediately prior to the close of business on the date of receipt by the Company or its duly appointed Transfer Agent of notice of conversion of shares of Preferred Stock, each converting holder of Preferred Stock shall be deemed to be the holder of record of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of such holder’s Preferred Stock notwithstanding that the share register of the Company shall then be closed or that certificates representing such Common Stock shall not then be actually delivered to such holder. On the date of any conversion, all rights with respect to the shares of Preferred Stock so converted, including the rights, if any, to receive notices, will terminate, except only the rights of holders thereof to (i) receive certificates for the number of whole shares of Common Stock into which such shares of Preferred Stock have been converted and cash, in lieu of any fractional shares as provided in Section 7(g); (ii) receive a Make-Whole Premium, if any, payable upon a Fundamental Change, in accordance with Section 4A; and (iii) exercise the rights to which they are entitled as holders of Common Stock.

(b) [Intentionally omitted].

(c) [Intentionally omitted].

(d) The Conversion Price shall be subject to adjustment as follows:

(i) In case the Company shall at any time or from time to time (A) pay a dividend (or other distribution) payable in shares of Common Stock on any class of capital stock (which, for purposes of this Section 7(d) shall include, without limitation, any dividends or distributions in the form of options, warrants or other rights to acquire capital stock) of the Company (other than the issuance of shares of Common Stock in connection with the conversion of, or payment or partial payment of dividends on, Preferred Stock); (B) subdivide the outstanding shares of Common Stock into a larger number of shares; (C) combine the outstanding shares of Common Stock into a smaller number of shares; (D) issue any shares of its capital stock in a reclassification of the Common Stock; or (E) pay a dividend or make a distribution to all holders of shares of Common Stock (other than a dividend or distribution subject to Section 7(d)(ii)) pursuant to a stockholder rights plan, “poison pill” or similar arrangement and excluding dividends payable on the Preferred Stock then, and in each such case, the Conversion Price in effect immediately prior to such event shall be adjusted (and any other

 

14


appropriate actions shall be taken by the Company) so that the holder of any share of Preferred Stock thereafter surrendered for conversion shall be entitled to receive the number of shares of Common Stock that such holder would have owned or would have been entitled to receive upon or by reason of any of the events described above, had such share of Preferred Stock been converted into shares of Common Stock immediately prior to the occurrence of such event. An adjustment made pursuant to this Section 7(d)(i) shall become effective retroactively (x) in the case of any such dividend or distribution, to the day immediately following the close of business on the record date for the determination of holders of Common Stock entitled to receive such dividend or distribution or (y) in the case of any such subdivision, combination or reclassification, to the close of business on the day upon which such corporate action becomes effective.

(ii) In case the Company shall at any time or from time to time issue to all holders of its Common Stock rights, options or warrants entitling the holders thereof to subscribe for or purchase shares of Common Stock (or securities convertible into or exchangeable for shares of Common Stock) at a price per share less than the Market Value for the period ending on the date of issuance (treating the price per share of any security convertible or exchangeable or exercisable into Common Stock as equal to (A) the sum of the price paid to acquire such security convertible, exchangeable or exercisable into Common Stock plus any additional consideration payable (without regard to any anti-dilution adjustments) upon the conversion, exchange or exercise of such security into Common Stock divided by (B) the number of shares of Common Stock into which such convertible, exchangeable or exercisable security is initially convertible, exchangeable or exercisable), other than (i) issuances of such rights, options or warrants if the holder of Preferred Stock would be entitled to receive such rights, options or warrants upon conversion at any time of shares of Preferred Stock into Common Stock and (ii) issuances that are subject to certain triggering events (until such time as such triggering events occur), then, and in each such case, the Conversion Price then in effect shall be adjusted by dividing the Conversion Price in effect on the day immediately prior to the record date of such issuance by a fraction (y) the numerator of which shall be the sum of the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding on such record date plus the number of additional shares of Common Stock issued or to be issued upon or as a result of the issuance of such rights, options or warrants (or the maximum number into or for which such convertible or exchangeable securities initially may convert or exchange or for which such options, warrants or other rights initially may be exercised) and (z) the denominator of which shall be the sum of the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding on such record date plus the number of shares of Common Stock which the aggregate consideration for the total number of such additional shares of Common Stock so issued (or into or for which such convertible or exchangeable securities may convert or exchange or for which such options, warrants or other rights may be exercised plus the aggregate amount of any additional consideration initially payable upon the conversion, exchange or exercise of such security) would purchase at the Market Value for the period ending on the date of conversion; provided , that if the Company distributes rights or warrants (other than those referred to above in this subparagraph (d)(ii)) pro rata to the holders of Common Stock, so long as such rights or warrants have not expired or been redeemed by the Company, (y) the holder of any Preferred Stock surrendered for conversion shall be entitled to receive upon such conversion, in addition to the shares of Common Stock then issuable upon such conversion (the “Conversion Shares”), a number of rights or warrants to be determined as

 

15


follows: (i) if such conversion occurs on or prior to the date for the distribution to the holders of rights or warrants of separate certificates evidencing such rights or warrants (the “Distribution Date”), the same number of rights or warrants to which a holder of a number of shares of Common Stock equal to the number of Conversion Shares is entitled at the time of such conversion in accordance with the terms and provisions applicable to the rights or warrants and (ii) if such conversion occurs after the Distribution Date, the same number of rights or warrants to which a holder of the number of shares of Common Stock into which such Preferred Stock was convertible immediately prior to such Distribution Date would have been entitled on such Distribution Date had such Preferred Stock been converted immediately prior to such Distribution Date in accordance with the terms and provisions applicable to the rights and warrants and (z) the Conversion Price shall not be subject to adjustment on account of any declaration, distribution or exercise of such rights or warrants.

(iii) If the Company shall at any time make a distribution, by dividend or otherwise, to all holders of shares of its Common Stock consisting exclusively of cash (excluding any cash portion of distributions referred to in clause (E) of paragraph (d)(i) above and cash distributed upon a merger or consolidation to which paragraph (h) below applies) in an amount per share of Common Stock that, when combined with the per share amounts of all other all-cash distributions to all holders of shares of its Common Stock made within the 90-day period ending on the record date for the distribution giving rise to an adjustment pursuant to this Section 7(d)(iii), exceeds $0.065 per share of Common Stock (the “Distribution Threshold Amount”), then the Conversion Price will be adjusted by multiplying:

(1) the Conversion Price in effect immediately prior to the close of business on the record date fixed for the determination of holders of Common Stock entitled to receive such distribution by

(2) a fraction, the numerator of which will be the Market Value on the fourth trading day on the NYSE prior to such record date minus the amount of cash per share of Common Stock so distributed in excess of the Distribution Threshold Amount for which an adjustment has not otherwise been made pursuant to this Section 7(d)(iii) and the denominator of which will be the Market Value on the fourth trading day on the NYSE prior to such record date.

Subject to Section 7(e), such adjustment shall become effective immediately after the record date for the determination of holders of Common Stock entitled to receive the distribution giving rise to an adjustment pursuant to this Section 7(d)(iii). If an adjustment is required to be made under this clause 7(d) as a result of a cash dividend in any quarterly period that exceeds the Distribution Threshold Amount, the adjustment shall be based upon the amount by which the distribution exceeds the Distribution Threshold Amount. If an adjustment is otherwise required to be made under this clause 7(d), the adjustment shall be based upon the full amount of the distribution. The Distribution Threshold Amount is subject to adjustment under the same circumstances under which the Conversion Price is subject to adjustment pursuant to Section 7(d)(i) or Section 7(d)(ii). Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event will the Conversion Price be less than $32.72, subject to adjustment under the same circumstances under which the Conversion Price is subject to adjustment pursuant to Section 7(d)(i), 7(d)(ii) and 7(d)(iv) and 7(d)(v).

 

16


(iv) If the Company shall at any time or from time to time on the record date of such distribution; (A) complete a tender or exchange offer by the Company or any of its subsidiaries for shares of Common Stock that involves an aggregate consideration that, together with (I) any cash and other consideration payable in a tender or exchange offer by the Company or any of its subsidiaries for shares of Common Stock expiring within the then-preceding 12 months in respect of which no adjustment pursuant to this Section 7(d) has been made and (II) the aggregate amount of any such all-cash distributions referred to in clause (iii) above to all holders of shares of Common Stock within the then-preceding 12 months in respect of which no adjustments have been made, exceeds 15% of the Company’s market capitalization (defined as the product of the Market Value for the period ending on the record date of such distribution times the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding on such record date) on the expiration of such tender offer; or (B) make a distribution to all holders of its Common Stock consisting of evidences of indebtedness, shares of its capital stock other than Common Stock or assets (including securities, but excluding those dividends, rights, options, warrants and distributions referred to in paragraphs (d)(i), (d)(ii), (d)(iii) above or this (d)(iv)), then, and in each such case, the Conversion Price then in effect shall be adjusted by dividing the Conversion Price in effect immediately prior to the date of such distribution or completion of such tender or exchange offer, as the case may be, by a fraction (x) the numerator of which shall be the Market Value for the period ending on the record date referred to below, or, if such adjustment is made upon the completion of a tender or exchange offer, on the payment date for such offer, and (y) the denominator of which shall be such Market Value less the then fair market value (as determined by the Board of Directors of the Company) of the portion of the cash, evidences of indebtedness, securities or other assets so distributed or paid in such tender or exchange offer, applicable to one share of Common Stock (but such denominator shall not be less than one); provided , however , that no adjustment shall be made with respect to any distribution of rights to purchase securities of the Company if the holder of Preferred Stock would otherwise be entitled to receive such rights upon conversion at any time of shares of Preferred Stock into shares of Common Stock unless such rights are subsequently redeemed by the Company, in which case such redemption shall be treated for purposes of this Section 7(d)(iv) as a dividend on the Common Stock. Such adjustment shall be made whenever any such distribution is made or tender or exchange offer is completed, as the case may be, and shall become effective retroactively to a date immediately following the close of business on the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to receive such distribution.

(v) In the case the Company at any time or from time to time shall take any action affecting its Common Stock (it being understood that the issuance or sale of shares of Common Stock (or securities convertible into or exchangeable for shares of Common Stock, or any options, warrants or other rights to acquire shares of Common Stock) to any Person at a price per share less than the Conversion Price then in effect shall not be deemed such an action), other than an action described in any of Section 7(d)(i) through Section 7(d)(iv), inclusive, or Section 7(h), or the issuance of shares of Common Stock as a dividend on Preferred Stock, then the Conversion Price shall be adjusted in such manner and at such time as the Board of Directors of the Company in good faith determines to be equitable in the circumstances (such determination to be evidenced in a resolution, a certified copy of which shall be mailed to the holders of the Preferred Stock).

 

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(vi) Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, no adjustment under this Section 7(d) need be made to the Conversion Price unless such adjustment would require an increase or decrease of at least 1% of the Conversion Price then in effect. Any lesser adjustment shall be carried forward and shall be made at the time of and together with the next subsequent adjustment, if any, which, together with any adjustment or adjustments so carried forward, shall amount to an increase or decrease of at least 1% of such Conversion Price; provided , however , that with respect to adjustments to be made to the Conversion Price in connection with cash dividends paid by the Company, the Company shall make such adjustments, regardless of whether such aggregate adjustments amount to 1% or more of the Conversion Price, no later than September 15 of each calendar year.

(vii) The Company reserves the right to make such reductions in the Conversion Price in addition to those required in the foregoing provisions as it considers advisable in order that any event treated for Federal income tax purposes as a dividend of stock or stock rights will not be taxable to the recipients. In the event the Company elects to make such a reduction in the Conversion Price, the Company will comply with the requirements of Rule 14e-1 under the Exchange Act, and any other securities laws and regulations thereunder if and to the extent that such laws and regulations are applicable in connection with the reduction of the Conversion Price.

(e) If the Company shall take a record of the holders of its Common Stock for the purpose of entitling them to receive a dividend or other distribution, and shall thereafter (and before the dividend or distribution has been paid or delivered to stockholders) legally abandon its plan to pay or deliver such dividend or distribution, then thereafter no adjustment in the Conversion Price then in effect shall be required by reason of the taking of such record.

(f) Upon any increase or decrease in the Conversion Price, then, and in each such case, the Company promptly shall deliver to each holder of Preferred Stock a certificate signed by an authorized officer of the Company, setting forth in reasonable detail the event requiring the adjustment and the method by which such adjustment was calculated and specifying the increased or decreased Conversion Price then in effect following such adjustment.

(g) No fractional shares or securities representing fractional shares of Common Stock shall be issued upon the conversion of any shares of Preferred Stock, whether voluntary or mandatory, or in respect of the payment or partial payment of dividends on Preferred Stock in Common Stock. If more than one share of Preferred Stock shall be surrendered for conversion at one time by the same holder, the number of full shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion thereof shall be computed on the basis of the aggregate Liquidation Preference of the shares of Preferred Stock so surrendered. If the conversion of any share or shares of Preferred Stock results in a fraction, an amount equal to such fraction multiplied by the last reported sale price of the Common Stock on the NYSE (or on such other national securities exchange or automated quotation system on which the Common Stock is then listed for trading or authorized for quotation or, if the Common Stock is not then so listed or authorized for quotation, an amount determined in good faith by the Board of Directors to be the fair value of the Common Stock) at the close of business on the Trading Day next preceding the day of conversion shall be paid to such holder in cash by the Company.

 

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(h) In the event of any reclassification of outstanding shares of Common Stock (other than a change in par value, or from par value to no par value, or from no par value to par value), or in the event of any consolidation or merger of the Company with or into another Person or any merger of another Person with or into the Company (other than a consolidation or merger in which the Company is the resulting or surviving Person and which does not result in any reclassification or change of outstanding Common Stock), or in the event of any sale or other disposition to another Person of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company (computed on a consolidated basis) (any of the foregoing, a “Transaction”), each share of Preferred Stock then outstanding shall, without the consent of any holder of Preferred Stock, become convertible at any time, at the option of the holder thereof, only into the kind and amount of securities (of the Company or another issuer), cash and other property receivable upon such Transaction by a holder of the number of shares of Common Stock into which such share of Preferred Stock could have been converted immediately prior to such Transaction, after giving effect to any adjustment event. The provisions of this Section 7(h) and any equivalent thereof in any such securities similarly shall apply to successive Transactions. The provisions of this Section 7(h), Section 4 and Section 4A shall be the sole rights of holders of Preferred Stock in connection with any Transaction and such holders shall have no separate vote thereon.

(i) The Company shall at all times reserve and keep available for issuance upon the conversion of the Preferred Stock such number of its authorized but unissued shares of Common Stock as will from time to time be sufficient to permit the conversion of all outstanding shares of Preferred Stock, and shall take all action required to increase the authorized number of shares of Common Stock if at any time there shall be insufficient unissued shares of Common Stock to permit such reservation or to permit the conversion of all outstanding shares of Preferred Stock or the payment or partial payment of dividends declared on Preferred Stock that are payable in Common Stock.

(j) The issuance or delivery of certificates for Common Stock upon the conversion of shares of Preferred Stock or the payment or partial payment of a dividend on Preferred Stock in Common Stock, shall be made without charge to the converting holder or recipient of shares of Preferred Stock for such certificates or for any tax in respect of the issuance or delivery of such certificates or the securities represented thereby, and such certificates shall be issued or delivered in the respective names of, or in such names as may be directed by, the holders of the shares of Preferred Stock converted; provided , however , that the Company shall not be required to pay any tax which may be payable in respect of any transfer involved in the issuance and delivery of any such certificate in a name other than that of the holder of the shares of the relevant Preferred Stock and the Company shall not be required to issue or deliver such certificate unless or until the Person or Persons requesting the issuance or delivery thereof shall have paid to the Company the amount of such tax or shall have established to the reasonable satisfaction of the Company that such tax has been paid.

8. Mandatory Conversion.

(a) At any time on or after September 15, 2010, the Company shall have the right, at its option, to cause the Preferred Stock, in whole but not in part, to be automatically converted into that number of whole shares of Common Stock for each share of Preferred Stock equal to the quotient of (i) the Liquidation Preference divided by (ii) the Conversion Price then in

 

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effect, with any resulting fractional shares of Common Stock to be settled in accordance with Section 7(g). The Company may exercise its right to cause a mandatory conversion pursuant to this Section 8(a) only if the closing price of the Common Stock equals or exceeds 130% of the Conversion Price then in effect for at least 20 Trading Days in any consecutive 30 Trading Day period on the NYSE (or such other national securities exchange or automated quotation system on which the Common Stock is then listed or authorized for quotation), including the last Trading Day of such 30-day period, ending on the Trading Day prior to the Company’s issuance of a press release announcing the mandatory conversion as described in Section 8(b).

(b) To exercise the mandatory conversion right described in Section 8(a), the Company must issue a press release for publication on the Dow Jones News Service prior to the opening of business on the first Trading Day following any date on which the conditions described in Section 8(a) are met, announcing such a mandatory conversion. The Company shall also give notice by mail or by publication (with subsequent prompt notice by mail) to the holders of Preferred Stock (not more than four Business Days after the date of the press release) of the mandatory conversion announcing the Company’s intention to convert the Preferred Stock. The conversion date will be a date selected by the Company (the “Mandatory Conversion Date”) and will be no more than ten days after the date on which the Company issues the press release described in this Section 8(b).

(c) In addition to any information required by applicable law or regulation, the press release and notice of a mandatory conversion described in Section 8(b) shall state, as appropriate: (i) the Mandatory Conversion Date; (ii) the number of shares of Common Stock to be issued upon conversion of each share of Preferred Stock; (iii) the number of shares of Preferred Stock to be converted; and (iv) that dividends on the Preferred Stock to be converted will cease to accrue on the Mandatory Conversion Date.

(d) On and after the Mandatory Conversion Date, dividends will cease to accrue on the Preferred Stock called for a mandatory conversion pursuant to Section 8(a) and all rights of holders of such Preferred Stock will terminate except for the right to receive the whole shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion thereof and cash, in lieu of any fractional shares of Common Stock in accordance with Section 7(g). The dividend payment with respect to the Preferred Stock called for a mandatory conversion pursuant to Section 8(a) on a date during the period between the close of business on any Dividend Record Date to the close of business on the corresponding Dividend Payment Date will be payable on such Dividend Payment Date to the record holder of such share on such Dividend Record Date if such share has been converted after such Dividend Record Date and prior to such Dividend Payment Date. Except as provided in the immediately preceding sentence with respect to a mandatory conversion pursuant to Section 8(a), no payment or adjustment will be made upon conversion of Preferred Stock for Accrued Dividends or for dividends with respect to the Common Stock issued upon such conversion.

(e) The Company may not authorize, issue a press release or give notice of any mandatory conversion pursuant to Section 8(a) unless, prior to giving the conversion notice, all Accumulated Dividends on the Preferred Stock for periods ended prior to the date of such conversion notice shall have been paid.

 

20


(f) In addition to the mandatory conversion right described in Section 8(a), if there are less than 250,000 shares of Preferred Stock outstanding, the Company shall have the right, at any time on or after September 15, 2010, at its option, to cause the Preferred Stock to be automatically converted into that number of whole shares of Common Stock equal to the quotient of (i) the Liquidation Preference divided by (ii) the lesser of (A) the Conversion Price then in effect and (B) the Market Value for the period ending on the second Trading Day immediately prior to the Mandatory Conversion Date, with any resulting fractional shares of Common Stock to be settled in cash in accordance with Section 7(g). The provisions of clauses (b), (c), (d) and (e) of this Section 8 shall apply to any mandatory conversion pursuant to this clause (f); provided that (i) the Mandatory Conversion Date described in Section 8(b) shall not be less than 15 days nor more than 30 days after the date on which the Company issues a press release pursuant to Section 8(b) announcing such mandatory conversion and (ii) the press release and notice of mandatory conversion described in Section 8(c) will not state the number of shares of Common Stock to be issued upon conversion of each share of Preferred Stock.

9. Consolidation, Merger and Sale of Assets.

(a) The Company, without the consent of the holders of any of the outstanding Preferred Stock, may consolidate with or merge into any other Person or convey, transfer or lease all or substantially all its assets to any Person or may permit any Person to consolidate with or merge into, or transfer or lease all or substantially all its properties to, the Company; provided , however , that (i) the successor, transferee or lessee is organized under the laws of the United States or any political subdivision thereof; (ii) the shares of Preferred Stock will become shares of such successor, transferee or lessee, having in respect of such successor, transferee or lessee the same powers, preferences and relative participating, optional or other special rights and the qualification, limitations or restrictions thereon, the Preferred Stock had immediately prior to such transaction; and (c) the Company delivers to the Transfer Agent an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel stating that such transaction complies with this Certificate of Designation.

(b) Upon any consolidation by the Company with, or merger by the Company into, any other person or any conveyance, transfer or lease of all or substantially all the assets of the Company as described in Section 9(a), the successor resulting from such consolidation or into which the Company is merged or the transferee or lessee to which such conveyance, transfer or lease is made, will succeed to, and be substituted for, and may exercise every right and power of, the Company under the shares of Preferred Stock, and thereafter, except in the case of a lease, the predecessor (if still in existence) will be released from its obligations and covenants with respect to the Preferred Stock. Nothing in this Section 9 limits the rights of Holders set out in Section 4 and Section 4A.

10. SEC Reports.

Whether or not the Company is required to file reports with the Commission, if any shares of Preferred Stock are outstanding, the Company shall file with the Commission all such reports and other information as it would be required to file with the Commission by Section 13(a)or 15(d) under the Exchange Act. The Company shall supply each holder of Preferred Stock, upon request, without cost to such holder, copies of such reports or other information.

 

21


11. Certificates.

(a) Form and Dating . The Preferred Stock and the Transfer Agent’s certificate of authentication shall be substantially in the form set forth in Exhibit A, which is hereby incorporated in and expressly made a part of this Certificate of Designation. The Preferred Stock certificate may have notations, legends or endorsements required by law, stock exchange rules, agreements to which the Company is subject, if any, or usage (provided that any such notation, legend or endorsement is in a form acceptable to the Company). Each Preferred Stock certificate shall be dated the date of its authentication. The terms of the Preferred Stock certificate set forth in Exhibit A are part of the terms of this Certificate of Designation.

(i) Global Preferred Stock. The Preferred Stock shall be issued initially in the form of one or more fully registered global certificates with the global securities legend set forth in Exhibit A hereto (the “Global Preferred Stock”), which shall be deposited on behalf of the purchasers represented thereby with the Transfer Agent, as custodian for DTC (or with such other custodian as DTC may direct), and registered in the name of DTC or a nominee of DTC, duly executed by the Company and authenticated by the Transfer Agent as hereinafter provided. The number of shares of Preferred Stock represented by Global Preferred Stock may from time to time be increased or decreased by adjustments made on the records of the Transfer Agent and DTC or its nominee as hereinafter provided.

(ii) Book-Entry Provisions. In the event Global Preferred Stock is deposited with or on behalf of DTC, the Company shall execute and the Transfer Agent shall authenticate and deliver initially one or more Global Preferred Stock certificates that (a) shall be registered in the name of DTC as depository for such Global Preferred Stock or the nominee of DTC and (b) shall be delivered by the Transfer Agent to DTC or pursuant to DTC’s instructions or held by the Transfer Agent as custodian for DTC.

Members of, or participants in, DTC (“Agent Members”) shall have no rights under this Certificate of Designation with respect to any Global Preferred Stock held on their behalf by DTC or by the Transfer Agent as the custodian of DTC or under such Global Preferred Stock, and DTC may be treated by the Company, the Transfer Agent and any agent of the Company or the Transfer Agent as the absolute owner of such Global Preferred Stock for all purposes whatsoever. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing herein shall prevent the Company, the Transfer Agent or any agent of the Company or the Transfer Agent from giving effect to any written certification, proxy or other authorization furnished by DTC or impair, as between DTC and its Agent Members, the operation of customary practices of DTC governing the exercise of the rights of a holder of a beneficial interest in any Global Preferred Stock.

(iii) Certificated Preferred Stock. Except as provided in this paragraph 11(a) or in paragraph 11(c), owners of beneficial interests in Global Preferred Stock will not be entitled to receive physical delivery of Preferred Stock in fully registered certificated form (“Certificated Preferred Stock”).

 

22


(b) Execution and Authentication . Two Officers shall sign the Preferred Stock certificate for the Company by manual or facsimile signature.

If an Officer whose signature is on a Preferred Stock certificate no longer holds that office at the time the Transfer Agent authenticates the Preferred Stock certificate, the Preferred Stock certificate shall be valid nevertheless.

A Preferred Stock certificate shall not be valid until an authorized signatory of the Transfer Agent manually signs the certificate of authentication on the Preferred Stock certificate. The signature shall be conclusive evidence that the Preferred Stock certificate has been authenticated under this Certificate of Designation.

The Transfer Agent shall authenticate and deliver certificates for up to 3,450,000 shares of Preferred Stock for original issue upon a written order of the Company signed by two Officers or by an Officer and an Assistant Treasurer of the Company. Such order shall specify the number of shares of Preferred Stock to be authenticated and the date on which the original issue of Preferred Stock is to be authenticated.

The Transfer Agent may appoint an authenticating agent reasonably acceptable to the Company to authenticate the certificates for Preferred Stock. Unless limited by the terms of such appointment, an authenticating agent may authenticate certificates for Preferred Stock whenever the Transfer Agent may do so. Each reference in this Certificate of Designation to authentication by the Transfer Agent includes authentication by such agent. An authenticating agent has the same rights as the Transfer Agent or agent for service of notices and demands.

(c) Transfer and Exchange . (i) Transfer and Exchange of Certificated Preferred Stock. When Certificated Preferred Stock is presented to the Transfer Agent with a request to register the transfer of such Certificated Preferred Stock or to exchange such Certificated Preferred Stock for an equal number of shares of Certificated Preferred Stock, the Transfer Agent shall register the transfer or make the exchange as requested if its reasonable requirements for such transaction are met; provided , however , that the Certificated Preferred Stock surrendered for transfer or exchange:

(1) shall be duly endorsed or accompanied by a written instrument of transfer in form reasonably satisfactory to the Company and the Transfer Agent, duly executed by the Holder thereof or its attorney duly authorized in writing; and

(2) is being transferred or exchanged pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act or pursuant to clause (i) or (ii) below, and is accompanied by the following additional information and documents, as applicable:

(A) if such Certificated Preferred Stock is being delivered to the Transfer Agent by a Holder for registration in the name of such Holder, without transfer, a certification from such Holder to that effect in substantially the form of Exhibit C hereto; or

 

23


(B) if such Certificated Preferred Stock is being transferred to the Company or pursuant to an exemption from registration under the Securities Act, (i) a certification to that effect (in substantially the form of Exhibit C hereto) and (ii) if the Company so requests, an Opinion of Counsel or other evidence reasonably satisfactory to it as to the compliance with the restrictions set forth in the legend set forth in paragraph 11(c) (vii).

(ii) Restrictions on Transfer of Certificated Preferred Stock for a Beneficial Interest in Global Preferred Stock. Certificated Preferred Stock may not be exchanged for a beneficial interest in Global Preferred Stock except upon satisfaction of the requirements set forth below. Upon receipt by the Transfer Agent of Certificated Preferred Stock, duly endorsed or accompanied by appropriate instruments of transfer, in form reasonably satisfactory to the Company and the Transfer Agent, together with written instructions directing the Transfer Agent to make, or to direct DTC to make, an adjustment on its books and records with respect to such Global Preferred Stock to reflect an increase in the number of shares of Preferred Stock represented by the Global Preferred Stock, then the Transfer Agent shall cancel such Certificated Preferred Stock and cause, or direct DTC to cause, in accordance with the standing instructions and procedures existing between DTC and the Transfer Agent, the number of shares of Preferred Stock represented by the Global Preferred Stock to be increased accordingly. If no Global Preferred Stock is then outstanding, the Company shall issue and the Transfer Agent shall authenticate, upon written order of the Company in the form of an Officers’ Certificate, a new Global Preferred Stock representing the appropriate number of shares.

(iii) Transfer and Exchange of Global Preferred Stock. The transfer and exchange of Global Preferred Stock or beneficial interests therein shall be effected through DTC, in accordance with this Certificate of Designation (including applicable restrictions on transfer set forth herein, if any) and the procedures of DTC therefor.

(iv) Transfer of a Beneficial Interest in Global Preferred Stock for a Certificated Preferred Stock.

(1) Any Person having a beneficial interest in Preferred Stock that is being transferred or exchanged pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act or pursuant to another exemption from registration thereunder may upon request, but only with the consent of the Company, and if accompanied by a certification from such Person to that effect (in substantially the form of Exhibit C hereto), exchange such beneficial interest for Certificated Preferred Stock representing the same number of shares of Preferred Stock. Upon receipt by the Transfer Agent of written instructions or such other form of instructions as is customary for DTC from DTC or its nominee on behalf of any Person having a beneficial interest in Global Preferred Stock, then, the Transfer Agent or DTC, at the direction of the Transfer Agent, will cause, in accordance with the standing instructions and procedures existing between DTC and the Transfer Agent, the number of shares of Preferred Stock represented by Global Preferred Stock to be reduced on its books and records and, following such reduction, the Company will execute and the Transfer Agent will authenticate and deliver to the transferee Certificated Preferred Stock.

 

24


(2) Certificated Preferred Stock issued in exchange for a beneficial interest in a Global Preferred Stock pursuant to this paragraph 11(c)(iv) shall be registered in such names and in such authorized denominations as DTC, pursuant to instructions from its direct or indirect participants or otherwise, shall instruct the Transfer Agent. The Transfer Agent shall deliver such Certificated Preferred Stock to the Persons in whose names such Preferred Stock are so registered in accordance with the instructions of DTC.

(v) Restrictions on Transfer and Exchange of Global Preferred Stock. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Certificate of Designation (other than the provisions set forth in paragraph 11(c)(vi)), Global Preferred Stock may not be transferred as a whole except by DTC to a nominee of DTC or by a nominee of DTC to DTC or another nominee of DTC or by DTC or any such nominee to a successor depository or a nominee of such successor depository.

(vi) Authentication of Certificated Preferred Stock. If at any time:

(1) DTC notifies the Company that DTC is unwilling or unable to continue as depository for the Global Preferred Stock and a successor depository for the Global Preferred Stock is not appointed by the Company within 90 days after delivery of such notice;

(2) DTC ceases to be a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act and a successor depository for the Global Preferred Stock is not appointed by the Company within 90 days; or

(3) the Company, in its sole discretion, notifies the Transfer Agent in writing that it elects to cause the issuance of Certificated Preferred Stock under this Certificate of Designation,

then the Company will execute, and the Transfer Agent, upon receipt of a written order of the Company signed by two Officers or by an Officer and an Assistant Treasurer of the Company requesting the authentication and delivery of Certificated Preferred Stock to the Persons designated by the Company, will authenticate and deliver Certificated Preferred Stock equal to the number of shares of Preferred Stock represented by the Global Preferred Stock, in exchange for such Global Preferred Stock.

(vii) [Intentionally omitted].

(viii) Cancelation or Adjustment of Global Preferred Stock. At such time as all beneficial interests in Global Preferred Stock have either been exchanged for Certificated Preferred Stock, converted or canceled, such Global Preferred Stock shall be returned to DTC for cancelation or retained and canceled by the Transfer Agent. At any time prior to such cancelation, if any beneficial interest in Global Preferred Stock is exchanged for Certificated Preferred Stock, converted or canceled, the number of shares of Preferred Stock represented by such Global Preferred Stock shall be reduced and an adjustment shall be made on the books and records of the Transfer Agent with respect to such Global Preferred Stock, by the Transfer Agent or DTC, to reflect such reduction.

 

25


(ix) Obligations with Respect to Transfers and Exchanges of Preferred Stock.

(1) To permit registrations of transfers and exchanges, the Company shall execute and the Transfer Agent shall authenticate Certificated Preferred Stock and Global Preferred Stock as required pursuant to the provisions of this paragraph 11(c).

(2) All Certificated Preferred Stock and Global Preferred Stock issued upon any registration of transfer or exchange of Certificated Preferred Stock or Global Preferred Stock shall be the valid obligations of the Company, entitled to the same benefits under this Certificate of Designation as the Certificated Preferred Stock or Global Preferred Stock surrendered upon such registration of transfer or exchange.

(3) Prior to due presentment for registration of transfer of any shares of Preferred Stock, the Transfer Agent and the Company may deem and treat the Person in whose name such shares of Preferred Stock are registered as the absolute owner of such Preferred Stock and neither the Transfer Agent nor the Company shall be affected by notice to the contrary.

(4) No service charge shall be made to a Holder for any registration of transfer or exchange upon surrender of any Preferred Stock certificate or Common Stock certificate at the office of the Transfer Agent maintained for that purpose. However, the Company may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge that may be imposed in connection with any registration of transfer or exchange of Preferred Stock certificates or Common Stock certificates.

(x) No Obligation of the Transfer Agent.

(1) The Transfer Agent shall have no responsibility or obligation to any beneficial owner of Global Preferred Stock, a member of, or a participant in DTC or any other Person with respect to the accuracy of the records of DTC or its nominee or of any participant or member thereof, with respect to any ownership interest in the Preferred Stock or with respect to the delivery to any participant, member, beneficial owner or other Person (other than DTC) of any notice or the payment of any amount, under or with respect to such Global Preferred Stock. All notices and communications to be given to the Holders and all payments to be made to Holders under the Preferred Stock shall be given or made only to the Holders (which shall be DTC or its nominee in the case of the Global Preferred Stock). The rights of beneficial owners in any Global Preferred Stock shall be exercised only through DTC subject to the applicable rules and procedures of DTC. The Transfer Agent may rely and shall be fully protected in relying upon information furnished by DTC with respect to its members, participants and any beneficial owners.

(2) The Transfer Agent shall have no obligation or duty to monitor, determine or inquire as to compliance with any restrictions on transfer imposed under this Certificate of

 

26


Designation or under applicable law with respect to any transfer of any interest in any Preferred Stock (including any transfers between or among DTC participants, members or beneficial owners in any Global Preferred Stock) other than to require delivery of such certificates and other documentation or evidence as are expressly required by, and to do so if and when expressly required by, the terms of this Certificate of Designation, and to examine the same to determine substantial compliance as to form with the express requirements hereof.

(d) Replacement Certificates . If a mutilated Preferred Stock certificate is surrendered to the Transfer Agent or if the Holder of a Preferred Stock certificate claims that the Preferred Stock certificate has been lost, destroyed or wrongfully taken, the Company shall issue and the Transfer Agent shall countersign a replacement Preferred Stock certificate if the reasonable requirements of the Transfer Agent and of Section 8 – 405 of the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect in the State of Oklahoma are met. If required by the Transfer Agent or the Company, such Holder shall furnish an indemnity bond sufficient in the judgment of the Company and the Transfer Agent to protect the Company and the Transfer Agent from any loss which either of them may suffer if a Preferred Stock certificate is replaced. The Company and the Transfer Agent may charge the Holder for their expenses in replacing a Preferred Stock certificate.

(e) Temporary Certificates . Until definitive Preferred Stock certificates are ready for delivery, the Company may prepare and the Transfer Agent shall countersign temporary Preferred Stock certificates. Temporary Preferred Stock certificates shall be substantially in the form of definitive Preferred Stock certificates but may have variations that the Company considers appropriate for temporary Preferred Stock certificates. Without unreasonable delay, the Company shall prepare and the Transfer Agent shall countersign definitive Preferred Stock certificates and deliver them in exchange for temporary Preferred Stock certificates.

(f) Cancelation . (i) In the event the Company shall purchase or otherwise acquire Certificated Preferred Stock, the same shall thereupon be delivered to the Transfer Agent for cancelation.

(ii) At such time as all beneficial interests in Global Preferred Stock have either been exchanged for Certificated Preferred Stock, converted, repurchased or canceled, such Global Preferred Stock shall thereupon be delivered to the Transfer Agent for cancelation.

(iii) The Transfer Agent and no one else shall cancel and destroy all Preferred Stock certificates surrendered for transfer, exchange, replacement or cancelation and deliver a certificate of such destruction to the Company unless the Company directs the Transfer Agent to deliver canceled Preferred Stock certificates to the Company. The Company may not issue new Preferred Stock certificates to replace Preferred Stock certificates to the extent they evidence Preferred Stock which the Company has purchased or otherwise acquired.

12. Other Provisions.

(a) With respect to any notice to a holder of shares of Preferred Stock required to be provided hereunder, neither failure to mail such notice, nor any defect therein or in

 

27


the mailing thereof, to any particular holder shall affect the sufficiency of the notice or the validity of the proceedings referred to in such notice with respect to the other holders or affect the legality or validity of any distribution, rights, warrant, reclassification, consolidation, merger, conveyance, transfer, dissolution, liquidation or winding-up, or the vote upon any such action. Any notice which was mailed in the manner herein provided shall be conclusively presumed to have been duly given whether or not the holder receives the notice.

(b) Shares of Preferred Stock issued and reacquired will be retired and canceled promptly after reacquisition thereof and, upon compliance with the applicable requirements of Oklahoma law, have the status of authorized but unissued shares of preferred stock of the Company undesignated as to series and may with any and all other authorized but unissued shares of preferred stock of the Company be designated or redesignated and issued or reissued, as the case may be, as part of any series of preferred stock of the Corporation, except that any issuance or reissuance of shares of Preferred Stock must be in compliance with this Certificate of Designation.

(c) The shares of Preferred Stock shall be issuable only in whole shares.

(d) All notice periods referred to herein shall commence on the date of the mailing of the applicable notice.

 

28


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this certificate to be signed and attested this 13th day of September, 2005.

 

CHESAPEAKE ENERGY CORPORATION

By:

 

/s/ Martha A. Burger

 

Martha A. Burger

 

Treasurer & Senior Vice President – Human Resources

 

Attest:

 

/s/ Jennifer M. Grigsby

 

Jennifer M. Grigsby

 

Secretary


EXHIBIT A

FORM OF PREFERRED STOCK

FACE OF SECURITY

[UNLESS THIS CERTIFICATE IS PRESENTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY, A NEW YORK CORPORATION (“DTC”), NEW YORK, NEW YORK, TO THE COMPANY OR ITS AGENT FOR REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER, EXCHANGE OR PAYMENT, AND ANY CERTIFICATE ISSUED IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF CEDE & CO. OR SUCH OTHER NAME AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC (AND ANY PAYMENT IS MADE TO CEDE & CO., OR TO SUCH OTHER ENTITY AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC) ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR OTHERWISE BY OR TO ANY PERSON IS WRONGFUL INASMUCH AS THE REGISTERED OWNER HEREOF, CEDE & CO. HAS AN INTEREST HEREIN.] 1

[TRANSFERS OF THIS GLOBAL SECURITY SHALL BE LIMITED TO TRANSFERS IN WHOLE, BUT NOT IN PART, TO NOMINEES OF DTC OR TO A SUCCESSOR THEREOF OR SUCH SUCCESSOR’S NOMINEE AND TRANSFERS OF PORTIONS OF THIS GLOBAL SECURITY SHALL BE LIMITED TO TRANSFERS MADE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RESTRICTIONS SET FORTH IN THE CERTIFICATE OF DESIGNATION REFERRED TO BELOW.] 1

IN CONNECTION WITH ANY TRANSFER, THE HOLDER WILL DELIVER TO THE TRANSFER AGENT SUCH CERTIFICATES AND OTHER INFORMATION AS SUCH TRANSFER AGENT MAY REASONABLY REQUIRE TO CONFIRM THAT THE TRANSFER COMPLIES WITH THE FOREGOING RESTRICTIONS.

 

1

Subject to removal if not a global security.


Certificate Number

   Number of Shares of
   Convertible Preferred Stock
[        ]    [        ]

CUSIP NO.:165167842

4.50% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock (par value $0.01)

(liquidation preference $100 per share of Convertible Preferred Stock)

of

Chesapeake Energy Corporation

Chesapeake Energy Corporation, an Oklahoma corporation (the “Company”), hereby certifies that [                                          ] (the “Holder”) is the registered owner of [                                          ] fully paid and non-assessable preferred securities of the Company designated the 4.50% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock (par value $0.01) (liquidation preference $100 per share of Preferred Stock) (the “Preferred Stock”). The shares of Preferred Stock are transferable on the books and records of the Transfer Agent, in person or by a duly authorized attorney, upon surrender of this certificate duly endorsed and in proper form for transfer. The designations, rights, privileges, restrictions, preferences and other terms and provisions of the Preferred Stock represented hereby are issued and shall in all respects be subject to the provisions of the Certificate of Designation dated September 14, 2005, as the same may be amended from time to time (the “Certificate of Designation”). Capitalized terms used herein but not defined shall have the meaning given them in the Certificate of Designation. The Company will provide a copy of the Certificate of Designation to a Holder without charge upon written request to the Company at its principal place of business.

Reference is hereby made to select provisions of the Preferred Stock set forth on the reverse hereof, and to the Certificate of Designation, which select provisions and the Certificate of Designation shall for all purposes have the same effect as if set forth at this place.

Upon receipt of this certificate, the Holder is bound by the Certificate of Designation and is entitled to the benefits thereunder.

Unless the Transfer Agent’s Certificate of Authentication hereon has been properly executed, these shares of Preferred Stock shall not be entitled to any benefit under the Certificate of Designation or be valid or obligatory for any purpose.

 

A-2


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has executed this certificate this          day of             ,         .

 

CHESAPEAKE ENERGY CORPORATION

By:

 

 

Name:

 

Title:

 

By:

 

 

Name:

 

Title:

 

 

A-3


TRANSFER AGENT’S CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION

These are shares of the Preferred Stock referred to in the within-mentioned Certificate of Designation.

Dated:

 

UMB BANK, N.A., as Transfer Agent,

By:

 

 

 

Authorized Signatory

 

A-4


REVERSE OF SECURITY

Dividends on each share of Preferred Stock shall be payable at a rate per annum set forth in the face hereof or as provided in the Certificate of Designation.

The shares of Preferred Stock shall be convertible into the Company’s Common Stock in the manner and according to the terms set forth in the Certificate of Designation.

The Company will furnish without charge to each holder who so requests the powers, designations, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights of each class of stock and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions of such preferences and/or rights.

 

A-5


ASSIGNMENT

 

FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned assigns and transfers the shares of Preferred Stock evidenced hereby to:

 

 

 

 

 

(Insert assignee’s social security or tax identification number)

 

 

 

 

(Insert address and zip code of assignee)

 

and irrevocably appoints:

 

 

 

 

 

agent to transfer the shares of Preferred Stock evidenced hereby on the books of the Transfer Agent. The agent may substitute another to act for him or her.

Date:                     

Signature:                                         

(Sign exactly as your name appears on the other side of this Preferred Stock Certificate)

Signature Guarantee: 2                             

 

2

(Signature must be guaranteed by an “eligible guarantor institution” that is a bank, stockbroker, savings and loan association or credit union meeting the requirements of the Transfer Agent, which requirements include membership or participation in the Securities Transfer Agents Medallion Program (“STAMP”) or such other “signature guarantee program” as may be determined by the Transfer Agent in addition to, or in substitution for, STAMP, all in accordance with the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.)

 

A-6


EXHIBIT B

NOTICE OF CONVERSION

(To be Executed by the Holder

in order to Convert the Preferred Stock)

The undersigned hereby irrevocably elects to convert (the “Conversion”) shares of 4.50% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock (the “Preferred Stock”), represented by stock certificate No(s). (the “Preferred Stock Certificates”) into shares of common stock (“Common Stock”) of Chesapeake Energy Corporation (the “Company”) according to the conditions of the Certificate of Designation of the Preferred Stock (the “Certificate of Designation”), as of the date written below. If shares are to be issued in the name of a person other than the undersigned, the undersigned will pay all transfer taxes payable with respect thereto and is delivering herewith the Preferred Stock Certificates. No fee will be charged to the holder for any conversion, except for transfer taxes, if any. A copy of each Preferred Stock Certificate is attached hereto (or evidence of loss, theft or destruction thereof).

The undersigned represents and warrants that all offers and sales by the undersigned of the shares of Common Stock issuable to the undersigned upon conversion of the Preferred Stock shall be made pursuant to registration of the Common Stock under the Securities Act of 1933 (the “Act”), or pursuant to any exemption from registration under the Act.

Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed thereto in or pursuant to the Certificate of Designation.

 

Date of Conversion:

  

 

Applicable Conversion Price:

  

 

Number of shares of Preferred Stock to be Converted:

 

 

Number of shares of Common Stock to be Issued: *

 

 

Signature:

  

 

Name:

  

 

Address:**

  

 

Fax No.:

  

 

 

*

The Company is not required to issue shares of Common Stock until the original Preferred Stock Certificate(s) (or evidence of loss, theft or destruction thereof) to be converted are received by the Company or its Transfer Agent. The Company shall issue and deliver shares of Common Stock to an overnight courier not later than three business days following receipt of the original Preferred Stock Certificate(s) to be converted.

**

Address where shares of Common Stock and any other payments or certificates shall be sent by the Company.


CERTIFICATE TO BE DELIVERED UPON EXCHANGE OR

REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER OF PREFERRED STOCK

 

Re:

4.50% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock (the “Preferred Stock”) of Chesapeake Energy Corporation (the “Company”)

This Certificate relates to      shares of Preferred Stock held in ¨ */ book-entry or ¨ */ definitive form by                      (the “Transferor”).

The Transferor*:

 

  ¨

has requested the Transfer Agent by written order to deliver in exchange for its beneficial interest in the Preferred Stock held by the Depository shares of Preferred Stock in definitive, registered form equal to its beneficial interest in such Preferred Stock (or the portion thereof indicated above); or

 

  ¨

has requested the Transfer Agent by written order to exchange or register the transfer of Preferred Stock.

In connection with such request and in respect of such Preferred Stock, the Transferor does hereby certify that the Transferor is familiar with the Certificate of Designation relating to the above-captioned Preferred Stock and that the transfer of this Preferred Stock does not require registration under the Securities Act of 1933 (the “Securities Act”) because */:

 

  ¨

Such Preferred Stock is being acquired for the Transferor’s own account without transfer.

 

  ¨

Such Preferred Stock is being transferred to the Company.

 

  ¨

Such Preferred Stock is being transferred to a qualified institutional buyer (as defined in Rule 144A under the Securities Act), in reliance on Rule 144A.

 

  ¨

Such Preferred Stock is being transferred in reliance on and in compliance with another exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act (and based on an Opinion of Counsel if the Company so requests).

 

 

[INSERT NAME OF TRANSFEROR]

by:

 

 

Date:                     

 

*/

Please check applicable box.


CERTIFICATE OF ELIMINATION

Chesapeake Energy Corporation (the “Corporation”), a corporation organized and existing under the Oklahoma General Corporation Act,

DOES HEREBY CERTIFY:

FIRST: That the Corporation has acquired 891,100 shares of its 4.50% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $.01 per share (the “Acquired Shares”).

SECOND: That the Board of Directors of the Corporation has adopted resolutions retiring the Acquired Shares.

THIRD: That the Certificate of Designation for the 4.50% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock (the “Certificate of Designation”) prohibits the reissuance of shares when so retired and, pursuant to the provisions of Section 1078 of the Oklahoma General Corporation Act, upon the date of the filing of this Certificate of Elimination, the Certificate of Designation shall be amended so as to reduce the number of authorized shares of the 4.50% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock by 891,100 shares, being the total number of the Acquired Shares retired by the Board of Directors. Accordingly, the number of authorized but undesignated shares of preferred stock of the Company shall be increased by 891,100 shares. The retired Acquired Shares have a par value of $.01 per share and an aggregate par value of $8,911.00.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the Corporation has caused this Certificate to be executed by its Senior Vice President, Treasurer and Corporate Secretary, and attested to by its Assistant Secretary, this 1 st day of August, 2008.

 

CHESAPEAKE ENERGY CORPORATION

By:

 

/s/ Jennifer M. Grigsby

 

Jennifer M. Grigsby

 

Senior Vice President, Treasurer and

 

Corporate Secretary

ATTEST:

 

Anita L. Brodrick

Anita L. Brodrick

Assistant Secretary

Exhibit 10.1.5

CHESAPEAKE ENERGY CORPORATION

1999 STOCK OPTION PLAN

(as amended through June 6, 2008)


CHESAPEAKE ENERGY CORPORATION

1999 STOCK OPTION PLAN

Table of Contents

 

             Page

ARTICLE I

 

PURPOSE

   1
 

Section 1.1

 

Purpose

   1
 

Section 1.2

 

Establishment

   1
 

Section 1.3

 

Shares Subject to the Plan

   1
 

Section 1.4

 

Shareholder Approval

   1

ARTICLE II

 

DEFINITIONS

   1

ARTICLE III

 

ADMINISTRATION

   2
 

Section 3.1

 

Administration of the Plan; the Committee

   2
 

Section 3.2

 

Committee to Make Rules and Interpret Plan

   3

ARTICLE IV

 

GRANT OF OPTIONS

   3

ARTICLE V

 

ELIGIBILITY

   4

ARTICLE VI

 

STOCK OPTIONS

   4
 

Section 6.1

 

Grant of Options

   4
 

Section 6.2

 

Conditions of Options

   4
 

Section 6.3

 

Options Not Qualifying as Incentive Stock Options

   5

ARTICLE VII

 

STOCK ADJUSTMENTS

   6

ARTICLE VIII

 

GENERAL

   6
 

Section 8.1

 

Amendment or Termination of Plan

   6
 

Section 8.2

 

Acceleration of Otherwise Unexercisable Stock Options on Death, Disability or Other Special
Circumstances

   6
 

Section 8.3

 

Nonassignability

   7
 

Section 8.4

 

Withholding Taxes

   7
 

Section 8.5

 

Amendments to Options

   7
 

Section 8.6

 

Regulatory Approval and Listings

   7
 

Section 8.7

 

Right to Continued Employment

   7
 

Section 8.8

 

Reliance on Reports

   7
 

Section 8.9

 

Construction

   8
 

Section 8.10

 

Governing Law

   8

ARTICLE IX

 

ACCELERATION OF OPTIONS UPON CORPORATE EVENT

   8
 

Section 9.1

 

Procedures for Acceleration and Exercise

   8
 

Section 9.2

 

Certain Additional Payments by the Company

   8

 

-i-


ARTICLE I

PURPOSE

Section 1.1 Purpose . This Stock Option Plan is established by Chesapeake Energy Corporation (the “Company”) to create incentives which are designed to motivate Eligible Employees to put forth maximum effort toward the success and growth of the Company and to enable the Company to attract and retain experienced individuals who by their position, ability and diligence are able to make important contributions to the Company’s success. Toward these objectives, the Plan provides for the granting of Options to Eligible Employees on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Plan.

Section 1.2 Establishment . The Plan is effective as of March 5, 1999 and for a period of 10 years from such date. The Plan will terminate on March 4, 2009; however, it will continue in effect until all matters relating to the exercise of Options and administration of the Plan have been settled.

Section 1.3 Shares Subject to the Plan . Subject to Articles IV, VII and IX of this Plan, shares of stock covered by Options shall consist of Three Million (3,000,000) shares of Common Stock.

Section 1.4 Shareholder Approval . Nonqualified Stock Options under the Plan may be granted to Participants prior to Shareholder Approval of the Plan, but no Incentive Stock Options may be granted prior to Shareholder Approval. In the event Shareholder Approval is not obtained within the twelve-month period following the date the Plan is adopted by the Board, no Incentive Stock Options may be granted under the Plan.

ARTICLE II

DEFINITIONS

Section 2.1 “Board” means the Board of Directors of the Company.

Section 2.2 “Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Reference in the Plan to any Section of the Code shall be deemed to include any amendments or successor provisions to such Section and any regulations under such Section.

Section 2.3 “Committee” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.1.

Section 2.4 “Common Stock” means the common stock, par value $.01 per share, of the Company and, after substitution, such other stock as shall be substituted therefor as provided in Article VII or Article IX of the Plan.

Section 2.5 “Date of Grant” means the date on which the granting of an Option is authorized by the Committee or such later date as may be specified by the Committee in such authorization.

Section 2.6 “Disability” has the meaning set forth in Section 22(e)(3) of the Code.

Section 2.7 “Eligible Employee” means any employee of the Company, a Subsidiary or a partnership or limited liability company which the Company controls.

Section 2.8 “Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

Section 2.9 “Executive Officer Participants” means Participants who are subject to the provisions of Section 16 of the Exchange Act.

 

- 1 -


Section 2.10 “Fair Market Value” means (A) during such time as the Common Stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange or other national securities exchanges or the Nasdaq National Market (each, an “exchange”), the closing price of the Common Stock on the New York Stock Exchange or, if no sale of the Common Stock shall have been made on the New York Stock Exchange, such other principal exchange on the day for which such value is to be determined, or if no sale of the Common Stock shall have been made on any such exchange that day, on the next preceding day on which there was a sale of such Common Stock or (B) during any such time as the Common Stock is not listed upon an exchange, the mean between dealer “bid” and “ask” prices of the Common Stock in the over-the-counter market on the day for which such value is to be determined, as reported by the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.

Section 2.11 “Incentive Stock Option” means an Option within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code.

Section 2.12 “Non-Executive Officer Participants” means Participants who are not subject to the provisions of Section 16 of the Exchange Act.

Section 2.13 “Nonqualified Stock Option” means an Option which is not an Incentive Stock Option.

Section 2.14 “Option” means an Option granted under Article VI of the Plan and includes both Nonqualified Stock Options and Incentive Stock Options to purchase shares of Common Stock.

Section 2.15 “Option Agreement” means any written instrument that establishes the terms, conditions, restrictions, and/or limitations applicable to an Option in addition to those established by this Plan and by the Committee’s exercise of its administrative powers.

Section 2.16 “Participant” means an Eligible Employee to whom an Option has been granted by the Committee under the Plan.

Section 2.17 “Plan” means the Chesapeake Energy Corporation 1999 Stock Option Plan.

Section 2.18 “Regular Stock Option Committee” means the Employee Compensation and Benefits Committee designated by the Board which shall consist of not less than one member of the Board.

Section 2.19 “Shareholder Approval” means approval by the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Common Stock, present, or represented, and entitled to vote at a meeting called for such purposes.

Section 2.20 “Special Stock Option Committee” means a committee designated by the Board which shall consist of not less than two members of the Board who meet the definition of “non-employee directors” pursuant to Rule 16b-3, or any successor rule, promulgated under Section 16 of the Exchange Act.

Section 2.21 “Subsidiary” shall have the same meaning set forth in Section 424 of the Code.

ARTICLE III

ADMINISTRATION

Section 3.1 Administration of the Plan; the Committee . For purposes of administration, the Plan shall be deemed to consist of two separate stock option plans, a “Non-Executive Officer Participant Plan” which is limited to Non-Executive Officer Participants, and an “Executive Officer Participant Plan” which is limited to Executive Officer Participants. Except for administration and the category of Participants eligible to receive Options, the terms of the Non-Executive Officer Participant Plan and the Executive Officer Participant Plan are identical.

 

- 2 -


The Non-Executive Officer Participant Plan shall be administered by the Regular Stock Option Committee, and the Executive Officer Participant Plan shall be administered by either the Special Stock Option Committee or the Board. Accordingly, with respect to decisions relating to Non-Executive Officer Participants, including the grant of Options, the term “Committee” shall mean only the Regular Stock Option Committee; and, with respect to all decisions relating to Executive Officer Participants, including the grant of Options, the term “Committee” shall mean either the Special Stock Option Committee or the Board.

Unless otherwise provided in the by-laws of the Company or resolutions adopted from time to time by the Board establishing the Committee, the Board may from time to time remove members from, or add members to, the Committee. Vacancies on the Committee, however caused, shall be filled by the Board. The Committee shall hold meetings at such times and places as it may determine. A majority of the Committee shall constitute a quorum, and the acts of a majority of the members present at any meeting at which a quorum is present or acts reduced to or approved by the Committee in writing by a majority of the members of the Committee shall be the valid acts of the Committee.

Subject to the provisions of the Plan, the Committee shall have exclusive power to:

(a) Select the Eligible Employees to participate in the Plan.

(b) Determine the time or times when Options will be granted.

(c) Determine the form of an Option, whether an Incentive Stock Option or a Nonqualified Stock Option, the number of shares of Common Stock subject to the Option, all the terms, conditions (including performance requirements), restrictions and/or limitations, if any, of an Option, including the time and conditions of exercise or vesting, and the terms of any Option Agreement, which may include the waiver or amendment of prior terms and conditions or acceleration of the vesting or exercise of an Option under certain circumstances determined by the Committee.

(d) Determine whether Options will be granted singly or in combination.

(e) Take any and all other action it deems necessary or advisable for the proper operation or administration of the Plan.

Section 3.2 Committee to Make Rules and Interpret Plan . The Committee in its sole discretion shall have the authority, subject to the provisions of the Plan, to establish, adopt, or revise such rules and regulations and to make all such determinations relating to the Plan as it may deem necessary or advisable for the administration of the Plan. The Committee’s interpretation of the Plan or any Options granted pursuant hereto and all decisions and determinations by the Committee with respect to the Plan shall be final, binding, and conclusive on all parties.

ARTICLE IV

GRANT OF OPTIONS

The Committee may, from time to time, grant Options to one or more Participants, provided, however, that:

(a) Any shares of Common Stock related to Options which terminate by expiration, forfeiture, cancellation or otherwise without the issuance of shares of Common Stock shall be available again for grant under the Plan.

(b) Common Stock delivered by the Company upon exercise of an Option under the Plan may be authorized and unissued Common Stock or Common Stock held in the treasury of the Company or may be purchased on the open market or by private purchase.

 

- 3 -


(c) The Committee shall, in its sole discretion, determine the manner in which fractional shares arising under this Plan shall be treated.

(d) Upon the exercise of any Option, the Company shall issue and deliver to the Participant who exercised the Option a certificate representing the number of shares of Common Stock purchased thereby.

ARTICLE V

ELIGIBILITY

Subject to the provisions of the Plan, the Committee shall, from time to time, select from the Eligible Employees those to whom Options shall be granted and shall determine the type or types of Options to be granted and shall establish in the related Option Agreements the terms, conditions, restrictions and/or limitations, if any, applicable to the Options in addition to those set forth in the Plan and the administrative rules and regulations issued by the Committee.

ARTICLE VI

STOCK OPTIONS

Section 6.1 Grant of Options . The Committee may, from time to time, subject to the provisions of the Plan and such other terms and conditions as it may determine, grant Options to Eligible Employees. These Options may be Incentive Stock Options or Nonqualified Stock Options, or a combination of both. Each grant of an Option shall be evidenced by an Option Agreement executed by the Company and the Participant, and shall contain such terms and conditions and be in such form as the Committee may from time to time approve, subject to the requirements of Section 6.2.

Section 6.2 Conditions of Options . Each Option so granted shall be subject to the following conditions:

(a) Exercise Price . As limited by Section 6.2(e) below, each Option shall state the exercise price which shall be set by the Committee on the Date of Grant. Except as provided below, no Option shall be granted at an exercise price which is less than the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock on the Date of Grant. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Nonqualified Stock Options, not exceeding ten percent (10%) of the Options which can be issued under this Plan, may be granted at an exercise price which is not less than eighty-five percent (85%) of the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock on the Date of Grant.

(b) Form of Payment . The exercise price of an Option may be paid (i) in cash or by check, bank draft or money order payable to the order of the Company; (ii) by tendering, by either actual delivery of shares or by attestation, shares of Common Stock acceptable to the Committee and valued at Fair Market Value as of the day of exercise; or (iii) a combination of the foregoing. In addition to the foregoing, any Option granted under the Plan may be exercised by a broker-dealer acting on behalf of a Participant if (A) the broker-dealer has received from the Participant or the Company a notice evidencing the exercise of such Option and instructions signed by the Participant requesting the Company to deliver the shares of Common Stock subject to such Option to the broker-dealer on behalf of the Participant and specifying the account into which such shares should be deposited, (B) adequate provision has been made with respect to the payment of any withholding taxes due upon such exercise or, in the case of an Incentive Stock Option, upon the premature disposition of such shares and (C) the broker-dealer and the Participant have otherwise complied with Section 220.3(e)(4) of Regulation T, 12 CFR, Part 220 and any successor rules and regulations applicable to such exercise.

 

- 4 -


(c) Exercise of Options . Options granted under the Plan shall be exercisable, in whole or in such installments and at such times, and shall expire at such time, as shall be provided by the Committee in the Option Agreement. Exercise of an Option shall be by written notice stating the election to exercise in the form and manner determined by the Committee. Every share of Common Stock acquired through the exercise of an Option shall be deemed to be fully paid at the time of exercise and payment of the exercise price.

(d) Other Terms and Conditions . Among other conditions that may be imposed by the Committee, if deemed appropriate, are those relating to (i) the period or periods and the conditions of exercisability of any Option; (ii) the minimum periods during which Participants must be employed by the Company or its Subsidiaries, or must hold Options before they may be exercised; (iii) the minimum periods during which shares acquired upon exercise must be held before sale or transfer shall be permitted; (iv) conditions under which such Options or shares may be subject to forfeiture; (v) the frequency of exercise or the minimum or maximum number of shares that may be acquired at any one time and (vi) the achievement by the Company of specified performance criteria.

(e) Special Restrictions Relating to Incentive Stock Options . In addition to being subject to all applicable terms, conditions, restrictions and/or limitations established by the Committee, Options issued in the form of Incentive Stock Options shall comply with the requirements of Section 422 of the Code (or any successor Section thereto), including, without limitation, the requirement that the exercise price of an Incentive Stock Option not be less than 100% of the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock on the Date of Grant, the requirement that each Incentive Stock Option, unless sooner exercised, terminated or cancelled, expire no later than 10 years from its Date of Grant, the requirement that Incentive Stock Options be granted only to Eligible Employees, and the requirement that the aggregate Fair Market Value (determined on the Date of Grant) of the Common Stock with respect to which 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) not exceed $100,000. Incentive Stock Options which are in excess of the applicable $100,000 limitation will be automatically recharacterized as Nonqualified Stock Options as provided under Section 6.3 of this Plan. No Incentive Stock Options shall be granted to any Eligible Employee if, immediately before the grant of an Incentive Stock Option, such Eligible Employee owns more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or its Subsidiaries (as determined in accordance with the stock attribution rules contained in Sections 422 and 424(d) of the Code). Provided, the preceding sentence shall not apply if, at the time the Incentive Stock Option is granted, the exercise price is at least 110% of the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock subject to the Incentive Stock Option, and such Incentive Stock Option by its terms is exercisable no more than five years from the date such Incentive Stock Option is granted.

(f) Application of Funds . The proceeds received by the Company from the sale of Common Stock pursuant to Options will be used for general corporate purposes.

(g) Shareholder Rights . No Participant shall have any rights as a shareholder with respect to any share of Common Stock subject to an Option prior to the purchase of such share of Common Stock by exercise of the Option.

Section 6.3 Options Not Qualifying as Incentive Stock Options . With respect to all or any portion of any Option granted under this Plan not qualifying as an “incentive stock option” under Section 422 of the Code, such Option shall be considered a Nonqualified Stock Option granted under this Plan for all purposes. Further, this Plan and any Incentive Stock Options granted hereunder shall be deemed to have incorporated by reference all the provisions and requirements of Section 422 of the Code (and the Treasury Regulations issued thereunder) necessary to ensure that all Incentive Stock Options granted hereunder shall be “incentive stock options” described in Section 422 of the Code. Further, in the event that the $100,000 limitation contained in Section 6.2(e) herein is exceeded in any Incentive Stock Option granted under this Plan, the portion of the Incentive Stock Option in excess of such limitation shall be treated as a Nonqualified Stock Option under this Plan subject to the terms and provisions of the applicable Option Agreement, except to the extent modified to reflect recharacterization of the Incentive Stock Option as a Nonqualified Stock Option.

 

- 5 -


ARTICLE VII

STOCK ADJUSTMENTS

Subject to the provisions of Article IX of this Plan, in the event that the shares of Common Stock, as presently constituted shall be changed into or exchanged for a different number or kind or shares of stock or other securities of the Company or of another corporation (whether by reason of merger, consolidation, recapitalization, reclassification, stock split, combination of shares or otherwise), or if the number of such shares of Common Stock shall be increased through the payment of a stock dividend, or a dividend on the shares of Common Stock or rights or warrants to purchase securities of the Company shall be made, then there shall be substituted for or added to each share available under and subject to the Plan as provided in Section 1.3 hereof, and each share then subject or thereafter subject or which may become subject to Options under the Plan, the number and kind of shares of stock or other securities into which each outstanding share of Common Stock shall be so changed or for which each such share shall be exchanged or to which each such share shall be entitled, as the case may be, on a fair and equivalent basis in accordance with the applicable provisions of Section 424 of the Code; provided, however, in no such event will such adjustment result in a modification of any Option as defined in Section 424(h) of the Code. In the event there shall be any other change in the number or kind of the outstanding shares of Common Stock, or any stock or other securities into which the Common Stock shall have been changed or for which it shall have been exchanged, then if the Committee shall, in its sole discretion, determine that such change equitably requires an adjustment in the shares available under and subject to the Plan, or in any Option theretofore granted or which may be granted under the Plan, such adjustments shall be made in accordance with such determination, except that no adjustment of the number of shares of Common Stock available under the Plan or to which any Option relates that would otherwise be required shall be made unless and until such adjustment either by itself or with other adjustments not previously made would require an increase or decrease of at least 1% of the number of shares of Common Stock available under the Plan or to which any Option relates immediately prior to the making of such adjustment (the “Minimum Adjustment”). Any adjustment representing a change of less than such minimum amount shall be carried forward and made as soon as such adjustment together with other adjustments required by this Article VII and not previously made would result in a Minimum Adjustment. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any adjustment required by this Article VII which otherwise would not result in a Minimum Adjustment shall be made with respect to shares of Common Stock relating to any Option immediately prior to exercise of such Option.

No fractional shares of Common Stock or units of other securities shall be issued pursuant to any such adjustment, and any fractions resulting from any such adjustment shall be eliminated in each case by rounding downward to the nearest whole share.

ARTICLE VIII

GENERAL

Section 8.1 Amendment or Termination of Plan . The Board may suspend or terminate the Plan at any time. In addition, the Board may, from time to time, amend the Plan in any manner, but may not adopt any amendment without Shareholder Approval if (i) the amendment relates to Incentive Stock Options and Section 422 of the Code requires Shareholder Approval of such amendment, or (ii) in the opinion of counsel to the Company, Shareholder Approval is required by any Federal or state law or regulations or rules promulgated thereunder.

Section 8.2 Acceleration of Otherwise Unexercisable Stock Options on Death, Disability or Other Special Circumstances . The Committee, in its sole discretion, may permit (i) a Participant who terminates employment due to a Disability, (ii) the personal representative of a deceased Participant, or (iii) any other Participant who terminates employment upon the occurrence of special circumstances (as determined by the Committee) to purchase all or any part

 

- 6 -


of the shares subject to any unvested Option on the date of the Participant’s termination of employment due to a Disability, death or special circumstances, or as the Committee otherwise so determines. With respect to Options which have already vested at the date of such termination or the vesting of which is accelerated by the Committee in accordance with the foregoing provision, the Participant or the personal representative of a deceased Participant shall have the right to exercise such vested Options which are Incentive Stock Options within three months of such date of termination of employment or one year in the case of a Participant suffering a Disability or three years in the case of a deceased Participant. The Participant or the personal representative of a deceased Participant shall have the right to exercise such vested Options which are Nonqualified Stock Options within such period(s) as the Committee shall determine.

Section 8.3 Nonassignability . No Option shall be subject in any manner to alienation, anticipation, sale, transfer, assignment, pledge, or encumbrance, except for transfer by will or the laws of descent and distribution. Any attempt to transfer, assign, pledge, hypothecate or otherwise dispose of, or to subject to execution, attachment or similar process, any Option contrary to the provisions hereof, shall be void and ineffective, shall give no right to any purported transferee, and may, at the sole discretion of the Committee, result in forfeiture of the Option involved in such attempt.

Section 8.4 Withholding Taxes . A Participant must pay the amount of taxes required by law upon the exercise of an Option in cash, unless an alternative payment method is acceptable by the Committee.

Section 8.5 Amendments to Options . The Committee may at any time unilaterally amend the terms of any Option Agreement, whether or not the Option granted thereunder is presently exercisable or vested, to the extent it deems appropriate; provided, however, that any such amendment which is adverse to the Participant shall require the Participant’s consent.

Section 8.6 Regulatory Approval and Listings . The Company shall use its best efforts to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission as soon as practicable following the date this Plan is adopted by the Board, and keep continuously effective and usable, a Registration Statement on Form S-8 with respect to shares of Common Stock subject to Options hereunder. Notwithstanding anything contained in this Plan to the contrary, the Company shall have no obligation to issue or deliver certificates representing shares of Common Stock evidencing Options prior to:

(a) the obtaining of any approval from, or satisfaction of any waiting period or other condition imposed by, any governmental agency which the Committee shall, in its sole discretion, determine to be necessary or advisable;

(b) the admission of such shares to listing on any exchange on which the Common Stock may be listed; and

(c) the completion of any registration or other qualification of such shares under any state or Federal law or ruling of any governmental body which the Committee shall, in its sole discretion, determine to be necessary or advisable.

Section 8.7 Right to Continued Employment . Participation in the Plan shall not give any Participant any right to remain in the employ of the Company or any Subsidiary or any partnership or limited liability company controlled by the Company. Further, the adoption of this Plan shall not be deemed to give any Eligible Employee or any other individual any right to be selected as a Participant or to be granted an Option.

Section 8.8 Reliance on Reports . Each member of the Committee and each member of the Board shall be fully justified in relying or acting in good faith upon any report made by the independent public accountants of the Company and its Subsidiaries and upon any other information furnished in connection with the Plan by any person or persons other than the Committee or Board member. In no event shall any person who is or shall have been a member of the Committee or of the Board be liable for any determination made or other action taken or any omission to act in reliance upon any such report or information or for any action taken, including the furnishing of information, or failure to act, if in good faith.

 

- 7 -


Section 8.9 Construction . The titles and headings of the sections in the Plan are for the convenience of reference only, and in the event of any conflict, the text of the Plan, rather than such titles or headings, shall control.

Section 8.10 Governing Law . The Plan shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Oklahoma except as superseded by applicable Federal law.

ARTICLE IX

ACCELERATION OF OPTIONS UPON CORPORATE EVENT

Section 9.1 Procedures for Acceleration and Exercise. If the Company shall, pursuant to action by the Board, at any time propose to dissolve or liquidate or merge into, consolidate with, or sell or otherwise transfer all or substantially all of its assets to another corporation and provision is not made pursuant to the terms of such transaction for the assumption by the surviving, resulting or acquiring corporation of outstanding Options under the Plan, or for the substitution of new options therefor, the Committee shall cause written notice of the proposed transaction to be given to each Participant no less than forty days prior to the anticipated effective date of the proposed transaction, and the Participant’s Option shall become 100% vested. Prior to a date specified in such notice, which shall be not more than ten days prior to the anticipated effective date of the proposed transaction, each Participant shall have the right to exercise his or her Option to purchase any or all of the Common Stock then subject to such Option. Each Participant, by so notifying the Company in writing, may, in exercising his or her Option, condition such exercise upon, and provide that such exercise shall become effective immediately prior to the consummation of the transaction, in which event such Participant need not make payment for the Common Stock to be purchased upon exercise of such Option until five days after receipt of written notice by the Company to such Participant that the transaction has been consummated. If the transaction is consummated, each Option, to the extent not previously exercised prior to the date specified in the foregoing notice, shall terminate on the effective date such transaction is consummated. If the transaction is abandoned, (i) any Common Stock not purchased upon exercise of such Option shall continue to be available for purchase in accordance with the other provisions of the Plan and (ii) to the extent that any Option not exercised prior to such abandonment shall have vested solely by operation of this Section 9.1, such vesting shall be deemed voided as of the time such acceleration otherwise occurred pursuant to Section 9.1, and the vesting schedule set forth in the Participant’s Option Agreement shall be reinstituted as of the date of such abandonment.

Section 9.2 Certain Additional Payments by the Company . The Committee may, in its sole discretion, provide in any Option Agreement for certain payments by the Company in the event that acceleration of vesting of any Option under the Plan is subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code or any interest or penalties with respect to such excise tax (such excise tax, interest and penalties, collectively, the “Excise Tax”). An Option Agreement may provide that the Participant shall be entitled to receive a payment (a “Gross-Up Payment”) in an amount such that after payment by the Participant of all taxes (including any interest or penalties imposed with respect to such taxes), including any Excise Tax, imposed upon the Gross-Up Payment, the Participant retains an amount of the Gross-Up Payment equal to the Excise Tax imposed upon such acceleration of vesting of any Option.

 

- 8 -

Exhibit 10.1.6

CHESAPEAKE ENERGY CORPORATION

2000 EMPLOYEE STOCK OPTION PLAN

(as amended through June 6, 2008)


CHESAPEAKE ENERGY CORPORATION

2000 EMPLOYEE STOCK OPTION PLAN

Table of Contents

 

ARTICLE I – PURPOSE

   1

Section 1.1

 

Purpose

   1

Section 1.2

 

Establishment

   1

Section 1.3

 

Shares Subject to the Plan

   1

ARTICLE II– DEFINITIONS

   1

ARTICLE III – ADMINISTRATION

   2

Section 3.1

 

Administration of the Plan; the Committee

   2

Section 3.2

 

Committee to Make Rules and Interpret Plan

   3

ARTICLE IV – GRANT OF OPTIONS

   3

ARTICLE V– ELIGIBILITY

   3

ARTICLE VI – STOCK OPTIONS

   4

Section 6.1

 

Grant of Options

   4

Section 6.2

 

Conditions of Options

   4

ARTICLE VII – STOCK ADJUSTMENTS

   5

ARTICLE VIII – GENERAL

   5

Section 8.1

 

Amendment or Termination of Plan

   5

Section 8.2

 

Acceleration of Otherwise Unexercisable Stock Options on Death, Disability or Other Special Circumstances

   6

Section 8.3

 

Nonassignability

   6

Section 8.4

 

Withholding Taxes

   6

Section 8.5

 

Amendments to Options

   6

Section 8.6

 

Regulatory Approval and Listings

   6

Section 8.7

 

Right to Continued Employment

   6

Section 8.8

 

Reliance on Reports

   6

Section 8.9

 

Construction

   7

Section 8.10

 

Governing Law

   7

ARTICLE IX – ACCELERATION OF OPTIONS UPON CORPORATE EVENT

   7

Section 9.1

 

Procedures for Acceleration and Exercise

   7

Section 9.2

 

Certain Additional Payments by the Company

   7


ARTICLE I

PURPOSE

Section 1.1 Purpose . This Stock Option Plan is established by Chesapeake Energy Corporation (the “Company”) to create incentives which are designed to motivate Eligible Employees to put forth maximum effort toward the success and growth of the Company and to enable the Company to attract and retain experienced individuals who by their position, ability and diligence are able to make important contributions to the Company’s success. Toward these objectives, the Plan provides for the granting of Options to Eligible Employees on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Plan.

Section 1.2 Establishment . The Plan is effective as of April 26, 2000 and for a period of 10 years from such date. The Plan will terminate on April 25, 2010; however, it will continue in effect until all matters relating to the exercise of Options and administration of the Plan have been settled.

Section 1.3 Shares Subject to the Plan . Subject to Articles IV, VII and IX of this Plan, shares of stock covered by Options shall consist of Three Million (3,000,000) shares of Common Stock.

ARTICLE II

DEFINITIONS

Section 2.1 “Board” means the Board of Directors of the Company.

Section 2.2 “Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Reference in the Plan to any Section of the Code shall be deemed to include any amendments or successor provisions to such Section and any regulations under such Section.

Section 2.3 “Committee” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.1.

Section 2.4 “Common Stock” means the common stock, par value $.01 per share, of the Company and, after substitution, such other stock as shall be substituted therefor as provided in Article VII or Article IX of the Plan.

Section 2.5 “Date of Grant” means the date on which the granting of an Option is authorized by the Committee or such later date as may be specified by the Committee in such authorization.

Section 2.6 “Disability” has the meaning set forth in Section 22(e)(3) of the Code.

Section 2.7 “Eligible Employee” means any employee of the Company, a Subsidiary or a partnership or limited liability company which the Company controls.

Section 2.8 “Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

Section 2.9 “Executive Officer Participants” means Participants who are subject to the provisions of Section 16 of the Exchange Act with respect to the Common Stock.

Section 2.10 “Fair Market Value” means, as of any date, (i) if the principal market for the Common Stock is a national securities exchange or the Nasdaq stock market, the closing price of the Common Stock on that date on the principal exchange on which the Common Stock is then listed or admitted to trading; or (ii) if sale prices are not available or if the principal market for the Common Stock is not a national securities exchange and the Common Stock is not quoted on the Nasdaq stock market, the average of the highest bid and lowest asked prices for the Common Stock on such day as reported on the Nasdaq OTC Bulletin Board Service or by the National Quotation Bureau, Incorporated or a comparable service. If the day is not a business day, and as a result, clauses (i) and (ii) are inapplicable, the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock shall be determined as of the last preceding business day. If clauses (i) and (ii) are otherwise inapplicable, the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock shall be determined in good faith by the Committee.


Section 2.11 “Non-Executive Officer Participants” means Participants who are not subject to the provisions of Section 16 of the Exchange Act.

Section 2.12 “Nonqualified Stock Option” means an option to purchase shares of Common Stock which is not an incentive stock option within the meaning of Section 422(b) of the Code.

Section 2.13 “Option” means a Nonqualified Stock Option granted under Article VI of the Plan.

Section 2.14 “Option Agreement” means any written instrument that establishes the terms, conditions, restrictions, and/or limitations applicable to an Option in addition to those established by this Plan and by the Committee’s exercise of its administrative powers.

Section 2.15 “Participant” means an Eligible Employee to whom an Option has been granted by the Committee under the Plan.

Section 2.16 “Plan” means the Chesapeake Energy Corporation 2000 Employee Stock Option Plan.

Section 2.17 “Regular Stock Option Committee” means the Employee Compensation and Benefits Committee designated by the Board which shall consist of not less than one member of the Board.

Section 2.18 “Special Stock Option Committee” means a committee designated by the Board which shall consist of not less than two members of the Board who meet the definition of “non-employee directors” pursuant to Rule 16b-3, or any successor rule, promulgated under Section 16 of the Exchange Act.

Section 2.19 “Subsidiary” shall have the same meaning set forth in Section 424 of the Code.

ARTICLE III

ADMINISTRATION

Section 3.1 Administration of the Plan; the Committee . The Regular Stock Option Committee shall administer the Plan with respect to Non-Executive Officer Participants, including the grant of Options, and the Special Stock Option Committee shall administer the Plan with respect to Executive Officer Participants, including the grant of Options. Accordingly, as used in the Plan, the term “Committee” shall mean the Regular Stock Option Committee if it refers to Plan administration affecting Non-Executive Officer Participants or the Special Stock Option Committee if it refers to Plan administration affecting Executive Officer Participants. If in either case the Committee does not exist, or for any other reason determined by the Board, the Board may take any action under the Plan that would otherwise be the responsibility of the Committee.

Unless otherwise provided in the by-laws of the Company or resolutions adopted from time to time by the Board establishing the Committee, the Board may from time to time remove members from, or add members to, the Committee. Vacancies on the Committee, however caused, shall be filled by the Board. The Committee shall hold meetings at such times and places as it may determine. A majority of the Committee shall constitute a quorum, and the acts of a majority of the members present at any meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the valid acts of the Committee. Any action which may be taken at a meeting of the Committee may be taken without a meeting if all the members of the Committee consent to the action in writing.

Subject to the provisions of the Plan, the Committee shall have exclusive power to:

(a) Select the Eligible Employees to participate in the Plan.

(b) Determine the time or times when Options will be granted.

 

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(c) Determine the number of shares of Common Stock subject to any Option, all the terms, conditions (including performance requirements), restrictions and/or limitations, if any, of an Option, including the time and conditions of exercise or vesting, and the terms of any Option Agreement, which may include the waiver or amendment of prior terms and conditions or acceleration of the vesting or exercise of an Option under certain circumstances determined by the Committee.

(d) Determine whether Options will be granted singly or in combination.

(e) Take any and all other action it deems necessary or advisable for the proper operation or administration of the Plan.

Section 3.2 Committee to Make Rules and Interpret Plan . The Committee in its sole discretion shall have the authority, subject to the provisions of the Plan, to establish, adopt, or revise such rules and regulations and to make all such determinations relating to the Plan as it may deem necessary or advisable for the administration of the Plan. The Committee reserves the right to modify outstanding Options and awards unilaterally in any manner that is not adverse to the Option or award holder. The Committee’s interpretation of the Plan or any Options granted pursuant hereto and all decisions and determinations by the Committee with respect to the Plan shall be final, binding, and conclusive on all parties.

ARTICLE IV

GRANT OF OPTIONS

The Committee may, from time to time, grant Options to one or more Participants, provided, however, that:

(a) At least a majority of the shares of Common Stock underlying Options granted under the Plan, during the shorter of the three-year period commencing on the effective date of the Plan or the term of the Plan, must be granted to employees who are not Executive Officer Participants or directors of the Company.

(b) Any shares of Common Stock related to Options which terminate by expiration, forfeiture, cancellation or otherwise without the issuance of shares of Common Stock shall be available again for grant under the Plan.

(c) Common Stock delivered by the Company upon exercise of an Option under the Plan will be authorized and unissued shares or issued shares which have been reacquired by the Company (i.e., treasury shares).

(d) The Committee shall, in its sole discretion, determine the manner in which fractional shares arising under this Plan shall be treated.

(e) Upon the exercise of any Option, the Company shall issue and deliver to the Participant who exercised the Option a certificate representing the number of shares of Common Stock purchased thereby.

ARTICLE V

ELIGIBILITY

Subject to the provisions of the Plan, the Committee shall, from time to time, select from the Eligible Employees those to whom Options shall be granted and shall establish in the related Option Agreements the terms, conditions, restrictions and/or limitations, if any, applicable to the Options in addition to those set forth in the Plan and the administrative rules and regulations issued by the Committee.

 

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ARTICLE VI

STOCK OPTIONS

Section 6.1 Grant of Options . The Committee may, from time to time, subject to the provisions of the Plan and such other terms and conditions as it may determine, grant Nonqualified Stock Options to Eligible Employees. Each grant of an Option shall be evidenced by an Option Agreement executed by the Company and the Participant, and shall contain such terms and conditions and be in such form as the Committee may from time to time approve, subject to the requirements of Section 6.2.

Section 6.2 Conditions of Options . Each Option so granted shall be subject to the following conditions:

(a) Exercise Price . The Option Agreement for each Option shall state the exercise price which shall be set by the Committee on the Date of Grant. No Option shall be granted at an exercise price which is less than the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock on the Date of Grant, except that Options for the purchase of up to ten percent (10%) of the shares subject to the Plan may be granted at an exercise price which is not less than eighty-five percent (85%) of the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock on the Date of Grant.

(b) Form of Payment . The payment of the exercise price of an Option shall be subject to the following:

 

  (i)

The full exercise price for shares of Common Stock purchased upon the exercise of any Option shall be paid at the time of such exercise (except that, in the case of an exercise arrangement approved by the Committee and described in clause (iii) below, payment may be made as soon as practicable after the exercise).

 

  (ii)

The exercise price shall be payable in cash (including a check acceptable to the Committee, bank draft or money order) or by tendering, by either actual delivery of shares or by attestation, shares of Common Stock acceptable to the Committee and valued at Fair Market Value as of the day of exercise, or any combination thereof, as determined by the Committee.

 

  (iii)

The Committee may permit a Participant to elect to pay the exercise price upon the exercise of an Option by irrevocably authorizing a third party to sell shares of Common Stock (or a sufficient portion of the shares) acquired upon exercise of the Option and remit to the Company a sufficient portion of the sale proceeds to pay the entire exercise price and any tax withholding resulting from such exercise.

(c) Exercise of Options . Options granted under the Plan shall be exercisable, in whole or in such installments and at such times, and shall expire at such time, as shall be provided by the Committee in the Option Agreement. Exercise of an Option shall be by written notice stating the election to exercise in the form and manner determined by the Committee. Every share of Common Stock acquired through the exercise of an Option shall be deemed to be fully paid at the time of exercise and payment of the exercise price.

(d) Other Terms and Conditions . Among other conditions that may be imposed by the Committee, if deemed appropriate, are those relating to (i) the period or periods and the conditions of exercisability of any Option; (ii) the minimum periods during which Participants must be employed by the Company or its Subsidiaries, or must hold Options before they may be exercised; (iii) the minimum periods during which shares acquired upon exercise must be held before sale or transfer shall be permitted; (iv) conditions under which such Options or shares may be subject to forfeiture; (v) the frequency of exercise or the minimum or maximum number of shares that may be acquired at any one time and (vi) the achievement by the Company of specified performance criteria.

 

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(e) Application of Funds . The proceeds received by the Company from the sale of Common Stock issued upon the exercise of Options will be used for general corporate purposes.

(f) Shareholder Rights . No Participant shall have any rights as a shareholder with respect to any share of Common Stock subject to an Option prior to the purchase of such share of Common Stock by exercise of the Option.

ARTICLE VII

STOCK ADJUSTMENTS

Subject to the provisions of Article IX of this Plan, in the event that the shares of Common Stock, as presently constituted shall be changed into or exchanged for a different number or kind or shares of stock or other securities of the Company or of another corporation (whether by reason of merger, consolidation, recapitalization, reclassification, stock split, combination of shares or otherwise), or if the number of such shares of Common Stock shall be increased through the payment of a stock dividend, or a dividend on the shares of Common Stock or rights or warrants to purchase securities of the Company shall be made, then there shall be substituted for or added to each share available under and subject to the Plan as provided in Section 1.3 hereof, and each share then subject or thereafter subject or which may become subject to Options under the Plan, the number and kind of shares of stock or other securities into which each outstanding share of Common Stock shall be so changed or for which each such share shall be exchanged or to which each such share shall be entitled, as the case may be, on a fair and equivalent basis in accordance with the applicable provisions of Section 424 of the Code; provided, however, in no such event will such adjustment result in a modification of any Option as defined in Section 424(h) of the Code. In the event there shall be any other change in the number or kind of the outstanding shares of Common Stock, or any stock or other securities into which the Common Stock shall have been changed or for which it shall have been exchanged, then if the Committee shall, in its sole discretion, determine that such change equitably requires an adjustment in the shares available under and subject to the Plan, or in any Option theretofore granted or which may be granted under the Plan, such adjustments shall be made in accordance with such determination, except that no adjustment of the number of shares of Common Stock available under the Plan or to which any Option relates that would otherwise be required shall be made unless and until such adjustment either by itself or with other adjustments not previously made would require an increase or decrease of at least 1% of the number of shares of Common Stock available under the Plan or to which any Option relates immediately prior to the making of such adjustment (the “Minimum Adjustment”). Any adjustment representing a change of less than such minimum amount shall be carried forward and made as soon as such adjustment together with other adjustments required by this Article VII and not previously made would result in a Minimum Adjustment. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any adjustment required by this Article VII which otherwise would not result in a Minimum Adjustment shall be made with respect to shares of Common Stock relating to any Option immediately prior to exercise of such Option.

No fractional shares of Common Stock or units of other securities shall be issued pursuant to any such adjustment, and any fractions resulting from any such adjustment shall be eliminated in each case by rounding downward to the nearest whole share.

ARTICLE VIII

GENERAL

Section 8.1 Amendment or Termination of Plan . The Board may suspend or terminate the Plan at any time. In addition, the Board may, from time to time, amend the Plan in any manner in accordance with applicable federal or state laws or regulations.

 

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Section 8.2 Acceleration of Otherwise Unexercisable Stock Options on Death, Disability or Other Special Circumstances . The Committee, in its sole discretion, may permit (i) a Participant who terminates employment due to a Disability, (ii) the personal representative of a deceased Participant, or (iii) any other Participant who terminates employment upon the occurrence of special circumstances (as determined by the Committee) to purchase all or any part of the shares subject to any unvested Option on the date of the Participant’s termination of employment due to a Disability, death or special circumstances, or as the Committee otherwise so determines. With respect to Options which have already vested at the date of such termination or the vesting of which is accelerated by the Committee in accordance with the foregoing provision, the Participant or the personal representative of a deceased Participant shall have the right to exercise such vested Options within such period(s) as the Committee shall determine.

Section 8.3 Nonassignability . Options are not transferable otherwise than by will or the laws of descent and distribution. Any attempted transfer, assignment, pledge, hypothecation or other disposition of, or the levy of execution, attachment or similar process upon, any Option contrary to the provisions hereof shall be void and ineffective, shall give no right to any purported transferee, and may, at the sole discretion of the Committee, result in forfeiture of the Option involved in such attempt.

Section 8.4 Withholding Taxes . A Participant must pay to the Company the amount of taxes required by law upon the exercise of an Option in cash, unless an alternative payment method is acceptable by the Committee.

Section 8.5 Amendments to Options . The Committee may at any time unilaterally amend the terms of any Option Agreement, whether or not the Option granted thereunder is presently exercisable or vested, to the extent it deems appropriate; provided, however, that any such amendment which is adverse to the Participant shall require the Participant’s consent.

Section 8.6 Regulatory Approval and Listings . The Company shall use its best efforts to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission as soon as practicable following the date this Plan is effective, and keep continuously effective and usable, a Registration Statement on Form S-8 with respect to shares of Common Stock subject to Options hereunder. Notwithstanding anything contained in this Plan to the contrary, the Company shall have no obligation to issue or deliver certificates representing shares of Common Stock evidencing Options prior to:

(a) the obtaining of any approval from, or satisfaction of any waiting period or other condition imposed by, any governmental agency which the Committee shall, in its sole discretion, determine to be necessary or advisable;

(b) the listing of such shares on any exchange on which the Common Stock may be listed; and

(c) the completion of any registration or other qualification of such shares under any state or federal law or regulation of any governmental body which the Committee shall, in its sole discretion, determine to be necessary or advisable.

Section 8.7 Right to Continued Employment . Participation in the Plan shall not give any Participant any right to remain in the employ of the Company or any Subsidiary or any partnership or limited liability company controlled by the Company. Further, the adoption of this Plan shall not be deemed to give any Eligible Employee or any other individual any right to be selected as a Participant or to be granted an Option.

Section 8.8 Reliance on Reports . Each member of the Committee and each member of the Board shall be fully justified in relying or acting in good faith upon any report made by the independent public accountants of the Company and its Subsidiaries and upon any other information furnished in connection with the Plan by any person or persons other than the Committee or Board member. In no event shall any person who is or shall have been a member of the Committee or of the Board be liable for any determination made or other action taken or any omission to act in reliance upon any such report or information or for any action taken, including the furnishing of information, or failure to act, if in good faith.

 

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Section 8.9 Construction . The titles and headings of the sections in the Plan are for the convenience of reference only, and in the event of any conflict, the text of the Plan, rather than such titles or headings, shall control.

Section 8.10 Governing Law . The Plan shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Oklahoma except as superseded by applicable federal law.

ARTICLE IX

ACCELERATION OF OPTIONS UPON CORPORATE EVENT

Section 9.1 Procedures for Acceleration and Exercise. If the Company shall, pursuant to action by the Board, at any time propose to dissolve or liquidate or merge into, consolidate with, or sell or otherwise transfer all or substantially all of its assets to another corporation and provision is not made pursuant to the terms of such transaction for the assumption by the surviving, resulting or acquiring corporation of outstanding Options under the Plan, or for the substitution of new options therefor, the Committee shall cause written notice of the proposed transaction to be given to each Participant no less than forty days prior to the anticipated effective date of the proposed transaction, and the Participant’s Option shall become 100% vested. Prior to a date specified in such notice, which shall be not more than ten days prior to the anticipated effective date of the proposed transaction, each Participant shall have the right to exercise his or her Option to purchase any or all of the Common Stock then subject to such Option. Each Participant, by so notifying the Company in writing, may, in exercising his or her Option, condition such exercise upon, and provide that such exercise shall become effective immediately prior to the consummation of the transaction, in which event such Participant need not make payment for the Common Stock to be purchased upon exercise of such Option until five days after receipt of written notice by the Company to such Participant that the transaction has been consummated. If the transaction is consummated, each Option, to the extent not previously exercised prior to the date specified in the foregoing notice, shall terminate on the effective date such transaction is consummated. If the transaction is abandoned, (i) any Common Stock not purchased upon exercise of such Option shall continue to be available for purchase in accordance with the other provisions of the Plan and (ii) to the extent that any Option not exercised prior to such abandonment shall have vested solely by operation of this Section 9.1, such vesting shall be deemed voided as of the time such acceleration otherwise occurred pursuant to Section 9.1, and the vesting schedule set forth in the Participant’s Option Agreement shall be reinstituted as of the date of such abandonment.

Section 9.2 Certain Additional Payments by the Company . The Committee may, in its sole discretion, provide in any Option Agreement for certain payments by the Company in the event that acceleration of vesting of any Option under the Plan is subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code or any interest or penalties with respect to such excise tax (such excise tax, interest and penalties, collectively, the “Excise Tax”). An Option Agreement may provide that the Participant shall be entitled to receive a payment (a “Gross-Up Payment”) in an amount such that after payment by the Participant of all taxes (including any interest or penalties imposed with respect to such taxes), including any Excise Tax, imposed upon the Gross-Up Payment, the Participant retains an amount of the Gross-Up Payment equal to the Excise Tax imposed upon such acceleration of vesting of any Option.

 

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Exhibit 10.1.8

CHESAPEAKE ENERGY CORPORATION

2001 STOCK OPTION PLAN

(as amended through June 6, 2008)


CHESAPEAKE ENERGY CORPORATION

2001 STOCK OPTION PLAN

 

ARTICLE I – PURPOSE

   1

Section 1.1

  

Purpose

   1

Section 1.2

  

Establishment

   1

Section 1.3

  

Shares Subject to the Plan

   1

Section 1.4

  

Shareholder Approval

   1

ARTICLE II – DEFINITIONS

   1

ARTICLE III – ADMINISTRATION

   2

Section 3.1

  

Administration of the Plan; the Committee

   2

Section 3.2

  

Committee to Make Rules and Interpret Plan

   3

ARTICLE IV – GRANT OF OPTIONS

   3

ARTICLE V – ELIGIBILITY

   4

ARTICLE VI – STOCK OPTIONS

   4

Section 6.1

  

Grant of Options

   4

Section 6.2

  

Conditions of Options

   4

Section 6.3

  

Options Not Qualifying as Incentive Stock Options

   5

ARTICLE VII – STOCK ADJUSTMENTS

   6

ARTICLE VIII – GENERAL

   6

Section 8.1

  

Amendment or Termination of Plan

   6

Section 8.2

  

Acceleration of Otherwise Unexercisable Stock Options on Death, Disability or Other Special Circumstances

   6

Section 8.3

  

Nonassignability

   7

Section 8.4

  

Withholding Taxes

   7

Section 8.5

  

Amendments to Options

   7

Section 8.6

  

Regulatory Approval and Listings

   7

Section 8.7

  

Right to Continued Employment

   7

Section 8.8

  

Reliance on Reports

   7

Section 8.9

  

Construction

   7

Section 8.10

  

Governing Law

   7

ARTICLE IX – ACCELERATION OF OPTIONS UPON CORPORATE EVENT

   8

Section 9.1

  

Procedures for Acceleration and Exercise

   8

Section 9.2

  

Certain Additional Payments by the Company

   8


ARTICLE I

PURPOSE

Section 1.1 Purpose . This Stock Option Plan is established by Chesapeake Energy Corporation (the “Company”) to create incentives which are designed to motivate Employees and Consultants to put forth maximum effort toward the success and growth of the Company and to enable the Company to attract and retain experienced individuals who by their position, ability and diligence are able to make important contributions to the Company’s success. Toward these objectives, the Plan provides for the granting of Options to Employees and Consultants on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Plan.

Section 1.2 Establishment . The Plan is effective as of March 1, 2001 and for a period of 10 years from such date. The Plan will terminate on February 28, 2011; however, it will continue in effect until all matters relating to the exercise of Options and administration of the Plan have been settled.

Section 1.3 Shares Subject to the Plan . Subject to Articles IV, VII and IX of this Plan, shares of stock covered by Options shall consist of Three Million Two Hundred Thousand (3,200,000) shares of Common Stock.

Section 1.4 Shareholder Approval. Nonqualified Stock Options under the Plan may be granted to Participants prior to Shareholder Approval of the Plan, but no Incentive Stock Options may be granted prior to shareholder approval. In the event Shareholder Approval is not obtained within the 12-month period following the date the Plan is adopted by the Board, no Incentive Stock Options may be granted under the Plan.

ARTICLE II

DEFINITIONS

Section 2.1 “Board” means the Board of Directors of the Company.

Section 2.2 “Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Reference in the Plan to any Section of the Code shall be deemed to include any amendments or successor provisions to such Section and any regulations under such Section.

Section 2.3 “Committee” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.1.

Section 2.4 “Common Stock” means the common stock, par value $.01 per share, of the Company and, after substitution, such other stock as shall be substituted therefor as provided in Article VII or Article IX of the Plan.

Section 2.5 “Consultant” means any person who is engaged by the Company, a subsidiary or a partnership or limited liability company which the Company controls to render consulting or advisory services.

Section 2.6 “Date of Grant” means the date on which the granting of an Option is authorized by the Committee or such later date as may be specified by the Committee in such authorization.

Section 2.7 “Disability” has the meaning set forth in Section 22(e)(3) of the Code.

Section 2.8 “Eligible Person” means any Employee or Consultant.

Section 2.9 “ Employee” means any employee of the Company, a Subsidiary or a partnership or limited liability company which the Company controls.

Section 2.10 “Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

Section 2.11 “Executive Officer Participants” means Participants who are subject to the provisions of Section 16 of the Exchange Act with respect to the Common Stock.


Section 2.12 “Fair Market Value” means, as of any date, (i) if the principal market for the Common Stock is a national securities exchange or the Nasdaq stock market, the closing price of the Common Stock on that date on the principal exchange on which the Common Stock is then listed or admitted to trading; or (ii) if sale prices are not available or if the principal market for the Common Stock is not a national securities exchange and the Common Stock is not quoted on the Nasdaq stock market, the average of the highest bid and lowest asked prices for the Common Stock on such day as reported on the Nasdaq OTC Bulletin Board Service or by the National Quotation Bureau, Incorporated or a comparable service. If the day is not a business day, and as a result, clauses (i) and (ii) are inapplicable, the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock shall be determined as of the last preceding business day. If clauses (i) and (ii) are otherwise inapplicable, the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock shall be determined in good faith by the Committee.

Section 2.13 “Incentive Stock Option” means an Option within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code.

Section 2.13 “Non-Executive Officer Participants” means Participants who are not subject to the provisions of Section 16 of the Exchange Act.

Section 2.15 “Nonqualified Stock Option” means an Option to purchase shares of Common Stock which is not an Incentive Stock Option within the meaning of Section 422(b) of the Code.

Section 2.16 “Option” means an Incentive Stock Option or Nonqualified Stock Option granted under Article VI of the Plan.

Section 2.17 “Option Agreement” means any written instrument that establishes the terms, conditions, restrictions, and/or limitations applicable to an Option in addition to those established by this Plan and by the Committee’s exercise of its administrative powers.

Section 2.18 “Participant” means an Eligible Person to whom an Option has been granted by the Committee under the Plan.

Section 2.19 “Plan”“ means the Chesapeake Energy Corporation 2001 Stock Option Plan.

Section 2.20 “Regular Stock Option Committee” means the Employee Compensation and Benefits Committee designated by the Board which shall consist of not less than one member of the Board.

Section 2.21 “Shareholder Approval” means approval by the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Common Stock, present or represented and entitled to vote at a meeting called for such purposes.

Section 2.22 “Special Stock Option Committee” means a committee designated by the Board which shall consist of not less than two members of the Board who meet the definition of “non-employee directors” pursuant to Rule 16b-3, or any successor rule, promulgated under Section 16 of the Exchange Act.

Section 2.23 “Subsidiary” shall have the same meaning set forth in Section 424(f) of the Code.

ARTICLE III

ADMINISTRATION

Section 3.1 Administration of the Plan; the Committee . The Regular Stock Option Committee shall administer the Plan with respect to Non-Executive Officer Participants, including the grant of Options, and the Special Stock Option Committee shall administer the Plan with respect to Executive Officer Participants, including the grant of Options. Accordingly, as used in the Plan, the term “Committee” shall mean the Regular Stock Option Committee if it refers to Plan administration affecting Non-Executive Officer Participants or the Special Stock Option Committee if it refers to Plan administration affecting Executive Officer Participants. If in either case the Committee does not exist, or for any other reason determined by the Board, the Board may take any action under the Plan that would otherwise be the responsibility of the Committee.

 

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Unless otherwise provided in the by-laws of the Company or resolutions adopted from time to time by the Board establishing the Committee, the Board may from time to time remove members from, or add members to, the Committee. Vacancies on the Committee, however caused, shall be filled by the Board. The Committee shall hold meetings at such times and places as it may determine. A majority of the Committee shall constitute a quorum, and the acts of a majority of the members present at any meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the valid acts of the Committee. Any action which may be taken at a meeting of the Committee may be taken without a meeting if all the members of the Committee consent to the action in writing.

Subject to the provisions of the Plan, the Committee shall have exclusive power to:

(a) Select the Eligible Persons to participate in the Plan.

(b) Determine the time or times when Options will be granted.

(c) Determine the form of Option, whether an Incentive Stock Option or a Nonqualified Stock Option, the number of shares of Common Stock subject to any Option, all the terms, conditions (including performance requirements), restrictions and/or limitations, if any, of an Option, including the time and conditions of exercise or vesting, and the terms of any Option Agreement, which may include the waiver or amendment of prior terms and conditions or acceleration of the vesting or exercise of an Option under certain circumstances determined by the Committee.

(d) Determine whether Options will be granted singly or in combination.

(e) Take any and all other action it deems necessary or advisable for the proper operation or administration of the Plan.

Section 3.2 Committee to Make Rules and Interpret Plan . The Committee in its sole discretion shall have the authority, subject to the provisions of the Plan, to establish, adopt, or revise such rules and regulations and to make all such determinations relating to the Plan as it may deem necessary or advisable for the administration of the Plan. The Committee reserves the right to modify outstanding Options and awards unilaterally in any manner that is not adverse to the Option holder. The Committee’s interpretation of the Plan or any Options granted pursuant hereto and all decisions and determinations by the Committee with respect to the Plan shall be final, binding, and conclusive on all parties.

ARTICLE IV

GRANT OF OPTIONS

The Committee may, from time to time, grant Options to one or more Participants, provided, however, that:

(a) Any shares of Common Stock related to Options which terminate by expiration, forfeiture, cancellation or otherwise without the issuance of shares of Common Stock shall be available again for grant under the Plan.

(b) Common Stock delivered by the Company upon exercise of an Option under the Plan will be authorized and unissued shares or issued shares which have been reacquired by the Company (i.e., treasury shares).

(c) The Committee shall, in its sole discretion, determine the manner in which fractional shares arising under this Plan shall be treated.

 

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(d) Upon the exercise of any Option, the Company shall issue and deliver to the Participant who exercised the Option a certificate representing the number of shares of Common Stock purchased thereby.

ARTICLE V

ELIGIBILITY

Subject to the provisions of the Plan, the Committee shall, from time to time, select from the Eligible Persons those to whom Options shall be granted and shall determine the type or types of Options to be granted and shall establish in the related Option Agreements the terms, conditions, restrictions and/or limitations, if any, applicable to the Options in addition to those set forth in the Plan and the administrative rules and regulations issued by the Committee. Nonqualified Stock Options may be granted to any Eligible Person. Incentive Stock Options may be granted only to Employees.

ARTICLE VI

STOCK OPTIONS

Section 6.1 Grant of Options. The Committee may, from time to time, subject to the provisions of the Plan and such other terms and conditions as it may determine, grant Options to Eligible Persons. Subject to Article V, these Options may be Incentive Stock Options or Nonqualified Stock Options, or a combination of both. Each grant of an Option shall be evidenced by an Option Agreement executed by the Company and the Participant, and shall contain such terms and conditions and be in such form as the Committee may from time to time approve, subject to the requirements of Section 6.2.

Section 6.2 Conditions of Options . Each Option so granted shall be subject to the following conditions:

(a) Exercise Price . As limited by Section 6.2(e) below, the Option Agreement for each Option shall state the exercise price which shall be set by the Committee on the Date of Grant. No Option shall be granted at an exercise price which is less than the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock on the Date of Grant, except that Nonqualified Stock Options for the purchase of up to ten percent (10%) of the shares subject to the Plan may be granted at an exercise price which is not less than eighty-five percent (85%) of the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock on the Date of Grant.

(b) Form of Payment . The payment of the exercise price of an Option shall be subject to the following:

 

  (i)

The full exercise price for shares of Common Stock purchased upon the exercise of any Option shall be paid at the time of such exercise (except that, in the case of an exercise arrangement approved by the Committee and described in clause (iii) below, payment may be made as soon as practicable after the exercise).

 

  (ii)

The exercise price shall be payable in cash (including a check acceptable to the Committee, bank draft or money order) or by tendering, by either actual delivery of shares or by attestation, shares of Common Stock acceptable to the Committee and valued at Fair Market Value as of the day of exercise, or any combination thereof, as determined by the Committee.

 

  (iii)

The Committee may permit a Participant to elect to pay the exercise price upon the exercise of an Option by irrevocably authorizing a third party to sell shares of Common Stock (or a sufficient portion of the shares) acquired upon exercise of the Option and remit to the Company a sufficient portion of the sale proceeds to pay the entire exercise price and any tax withholding resulting from such exercise.

 

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(c) Exercise of Options . Options granted under the Plan shall be exercisable, in whole or in such installments and at such times, and shall expire at such time, as shall be provided by the Committee in the Option Agreement. Exercise of an Option shall be by written notice stating the election to exercise in the form and manner determined by the Committee. Every share of Common Stock acquired through the exercise of an Option shall be deemed to be fully paid at the time of exercise and payment of the exercise price.

(d) Other Terms and Conditions . Among other conditions that may be imposed by the Committee, if deemed appropriate, are those relating to (i) the period or periods and the conditions of exercisability of any Option; (ii) the minimum periods during which Participants must be employed by the Company or its Subsidiaries, or must hold Options before they may be exercised; (iii) the minimum periods during which shares acquired upon exercise must be held before sale or transfer shall be permitted; (iv) the maximum period that Participants will be allowed to be inactively employed or on a leave of absence before their vesting is suspended until they return to active employment; (v) conditions under which such Options or shares may be subject to forfeiture; (vi) the frequency of exercise or the minimum or maximum number of shares that may be acquired at any one time and (vii) the achievement by the Company of specified performance criteria.

(e) Special Restrictions Relating to Incentive Stock Options. In addition to being subject to all applicable terms, conditions, restrictions and/or limitations established by the Committee, Options issued in the form of Incentive Stock Options shall comply with the requirements of Section 422 of the Code (or any successor Section thereto), including, without limitation, the requirement that the exercise price of an Incentive Stock Option not be less than 100% of the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock on the Date of Grant, the requirement that each Incentive Stock Option, unless sooner exercised, terminated or cancelled, expire no later than 10 years from its Date of Grant, the requirement that Incentive Stock Options be granted only to Employees, and the requirement that the aggregate Fair Market Value (determined on the Date of Grant) of the Common Stock with respect to which 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) not exceed $100,000. Incentive Stock Options which are in excess of the applicable $100,000 limitation will be automatically recharacterized as Nonqualified Stock Options as provided under Section 6.3 of this Plan. No Incentive Stock Options shall be granted to any Employee if, immediately before the grant of an Incentive Stock Option, such Employee owns more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or its Subsidiaries (as determined in accordance with the stock attribution rules contained in Sections 422 and 424(d) of the Code). Provided, the preceding sentence shall not apply if, at the time the Incentive Stock Option is granted, the exercise price is at least 110% of the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock subject to the Incentive Stock Option, and such Incentive Stock Option by its terms is exercisable no more than five years from the date such Incentive Stock Option is granted.

(f) Application of Funds . The proceeds received by the Company from the sale of Common Stock issued upon the exercise of Options will be used for general corporate purposes.

(g) Shareholder Rights . No Participant shall have any rights as a shareholder with respect to any share of Common Stock subject to an Option prior to the purchase of such share of Common Stock by exercise of the Option.

Section 6.3 Options Not Qualifying as Incentive Stock Options. With respect to all or any portion of any Option granted under this Plan not qualifying as an “incentive stock option” under Section 422 of the Code, such Option shall be considered a Nonqualified Stock Option granted under this Plan for all purposes. Further, this Plan and any Incentive Stock Options granted hereunder shall be deemed to have incorporated by reference all the provisions and requirements of Section 422 of the Code (and the Treasury Regulations issued thereunder) necessary to ensure that all Incentive Stock Options granted hereunder shall be “incentive stock options” described in Section 422 of the Code. Further, in the event that the $100,000 limitation contained in Section 6.2(e) herein is exceeded in any Incentive Stock Option granted under this Plan, the portion of the Incentive Stock Option in excess of such limitation shall be treated as

 

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a Nonqualified Stock Option under this Plan subject to the terms and provisions of the applicable Option Agreement, except to the extent modified to reflect recharacterization of the Incentive Stock Option as a Nonqualified Stock Option.

ARTICLE VII

STOCK ADJUSTMENTS

Subject to the provisions of Article IX of this Plan, in the event that the shares of Common Stock, as presently constituted shall be changed into or exchanged for a different number or kind or shares of stock or other securities of the Company or of another corporation (whether by reason of merger, consolidation, recapitalization, reclassification, stock split, combination of shares or otherwise), or if the number of such shares of Common Stock shall be increased through the payment of a stock dividend, or a dividend on the shares of Common Stock or rights or warrants to purchase securities of the Company shall be made, then there shall be substituted for or added to each share available under and subject to the Plan as provided in Section 1.3 hereof, and each share then subject or thereafter subject or which may become subject to Options under the Plan, the number and kind of shares of stock or other securities into which each outstanding share of Common Stock shall be so changed or for which each such share shall be exchanged or to which each such share shall be entitled, as the case may be, on a fair and equivalent basis in accordance with the applicable provisions of Section 424 of the Code; provided, however, in no such event will such adjustment result in a modification of any Option as defined in Section 424(h) of the Code. In the event there shall be any other change in the number or kind of the outstanding shares of Common Stock, or any stock or other securities into which the Common Stock shall have been changed or for which it shall have been exchanged, then if the Committee shall, in its sole discretion, determine that such change equitably requires an adjustment in the shares available under and subject to the Plan, or in any Option theretofore granted or which may be granted under the Plan, such adjustments shall be made in accordance with such determination, except that no adjustment of the number of shares of Common Stock available under the Plan or to which any Option relates that would otherwise be required shall be made unless and until such adjustment either by itself or with other adjustments not previously made would require an increase or decrease of at least 1% of the number of shares of Common Stock available under the Plan or to which any Option relates immediately prior to the making of such adjustment (the “Minimum Adjustment”). Any adjustment representing a change of less than such minimum amount shall be carried forward and made as soon as such adjustment together with other adjustments required by this Article VII and not previously made would result in a Minimum Adjustment. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any adjustment required by this Article VII which otherwise would not result in a Minimum Adjustment shall be made with respect to shares of Common Stock relating to any Option immediately prior to exercise of such Option.

No fractional shares of Common Stock or units of other securities shall be issued pursuant to any such adjustment, and any fractions resulting from any such adjustment shall be eliminated in each case by rounding downward to the nearest whole share.

ARTICLE VIII

GENERAL

Section 8.1 Amendment or Termination of Plan . The Board may suspend or terminate the Plan at any time. In addition, the Board may, from time to time, amend the Plan in any manner, but may not adopt any amendment without Shareholder Approval if (i) the amendment relates to Incentive Stock Options and Section 422 of the Code requires Shareholder Approval of such amendment, or (ii) in the opinion of counsel to the Company, Shareholder Approval is required by any federal or state laws or regulations.

Section 8.2 Acceleration of Otherwise Unexercisable Stock Options on Death, Disability or Other Special Circumstances . The Committee, in its sole discretion, may permit (i) a Participant who terminates employment due to a Disability, (ii) the personal representative of a deceased Participant, or (iii) any other Participant who terminates employment upon the occurrence of special circumstances (as determined by the Committee) to purchase all or any part of the shares subject to any unvested Option on the date of the Participant’s termination of employment due

 

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to a Disability, death or special circumstances, or as the Committee otherwise so determines. With respect to Options which have already vested at the date of such termination or the vesting of which is accelerated by the Committee in accordance with the foregoing provision, the Participant or the personal representative of a deceased Participant shall have the right to exercise such vested Options within such period(s) as the Committee shall determine.

Section 8.3 Nonassignability . Options are not transferable otherwise than by will or the laws of descent and distribution. Any attempted transfer, assignment, pledge, hypothecation or other disposition of, or the levy of execution, attachment or similar process upon, any Option contrary to the provisions hereof shall be void and ineffective, shall give no right to any purported transferee, and may, at the sole discretion of the Committee, result in forfeiture of the Option involved in such attempt.

Section 8.4 Withholding Taxes . A Participant must pay to the Company the amount of taxes required by law upon the exercise of an Option in cash, unless an alternative payment method is acceptable by the Committee.

Section 8.5 Amendments to Options . The Committee may at any time unilaterally amend the terms of any Option Agreement, whether or not the Option granted thereunder is presently exercisable or vested, to the extent it deems appropriate; provided, however, that any such amendment which is adverse to the Participant shall require the Participant’s consent.

Section 8.6 Regulatory Approval and Listings . The Company shall use its best efforts to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission as soon as practicable following the date this Plan is effective, and keep continuously effective and usable, a Registration Statement on Form S-8 with respect to shares of Common Stock subject to Options hereunder. Notwithstanding anything contained in this Plan to the contrary, the Company shall have no obligation to issue or deliver certificates representing shares of Common Stock evidencing Options prior to:

(a) the obtaining of any approval from, or satisfaction of any waiting period or other condition imposed by, any governmental agency which the Committee shall, in its sole discretion, determine to be necessary or advisable;

(b) the listing of such shares on any exchange on which the Common Stock may be listed; and

(c) the completion of any registration or other qualification of such shares under any state or federal law or regulation of any governmental body which the Committee shall, in its sole discretion, determine to be necessary or advisable.

Section 8.7 Right to Continued Employment . Participation in the Plan shall not give any Participant any right to remain in the employ of the Company or any Subsidiary or any partnership or limited liability company controlled by the Company. Further, the adoption of this Plan shall not be deemed to give any Employee or Consultant or any other individual any right to be selected as a Participant or to be granted an Option.

Section 8.8 Reliance on Reports . Each member of the Committee and each member of the Board shall be fully justified in relying or acting in good faith upon any report made by the independent public accountants of the Company and its Subsidiaries and upon any other information furnished in connection with the Plan by any person or persons other than the Committee or Board member. In no event shall any person who is or shall have been a member of the Committee or of the Board be liable for any determination made or other action taken or any omission to act in reliance upon any such report or information or for any action taken, including the furnishing of information, or failure to act, if in good faith.

Section 8.9 Construction . The titles and headings of the sections in the Plan are for the convenience of reference only, and in the event of any conflict, the text of the Plan, rather than such titles or headings, shall control.

Section 8.10 Governing Law . The Plan shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Oklahoma except as superseded by applicable federal law.

 

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ARTICLE IX

ACCELERATION OF OPTIONS UPON CORPORATE EVENT

Section 9.1 Procedures for Acceleration and Exercise. If the Company shall, pursuant to action by the Board, at any time propose to dissolve or liquidate or merge into, consolidate with, or sell or otherwise transfer all or substantially all of its assets to another corporation and provision is not made pursuant to the terms of such transaction for the assumption by the surviving, resulting or acquiring corporation of outstanding Options under the Plan, or for the substitution of new options therefor, the Committee shall cause written notice of the proposed transaction to be given to each Participant no less than forty days prior to the anticipated effective date of the proposed transaction, and the Participant’s Option shall become 100% vested. Prior to a date specified in such notice, which shall be not more than ten days prior to the anticipated effective date of the proposed transaction, each Participant shall have the right to exercise his or her Option to purchase any or all of the Common Stock then subject to such Option. Each Participant, by so notifying the Company in writing, may, in exercising his or her Option, condition such exercise upon, and provide that such exercise shall become effective immediately prior to the consummation of the transaction, in which event such Participant need not make payment for the Common Stock to be purchased upon exercise of such Option until five days after receipt of written notice by the Company to such Participant that the transaction has been consummated. If the transaction is consummated, each Option, to the extent not previously exercised prior to the date specified in the foregoing notice, shall terminate on the effective date such transaction is consummated. If the transaction is abandoned, (i) any Common Stock not purchased upon exercise of such Option shall continue to be available for purchase in accordance with the other provisions of the Plan and (ii) to the extent that any Option not exercised prior to such abandonment shall have vested solely by operation of this Section 9.1, such vesting shall be deemed voided as of the time such acceleration otherwise occurred pursuant to Section 9.1, and the vesting schedule set forth in the Participant’s Option Agreement shall be reinstituted as of the date of such abandonment.

Section 9.2 Certain Additional Payments by the Company . The Committee may, in its sole discretion, provide in any Option Agreement for certain payments by the Company in the event that acceleration of vesting of any Option under the Plan is subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code or any interest or penalties with respect to such excise tax (such excise tax, interest and penalties, collectively, the “Excise Tax”). An Option Agreement may provide that the Participant shall be entitled to receive a payment (a “Gross-Up Payment”) in an amount such that after payment by the Participant of all taxes (including any interest or penalties imposed with respect to such taxes), including any Excise Tax, imposed upon the Gross-Up Payment, the Participant retains an amount of the Gross-Up Payment equal to the Excise Tax imposed upon such acceleration of vesting of any Option.

 

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Exhibit 10.1.10

CHESAPEAKE ENERGY CORPORATION

2001 NONQUALIFIED STOCK OPTION PLAN

(as amended through June 6, 2008)


CHESAPEAKE ENERGY CORPORATION

2001 NONQUALIFIED STOCK OPTION PLAN

Table of Contents

 

ARTICLE I – PURPOSE

   1

Section 1.1

  

Purpose

   1

Section 1.2

  

Establishment

   1

Section 1.3

  

Shares Subject to the Plan

   1

ARTICLE II– DEFINITIONS

   1

ARTICLE III – ADMINISTRATION

   2

Section 3.1

  

Administration of the Plan; the Committee

   2

Section 3.2

  

Committee to Make Rules and Interpret Plan

   3

ARTICLE IV – GRANT OF OPTIONS

   3

ARTICLE V – ELIGIBILITY

   4

ARTICLE VI – STOCK OPTIONS

   4

Section 6.1

  

Grant of Options

   4

Section 6.2

  

Conditions of Options

   4

ARTICLE VII – STOCK ADJUSTMENTS

   5

ARTICLE VIII – GENERAL

   6

Section 8.1

  

Amendment or Termination of Plan

   6

Section 8.2

  

Acceleration of Otherwise Unexercisable Stock Options on Death, Disability or Other Special Circumstances

   6

Section 8.3

  

Nonassignability

   6

Section 8.4

  

Withholding Taxes

   6

Section 8.5

  

Amendments to Options

   6

Section 8.6

  

Regulatory Approval and Listings

   6

Section 8.7

  

Right to Continued Employment

   7

Section 8.8

  

Reliance on Reports

   7

Section 8.9

  

Construction

   7

Section 8.10

  

Governing Law

   7

ARTICLE IX – ACCELERATION OF OPTIONS UPON CORPORATE EVENT

   7

Section 9.1

  

Procedures for Acceleration and Exercise

   7

Section 9.2

  

Certain Additional Payments by the Company

   7


ARTICLE I

PURPOSE

Section 1.1 Purpose . This Stock Option Plan is established by Chesapeake Energy Corporation (the “Company”) to create incentives which are designed to motivate Employees and Consultants to put forth maximum effort toward the success and growth of the Company and to enable the Company to attract and retain experienced individuals who by their position, ability and diligence are able to make important contributions to the Company’s success. Toward these objectives, the Plan provides for the granting of Options to Employees and Consultants on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Plan.

Section 1.2 Establishment . The Plan is effective as of April 15, 2001 and for a period of 10 years from such date. The Plan will terminate on April 14, 2011; however, it will continue in effect until all matters relating to the exercise of Options and administration of the Plan have been settled.

Section 1.3 Shares Subject to the Plan . Subject to Articles IV, VII and IX of this Plan, shares of stock covered by Options shall consist of Three Million (3,000,000) shares of Common Stock.

ARTICLE II

DEFINITIONS

Section 2.1 “Board” means the Board of Directors of the Company.

Section 2.2 “Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Reference in the Plan to any Section of the Code shall be deemed to include any amendments or successor provisions to such Section and any regulations under such Section.

Section 2.3 “Committee” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.1.

Section 2.4 “Common Stock” means the common stock, par value $.01 per share, of the Company and, after substitution, such other stock as shall be substituted therefor as provided in Article VII or Article IX of the Plan.

Section 2.5 “Consultant” means any person who is engaged by the Company, a subsidiary or a partnership or limited liability company which the Company controls to render consulting or advisory services.

Section 2.6 “Date of Grant” means the date on which the granting of an Option is authorized by the Committee or such later date as may be specified by the Committee in such authorization.

Section 2.7 “Disability” has the meaning set forth in Section 22(e)(3) of the Code.

Section 2.8 “Eligible Person” means any Employee or Consultant.

Section 2.9 “Employee” means any employee of the Company, a Subsidiary or a partnership or limited liability company which the Company controls.

Section 2.10 “Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

Section 2.11 “Executive Officer Participants” means Participants who are subject to the provisions of Section 16 of the Exchange Act with respect to the Common Stock.

Section 2.12 “Fair Market Value” means, as of any date, (i) if the principal market for the Common Stock is a national securities exchange or the Nasdaq stock market, the closing price of the Common Stock on that date on the principal exchange on which the Common Stock is then listed or admitted to trading; or (ii) if sale prices are not available or if the principal market for the Common Stock is not a national securities exchange and the Common Stock is not quoted on the Nasdaq stock market, the average of the highest bid and lowest asked prices for the Common Stock


on such day as reported on the Nasdaq OTC Bulletin Board Service or by the National Quotation Bureau, Incorporated or a comparable service. If the day is not a business day, and as a result, clauses (i) and (ii) are inapplicable, the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock shall be determined as of the last preceding business day. If clauses (i) and (ii) are otherwise inapplicable, the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock shall be determined in good faith by the Committee.

Section 2.13 “Non-Executive Officer Participants” means Participants who are not subject to the provisions of Section 16 of the Exchange Act.

Section 2.14 “Nonqualified Stock Option” means an option to purchase shares of Common Stock which is not an incentive stock option within the meaning of Section 422(b) of the Code.

Section 2.15 “Option” means a Nonqualified Stock Option granted under Article VI of the Plan.

Section 2.16 “Option Agreement” means any written instrument that establishes the terms, conditions, restrictions, and/or limitations applicable to an Option in addition to those established by this Plan and by the Committee’s exercise of its administrative powers.

Section 2.17 “Participant” means an Eligible Person to whom an Option has been granted by the Committee under the Plan.

Section 2.18 “Plan” means the Chesapeake Energy Corporation 2001 Nonqualified Stock Option Plan.

Section 2.19 “Regular Stock Option Committee” means the Employee Compensation and Benefits Committee designated by the Board which shall consist of not less than one member of the Board.

Section 2.20 “Special Stock Option Committee” means a committee designated by the Board which shall consist of not less than two members of the Board who meet the definition of “non-employee directors” pursuant to Rule 16b-3, or any successor rule, promulgated under Section 16 of the Exchange Act.

Section 2.21 “Subsidiary” shall have the same meaning set forth in Section 424 of the Code.

ARTICLE III

ADMINISTRATION

Section 3.1 Administration of the Plan; the Committee . The Regular Stock Option Committee shall administer the Plan with respect to Non-Executive Officer Participants, including the grant of Options, and the Special Stock Option Committee shall administer the Plan with respect to Executive Officer Participants, including the grant of Options. Accordingly, as used in the Plan, the term “Committee” shall mean the Regular Stock Option Committee if it refers to Plan administration affecting Non-Executive Officer Participants or the Special Stock Option Committee if it refers to Plan administration affecting Executive Officer Participants. If in either case the Committee does not exist, or for any other reason determined by the Board, the Board may take any action under the Plan that would otherwise be the responsibility of the Committee.

Unless otherwise provided in the by-laws of the Company or resolutions adopted from time to time by the Board establishing the Committee, the Board may from time to time remove members from, or add members to, the Committee. Vacancies on the Committee, however caused, shall be filled by the Board. The Committee shall hold meetings at such times and places as it may determine. A majority of the Committee shall constitute a quorum, and the acts of a majority of the members present at any meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the valid acts of the Committee. Any action which may be taken at a meeting of the Committee may be taken without a meeting if all the members of the Committee consent to the action in writing.

Subject to the provisions of the Plan, the Committee shall have exclusive power to:

(a) Select the Eligible Persons to participate in the Plan.

 

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(b) Determine the time or times when Options will be granted.

(c) Determine the number of shares of Common Stock subject to any Option, all the terms, conditions (including performance requirements), restrictions and/or limitations, if any, of an Option, including the time and conditions of exercise or vesting, and the terms of any Option Agreement, which may include the waiver or amendment of prior terms and conditions or acceleration of the vesting or exercise of an Option under certain circumstances determined by the Committee.

(d) Determine whether Options will be granted singly or in combination.

(e) Take any and all other action it deems necessary or advisable for the proper operation or administration of the Plan.

Section 3.2 Committee to Make Rules and Interpret Plan . The Committee in its sole discretion shall have the authority, subject to the provisions of the Plan, to establish, adopt, or revise such rules and regulations and to make all such determinations relating to the Plan as it may deem necessary or advisable for the administration of the Plan. The Committee reserves the right to modify outstanding Options and awards unilaterally in any manner that is not adverse to the Option holder. The Committee’s interpretation of the Plan or any Options granted pursuant hereto and all decisions and determinations by the Committee with respect to the Plan shall be final, binding, and conclusive on all parties.

ARTICLE IV

GRANT OF OPTIONS

The Committee may, from time to time, grant Options to one or more Participants, provided, however, that:

(a) At least a majority of the shares of Common Stock underlying Options granted under the Plan during any three-year period must be granted to employees who are not Executive Officer Participants or directors of the Company.

(b) Any shares of Common Stock related to Options which terminate by expiration, forfeiture, cancellation or otherwise without the issuance of shares of Common Stock shall be available again for grant under the Plan.

(c) Common Stock delivered by the Company upon exercise of an Option under the Plan will be authorized and unissued shares or issued shares which have been reacquired by the Company (i.e., treasury shares).

(d) The Committee shall, in its sole discretion, determine the manner in which fractional shares arising under this Plan shall be treated.

(e) Upon the exercise of any Option, the Company shall issue and deliver to the Participant who exercised the Option a certificate representing the number of shares of Common Stock purchased thereby.

 

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ARTICLE V

ELIGIBILITY

Subject to the provisions of the Plan, the Committee shall, from time to time, select from the Eligible Persons those to whom Options shall be granted and shall establish in the related Option Agreements the terms, conditions, restrictions and/or limitations, if any, applicable to the Options in addition to those set forth in the Plan and the administrative rules and regulations issued by the Committee.

ARTICLE VI

STOCK OPTIONS

Section 6.1 Grant of Options . The Committee may, from time to time, subject to the provisions of the Plan and such other terms and conditions as it may determine, grant Nonqualified Stock Options to Eligible Persons. Each grant of an Option shall be evidenced by an Option Agreement executed by the Company and the Participant, and shall contain such terms and conditions and be in such form as the Committee may from time to time approve, subject to the requirements of Section 6.2.

Section 6.2 Conditions of Options . Each Option so granted shall be subject to the following conditions:

(a) Exercise Price . The Option Agreement for each Option shall state the exercise price which shall be set by the Committee on the Date of Grant. No Option shall be granted at an exercise price which is less than the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock on the Date of Grant, except that Options for the purchase of up to ten percent (10%) of the shares subject to the Plan may be granted at an exercise price which is not less than eighty-five percent (85%) of the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock on the Date of Grant.

(b) Form of Payment . The payment of the exercise price of an Option shall be subject to the following:

 

  (i)

The full exercise price for shares of Common Stock purchased upon the exercise of any Option shall be paid at the time of such exercise (except that, in the case of an exercise arrangement approved by the Committee and described in clause (iii) below, payment may be made as soon as practicable after the exercise).

 

  (ii)

The exercise price shall be payable in cash (including a check acceptable to the Committee, bank draft or money order) or by tendering, by either actual delivery of shares or by attestation, shares of Common Stock acceptable to the Committee and valued at Fair Market Value as of the day of exercise, or any combination thereof, as determined by the Committee.

 

  (iii)

The Committee may permit a Participant to elect to pay the exercise price upon the exercise of an Option by irrevocably authorizing a third party to sell shares of Common Stock (or a sufficient portion of the shares) acquired upon exercise of the Option and remit to the Company a sufficient portion of the sale proceeds to pay the entire exercise price and any tax withholding resulting from such exercise.

(c) Exercise of Options . Options granted under the Plan shall be exercisable, in whole or in such installments and at such times, and shall expire at such time, as shall be provided by the Committee in the Option Agreement. Exercise of an Option shall be by written notice stating the election to exercise in the form and manner determined by the Committee. Every share of Common Stock acquired through the exercise of an Option shall be deemed to be fully paid at the time of exercise and payment of the exercise price.

 

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(d) Other Terms and Conditions . Among other conditions that may be imposed by the Committee, if deemed appropriate, are those relating to (i) the period or periods and the conditions of exercisability of any Option; (ii) the minimum periods during which Participants must be employed by the Company or its Subsidiaries, or must hold Options before they may be exercised; (iii) the minimum periods during which shares acquired upon exercise must be held before sale or transfer shall be permitted; (iv) the maximum period that Participants will be allowed to be inactively employed or on a leave of absence before their vesting is suspended until they return to active employment; (v) conditions under which such Options or shares may be subject to forfeiture; (vi) the frequency of exercise or the minimum or maximum number of shares that may be acquired at any one time and (vii) the achievement by the Company of specified performance criteria.

(e) Application of Funds . The proceeds received by the Company from the sale of Common Stock issued upon the exercise of Options will be used for general corporate purposes.

(f) Shareholder Rights . No Participant shall have any rights as a shareholder with respect to any share of Common Stock subject to an Option prior to the purchase of such share of Common Stock by exercise of the Option.

ARTICLE VII

STOCK ADJUSTMENTS

Subject to the provisions of Article IX of this Plan, in the event that the shares of Common Stock, as presently constituted shall be changed into or exchanged for a different number or kind or shares of stock or other securities of the Company or of another corporation (whether by reason of merger, consolidation, recapitalization, reclassification, stock split, combination of shares or otherwise), or if the number of such shares of Common Stock shall be increased through the payment of a stock dividend, or a dividend on the shares of Common Stock or rights or warrants to purchase securities of the Company shall be made, then there shall be substituted for or added to each share available under and subject to the Plan as provided in Section 1.3 hereof, and each share then subject or thereafter subject or which may become subject to Options under the Plan, the number and kind of shares of stock or other securities into which each outstanding share of Common Stock shall be so changed or for which each such share shall be exchanged or to which each such share shall be entitled, as the case may be, on a fair and equivalent basis in accordance with the applicable provisions of Section 424 of the Code; provided, however, in no such event will such adjustment result in a modification of any Option as defined in Section 424(h) of the Code. In the event there shall be any other change in the number or kind of the outstanding shares of Common Stock, or any stock or other securities into which the Common Stock shall have been changed or for which it shall have been exchanged, then if the Committee shall, in its sole discretion, determine that such change equitably requires an adjustment in the shares available under and subject to the Plan, or in any Option theretofore granted or which may be granted under the Plan, such adjustments shall be made in accordance with such determination, except that no adjustment of the number of shares of Common Stock available under the Plan or to which any Option relates that would otherwise be required shall be made unless and until such adjustment either by itself or with other adjustments not previously made would require an increase or decrease of at least 1% of the number of shares of Common Stock available under the Plan or to which any Option relates immediately prior to the making of such adjustment (the “Minimum Adjustment”). Any adjustment representing a change of less than such minimum amount shall be carried forward and made as soon as such adjustment together with other adjustments required by this Article VII and not previously made would result in a Minimum Adjustment. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any adjustment required by this Article VII which otherwise would not result in a Minimum Adjustment shall be made with respect to shares of Common Stock relating to any Option immediately prior to exercise of such Option.

 

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No fractional shares of Common Stock or units of other securities shall be issued pursuant to any such adjustment, and any fractions resulting from any such adjustment shall be eliminated in each case by rounding downward to the nearest whole share.

ARTICLE VIII

GENERAL

Section 8.1 Amendment or Termination of Plan . The Board may suspend or terminate the Plan at any time. In addition, the Board may, from time to time, amend the Plan in any manner in accordance with applicable federal or state laws or regulations.

Section 8.2 Acceleration of Otherwise Unexercisable Stock Options on Death, Disability or Other Special Circumstances . The Committee, in its sole discretion, may permit (i) a Participant who terminates employment due to a Disability, (ii) the personal representative of a deceased Participant, or (iii) any other Participant who terminates employment upon the occurrence of special circumstances (as determined by the Committee) to purchase all or any part of the shares subject to any unvested Option on the date of the Participant’s termination of employment due to a Disability, death or special circumstances, or as the Committee otherwise so determines. With respect to Options which have already vested at the date of such termination or the vesting of which is accelerated by the Committee in accordance with the foregoing provision, the Participant or the personal representative of a deceased Participant shall have the right to exercise such vested Options within such period(s) as the Committee shall determine.

Section 8.3 Nonassignability . Options are not transferable otherwise than by will or the laws of descent and distribution. Any attempted transfer, assignment, pledge, hypothecation or other disposition of, or the levy of execution, attachment or similar process upon, any Option contrary to the provisions hereof shall be void and ineffective, shall give no right to any purported transferee, and may, at the sole discretion of the Committee, result in forfeiture of the Option involved in such attempt.

Section 8.4 Withholding Taxes . A Participant must pay to the Company the amount of taxes required by law upon the exercise of an Option in cash, unless an alternative payment method is acceptable by the Committee.

Section 8.5 Amendments to Options . The Committee may at any time unilaterally amend the terms of any Option Agreement, whether or not the Option granted thereunder is presently exercisable or vested, to the extent it deems appropriate; provided, however, that any such amendment which is adverse to the Participant shall require the Participant’s consent.

Section 8.6 Regulatory Approval and Listings . The Company shall use its best efforts to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission as soon as practicable following the date this Plan is effective, and keep continuously effective and usable, a Registration Statement on Form S-8 with respect to shares of Common Stock subject to Options hereunder. Notwithstanding anything contained in this Plan to the contrary, the Company shall have no obligation to issue or deliver certificates representing shares of Common Stock evidencing Options prior to:

(a) the obtaining of any approval from, or satisfaction of any waiting period or other condition imposed by, any governmental agency which the Committee shall, in its sole discretion, determine to be necessary or advisable;

(b) the listing of such shares on any exchange on which the Common Stock may be listed; and

(c) the completion of any registration or other qualification of such shares under any state or federal law or regulation of any governmental body which the Committee shall, in its sole discretion, determine to be necessary or advisable.

 

-6-


Section 8.7 Right to Continued Employment . Participation in the Plan shall not give any Participant any right to remain in the employ of the Company or any Subsidiary or any partnership or limited liability company controlled by the Company. Further, the adoption of this Plan shall not be deemed to give any Employee or Consultant or any other individual any right to be selected as a Participant or to be granted an Option.

Section 8.8 Reliance on Reports . Each member of the Committee and each member of the Board shall be fully justified in relying or acting in good faith upon any report made by the independent public accountants of the Company and its Subsidiaries and upon any other information furnished in connection with the Plan by any person or persons other than the Committee or Board member. In no event shall any person who is or shall have been a member of the Committee or of the Board be liable for any determination made or other action taken or any omission to act in reliance upon any such report or information or for any action taken, including the furnishing of information, or failure to act, if in good faith.

Section 8.9 Construction . The titles and headings of the sections in the Plan are for the convenience of reference only, and in the event of any conflict, the text of the Plan, rather than such titles or headings, shall control.

Section 8.10 Governing Law . The Plan shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Oklahoma except as superseded by applicable federal law.

ARTICLE IX

ACCELERATION OF OPTIONS UPON CORPORATE EVENT

Section 9.1 Procedures for Acceleration and Exercise. If the Company shall, pursuant to action by the Board, at any time propose to dissolve or liquidate or merge into, consolidate with, or sell or otherwise transfer all or substantially all of its assets to another corporation and provision is not made pursuant to the terms of such transaction for the assumption by the surviving, resulting or acquiring corporation of outstanding Options under the Plan, or for the substitution of new options therefor, the Committee shall cause written notice of the proposed transaction to be given to each Participant no less than forty days prior to the anticipated effective date of the proposed transaction, and the Participant’s Option shall become 100% vested. Prior to a date specified in such notice, which shall be not more than ten days prior to the anticipated effective date of the proposed transaction, each Participant shall have the right to exercise his or her Option to purchase any or all of the Common Stock then subject to such Option. Each Participant, by so notifying the Company in writing, may, in exercising his or her Option, condition such exercise upon, and provide that such exercise shall become effective immediately prior to the consummation of the transaction, in which event such Participant need not make payment for the Common Stock to be purchased upon exercise of such Option until five days after receipt of written notice by the Company to such Participant that the transaction has been consummated. If the transaction is consummated, each Option, to the extent not previously exercised prior to the date specified in the foregoing notice, shall terminate on the effective date such transaction is consummated. If the transaction is abandoned, (i) any Common Stock not purchased upon exercise of such Option shall continue to be available for purchase in accordance with the other provisions of the Plan and (ii) to the extent that any Option not exercised prior to such abandonment shall have vested solely by operation of this Section 9.1, such vesting shall be deemed voided as of the time such acceleration otherwise occurred pursuant to Section 9.1, and the vesting schedule set forth in the Participant’s Option Agreement shall be reinstituted as of the date of such abandonment.

Section 9.2 Certain Additional Payments by the Company . The Committee may, in its sole discretion, provide in any Option Agreement for certain payments by the Company in the event that acceleration of vesting of any Option under the Plan is subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code or any interest or penalties with respect to such excise tax (such excise tax, interest and penalties, collectively, the “Excise Tax”). An Option Agreement may provide that the Participant shall be entitled to receive a payment (a “Gross-Up Payment”) in an amount such that after payment by the Participant of all taxes (including any interest or penalties imposed with respect to such taxes), including any Excise Tax, imposed upon the Gross-Up Payment, the Participant retains an amount of the Gross-Up Payment equal to the Excise Tax imposed upon such acceleration of vesting of any Option.

 

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Exhibit 10.1.11

CHESAPEAKE ENERGY CORPORATION

2002 STOCK OPTION PLAN

(as amended through June 6, 2008)


CHESAPEAKE ENERGY CORPORATION

2002 STOCK OPTION PLAN

 

ARTICLE I – PURPOSE

   1

            Section 1.1

  

Purpose

   1

            Section 1.2

  

Establishment

   1

            Section 1.3

  

Shares Subject to the Plan

   1

            Section 1.4

  

Shareholder Approval

   1

ARTICLE II – DEFINITIONS

   1

ARTICLE III – ADMINISTRATION

   2

            Section 3.1

  

Administration of the Plan; the Committee

   2

            Section 3.2

  

Committee to Make Rules and Interpret Plan

   3

ARTICLE IV – GRANT OF OPTIONS

   3

ARTICLE V – ELIGIBILITY

   4

ARTICLE VI – STOCK OPTIONS

   4

            Section 6.1

  

Grant of Options

   4

            Section 6.2

  

Conditions of Options

   4

            Section 6.3

  

Options Not Qualifying as Incentive Stock Options

   5

ARTICLE VII – STOCK ADJUSTMENTS

   6

ARTICLE VIII – GENERAL

   6

            Section 8.1

  

Amendment or Termination of Plan

   6

            Section 8.2

  

Acceleration of Otherwise Unexercisable Stock Options on Death, Disability or Other Special Circumstances

   6

            Section 8.3

  

Nonassignability

   7

            Section 8.4

  

Withholding Taxes

   7

            Section 8.5

  

Regulatory Approval and Listings

   7

            Section 8.6

  

Right to Continued Employment

   7

            Section 8.7

  

Reliance on Reports

   7

            Section 8.8

  

Construction

   7

            Section 8.9

  

Governing Law

   7

ARTICLE IX – ACCELERATION OF OPTIONS UPON CORPORATE EVENT

   7

            Section 9.1

  

Procedures for Acceleration and Exercise

   7

            Section 9.2

  

Certain Additional Payments by the Company

   8


ARTICLE I

PURPOSE

Section 1.1 Purpose . This Stock Option Plan is established by Chesapeake Energy Corporation (the “Company”) to create incentives which are designed to motivate Employees and Consultants to put forth maximum effort toward the success and growth of the Company and to enable the Company to attract and retain experienced individuals who by their position, ability and diligence are able to make important contributions to the Company’s success. Toward these objectives, the Plan provides for the granting of Options to Employees and Consultants on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Plan.

Section 1.2 Establishment . The Plan is effective as of March 1, 2002 and for a period of 10 years from such date. The Plan will terminate on February 29, 2012; however, it will continue in effect until all matters relating to the exercise of Options and administration of the Plan have been settled.

Section 1.3 Shares Subject to the Plan . Subject to Articles IV, VII and IX of this Plan, shares of stock covered by Options shall consist of Three Million (3,000,000) shares of Common Stock.

Section 1.4 Shareholder Approval. Nonqualified Stock Options under the Plan may be granted to Participants prior to Shareholder Approval of the Plan, but no Incentive Stock Options may be granted prior to shareholder approval. In the event Shareholder Approval is not obtained within the 12-month period following the date the Plan is adopted by the Board, no Incentive Stock Options may be granted under the Plan.

ARTICLE II

DEFINITIONS

Section 2.1 “Board” means the Board of Directors of the Company.

Section 2.2 “Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Reference in the Plan to any Section of the Code shall be deemed to include any amendments or successor provisions to such Section and any regulations under such Section.

Section 2.3 “Committee” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.1.

Section 2.4 “Common Stock” means the common stock, par value $.01 per share, of the Company and, after substitution, such other stock as shall be substituted therefor as provided in Article VII or Article IX of the Plan.

Section 2.5 “Consultant” means any person who is engaged by the Company, a subsidiary or a partnership or limited liability company which the Company controls to render consulting or advisory services.

Section 2.6 “Date of Grant” means the date on which the granting of an Option is authorized by the Committee or such later date as may be specified by the Committee in such authorization.

Section 2.7 “Disability” has the meaning set forth in Section 22(e)(3) of the Code.

Section 2.8 “Eligible Person” means any Employee or Consultant.

Section 2.9 “ Employee” means any employee of the Company, a Subsidiary or a partnership or limited liability company which the Company controls.

Section 2.10 “Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

Section 2.11 “Executive Officer Participants” means Participants who are subject to the provisions of Section 16 of the Exchange Act with respect to the Common Stock.

 

1


Section 2.12 “Fair Market Value” means, as of any date, (i) if the principal market for the Common Stock is a national securities exchange or the Nasdaq stock market, the closing price of the Common Stock on that date on the principal exchange on which the Common Stock is then listed or admitted to trading; or (ii) if sale prices are not available or if the principal market for the Common Stock is not a national securities exchange and the Common Stock is not quoted on the Nasdaq stock market, the average of the highest bid and lowest asked prices for the Common Stock on such day as reported on the Nasdaq OTC Bulletin Board Service or by the National Quotation Bureau, Incorporated or a comparable service. If the day is not a business day, and as a result, clauses (i) and (ii) are inapplicable, the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock shall be determined as of the last preceding business day. If clauses (i) and (ii) are otherwise inapplicable, the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock shall be determined in good faith by the Committee.

Section 2.13 “Incentive Stock Option” means an Option within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code.

Section 2.14 “Non-Executive Officer Participants” means Participants who are not subject to the provisions of Section 16 of the Exchange Act.

Section 2.15 “Nonqualified Stock Option” means an Option to purchase shares of Common Stock which is not an Incentive Stock Option within the meaning of Section 422(b) of the Code.

Section 2.16 “Option” means an Incentive Stock Option or Nonqualified Stock Option granted under Article VI of the Plan.

Section 2.17 “Option Agreement” means any written instrument that establishes the terms, conditions, restrictions, and/or limitations applicable to an Option in addition to those established by this Plan and by the Committee’s exercise of its administrative powers.

Section 2.18 “Participant” means an Eligible Person to whom an Option has been granted by the Committee under the Plan.

Section 2.19 “Plan”“ means the Chesapeake Energy Corporation 2002 Stock Option Plan.

Section 2.20 “Regular Stock Option Committee” means the Employee Compensation and Benefits Committee designated by the Board which shall consist of not less than one member of the Board.

Section 2.21 “Shareholder Approval” means approval by the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Common Stock, present or represented and entitled to vote at a meeting called for such purposes.

Section 2.22 “Special Stock Option Committee” means a committee designated by the Board which shall consist of not less than two members of the Board who meet the definition of “non-employee directors” pursuant to Rule 16b-3, or any successor rule, promulgated under Section 16 of the Exchange Act.

Section 2.23 “Subsidiary” shall have the same meaning set forth in Section 424(f) of the Code.

ARTICLE III

ADMINISTRATION

Section 3.1 Administration of the Plan; the Committee . The Regular Stock Option Committee shall administer the Plan with respect to Non-Executive Officer Participants, including the grant of Options, and the Special Stock Option Committee shall administer the Plan with respect to Executive Officer Participants, including the grant of Options. Accordingly, as used in the Plan, the term “Committee” shall mean the Regular Stock Option Committee if it refers to Plan administration affecting Non-Executive Officer Participants or the Special Stock Option Committee if it refers to Plan administration affecting Executive Officer Participants. If in either case the Committee does not exist, or for any other reason determined by the Board, the Board may take any action under the Plan that would otherwise be the responsibility of the Committee.

 

2


Unless otherwise provided in the by-laws of the Company or resolutions adopted from time to time by the Board establishing the Committee, the Board may from time to time remove members from, or add members to, the Committee. Vacancies on the Committee, however caused, shall be filled by the Board. The Committee shall hold meetings at such times and places as it may determine. A majority of the Committee shall constitute a quorum, and the acts of a majority of the members present at any meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the valid acts of the Committee. Any action which may be taken at a meeting of the Committee may be taken without a meeting if all the members of the Committee consent to the action in writing.

Subject to the provisions of the Plan, the Committee shall have exclusive power to:

(a) Select the Eligible Persons to participate in the Plan.

(b) Determine the time or times when Options will be granted.

(c) Determine the form of Option, whether an Incentive Stock Option or a Nonqualified Stock Option, the number of shares of Common Stock subject to any Option, all the terms, conditions (including performance requirements), restrictions and/or limitations, if any, of an Option, including the time and conditions of exercise or vesting, and the terms of any Option Agreement, which may include the waiver or amendment of prior terms and conditions or acceleration of the vesting or exercise of an Option under certain circumstances determined by the Committee.

(d) Determine whether Options will be granted singly or in combination.

(e) Take any and all other action it deems necessary or advisable for the proper operation or administration of the Plan.

Section 3.2 Committee to Make Rules and Interpret Plan . The Committee in its sole discretion shall have the authority, subject to the provisions of the Plan, to establish, adopt, or revise such rules and regulations and to make all such determinations relating to the Plan as it may deem necessary or advisable for the administration of the Plan. The Committee’s interpretation of the Plan or any Options granted pursuant hereto and all decisions and determinations by the Committee with respect to the Plan shall be final, binding, and conclusive on all parties.

ARTICLE IV

GRANT OF OPTIONS

The Committee may, from time to time, grant Options to one or more Participants, provided, however, that:

(a) Any shares of Common Stock related to Options which terminate by expiration, forfeiture, cancellation or otherwise without the issuance of shares of Common Stock shall be available again for grant under the Plan.

(b) Common Stock delivered by the Company upon exercise of an Option under the Plan will be authorized and unissued shares or issued shares which have been reacquired by the Company (i.e., treasury shares).

(c) The Committee shall, in its sole discretion, determine the manner in which fractional shares arising under this Plan shall be treated.

(d) Upon the exercise of any Option, the Company shall issue and deliver to the Participant who exercised the Option a certificate representing the number of shares of Common Stock purchased thereby.

(e) Subject to Article VII, the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock made subject to Options granted to any Employee in any calendar year may not exceed one million shares.

 

3


ARTICLE V

ELIGIBILITY

Subject to the provisions of the Plan, the Committee shall, from time to time, select from the Eligible Persons those to whom Options shall be granted and shall determine the type or types of Options to be granted and shall establish in the related Option Agreements the terms, conditions, restrictions and/or limitations, if any, applicable to the Options in addition to those set forth in the Plan and the administrative rules and regulations issued by the Committee. Nonqualified Stock Options may be granted to any Eligible Person. Incentive Stock Options may be granted only to Employees.

ARTICLE VI

STOCK OPTIONS

Section 6.1 Grant of Options. The Committee may, from time to time, subject to the provisions of the Plan and such other terms and conditions as it may determine, grant Options to Eligible Persons. Subject to Article V, these Options may be Incentive Stock Options or Nonqualified Stock Options, or a combination of both. Each grant of an Option shall be evidenced by an Option Agreement executed by the Company and the Participant, and shall contain such terms and conditions and be in such form as the Committee may from time to time approve, subject to the requirements of Section 6.2.

Section 6.2 Conditions of Options . Each Option so granted shall be subject to the following conditions:

(a) Exercise Price . As limited by Section 6.2(e) below, the Option Agreement for each Option shall state the exercise price which shall be set by the Committee on the Date of Grant. No Option shall be granted at an exercise price which is less than the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock on the Date of Grant, except that Nonqualified Stock Options for the purchase of up to ten percent (10%) of the shares subject to the Plan may be granted at an exercise price which is not less than eighty-five percent (85%) of the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock on the Date of Grant.

(b) Form of Payment . The payment of the exercise price of an Option shall be subject to the following:

 

  (i)

The full exercise price for shares of Common Stock purchased upon the exercise of any Option shall be paid at the time of such exercise (except that, in the case of an exercise arrangement approved by the Committee and described in clause (iii) below, payment may be made as soon as practicable after the exercise).

 

  (ii)

The exercise price shall be payable in cash (including a check acceptable to the Committee, bank draft or money order) or by tendering, by either actual delivery of shares or by attestation, shares of Common Stock acceptable to the Committee and valued at Fair Market Value as of the day of exercise, or any combination thereof, as determined by the Committee.

 

  (iii)

The Committee may permit a Participant to elect to pay the exercise price upon the exercise of an Option by irrevocably authorizing a third party to sell shares of Common Stock (or a sufficient portion of the shares) acquired upon exercise of the Option and remit to the Company a sufficient portion of the sale proceeds to pay the entire exercise price and any tax withholding resulting from such exercise.

(c) Exercise of Options . Options granted under the Plan shall be exercisable, in whole or in such installments and at such times, and shall expire at such time, as shall be provided by the Committee in the Option Agreement. Exercise of an Option shall be by written notice stating the election to exercise in the form and manner determined by the Committee. Every share of Common Stock acquired through the exercise of an Option shall be deemed to be fully paid at the time of exercise and payment of the exercise price.

 

4


(d) Other Terms and Conditions . Among other conditions that may be imposed by the Committee, if deemed appropriate, are those relating to (i) the period or periods and the conditions of exercisability of any Option; (ii) the minimum periods during which Participants must be employed by the Company or its Subsidiaries, or must hold Options before they may be exercised; (iii) the minimum periods during which shares acquired upon exercise must be held before sale or transfer shall be permitted; (iv) the maximum period that Participants will be allowed to be inactively employed or on a leave of absence before their vesting is suspended until they return to active employment; (v) conditions under which such Options or shares may be subject to forfeiture; (vi) the frequency of exercise or the minimum or maximum number of shares that may be acquired at any one time and (vii) the achievement by the Company of specified performance criteria.

(e) Special Restrictions Relating to Incentive Stock Options. In addition to being subject to all applicable terms, conditions, restrictions and/or limitations established by the Committee, Options issued in the form of Incentive Stock Options shall comply with the requirements of Section 422 of the Code (or any successor Section thereto), including, without limitation, the requirement that the exercise price of an Incentive Stock Option not be less than 100% of the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock on the Date of Grant, the requirement that each Incentive Stock Option, unless sooner exercised, terminated or canceled, expire no later than 10 years from its Date of Grant, the requirement that Incentive Stock Options be granted only to Employees, and the requirement that the aggregate Fair Market Value (determined on the Date of Grant) of the Common Stock with respect to which 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) not exceed $100,000. Incentive Stock Options which are in excess of the applicable $100,000 limitation will be automatically recharacterized as Nonqualified Stock Options as provided under Section 6.3 of this Plan. No Incentive Stock Options shall be granted to any Employee if, immediately before the grant of an Incentive Stock Option, such Employee owns more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or its Subsidiaries (as determined in accordance with the stock attribution rules contained in Sections 422 and 424(d) of the Code). Provided, the preceding sentence shall not apply if, at the time the Incentive Stock Option is granted, the exercise price is at least 110% of the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock subject to the Incentive Stock Option, and such Incentive Stock Option by its terms is exercisable no more than five years from the date such Incentive Stock Option is granted.

(f) Application of Funds . The proceeds received by the Company from the sale of Common Stock issued upon the exercise of Options will be used for general corporate purposes.

(g) Shareholder Rights . No Participant shall have any rights as a shareholder with respect to any share of Common Stock subject to an Option prior to the purchase of such share of Common Stock by exercise of the Option.

Section 6.3 Options Not Qualifying as Incentive Stock Options. With respect to all or any portion of any Option granted under this Plan not qualifying as an “incentive stock option” under Section 422 of the Code, such Option shall be considered a Nonqualified Stock Option granted under this Plan for all purposes. Further, this Plan and any Incentive Stock Options granted hereunder shall be deemed to have incorporated by reference all the provisions and requirements of Section 422 of the Code (and the Treasury Regulations issued thereunder) necessary to ensure that all Incentive Stock Options granted hereunder shall be “incentive stock options” described in Section 422 of the Code. Further, in the event that the $100,000 limitation contained in Section 6.2(e) herein is exceeded in any Incentive Stock Option granted under this Plan, the portion of the Incentive Stock Option in excess of such limitation shall be treated as a Nonqualified Stock Option under this Plan subject to the terms and provisions of the applicable Option Agreement, except to the extent modified to reflect recharacterization of the Incentive Stock Option as a Nonqualified Stock Option.

 

5


ARTICLE VII

STOCK ADJUSTMENTS

Subject to the provisions of Article IX of this Plan, in the event that the shares of Common Stock, as presently constituted, shall be changed into or exchanged for a different number or kind or shares of stock or other securities of the Company or of another corporation (whether by reason of merger, consolidation, recapitalization, reclassification, stock split, combination of shares or otherwise), or if the number of such shares of Common Stock shall be increased through the payment of a stock dividend, or a dividend on the shares of Common Stock or rights or warrants to purchase securities of the Company shall be made, then there shall be substituted for or added to each share available under and subject to the Plan as provided in Section 1.3 hereof, and each share then subject or thereafter subject or which may become subject to Options under the Plan, the number and kind of shares of stock or other securities into which each outstanding share of Common Stock shall be so changed or for which each such share shall be exchanged or to which each such share shall be entitled, as the case may be, on a fair and equivalent basis in accordance with the applicable provisions of Section 424 of the Code; provided, however, in no such event will such adjustment result in a modification of any Option as defined in Section 424(h) of the Code. In the event there shall be any other change in the number or kind of the outstanding shares of Common Stock, or any stock or other securities into which the Common Stock shall have been changed or for which it shall have been exchanged, then if the Committee shall, in its sole discretion, determine that such change equitably requires an adjustment in the shares available under and subject to the Plan, or in any Option theretofore granted or which may be granted under the Plan, such adjustments shall be made in accordance with such determination, except that no adjustment of the number of shares of Common Stock available under the Plan or to which any Option relates that would otherwise be required shall be made unless and until such adjustment either by itself or with other adjustments not previously made would require an increase or decrease of at least 1% of the number of shares of Common Stock available under the Plan or to which any Option relates immediately prior to the making of such adjustment (the “Minimum Adjustment”). Any adjustment representing a change of less than such minimum amount shall be carried forward and made as soon as such adjustment together with other adjustments required by this Article VII and not previously made would result in a Minimum Adjustment. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any adjustment required by this Article VII which otherwise would not result in a Minimum Adjustment shall be made with respect to shares of Common Stock relating to any Option immediately prior to exercise of such Option.

No fractional shares of Common Stock or units of other securities shall be issued pursuant to any such adjustment, and any fractions resulting from any such adjustment shall be eliminated in each case by rounding downward to the nearest whole share.

ARTICLE VIII

GENERAL

Section 8.1 Amendment or Termination of Plan . The Board may suspend or terminate the Plan at any time. In addition, the Board may, from time to time, amend the Plan in any manner, but may not adopt any amendment without Shareholder Approval if (i) the amendment relates to Incentive Stock Options and Section 422 of the Code requires Shareholder Approval of such amendment, or (ii) in the opinion of counsel to the Company, Shareholder Approval is required by any federal or state laws or regulations or the rules of any stock exchange on which the common stock may be listed.

Section 8.2 Acceleration of Otherwise Unexercisable Stock Options on Death, Disability or Other Special Circumstances . The Committee, in its sole discretion, may permit (i) a Participant who terminates employment due to a Disability, (ii) the personal representative of a deceased Participant, or (iii) any other Participant who terminates employment upon the occurrence of special circumstances (as determined by the Committee) to purchase all or any part of the shares subject to any unvested Option on the date of the Participant’s termination of employment due to a Disability, death or special circumstances, or as the Committee otherwise so determines. With respect to Options which have already vested at the date of such termination or the vesting of which is accelerated by the Committee in accordance with the foregoing provision, the Participant or the personal representative of a deceased Participant shall have the right to exercise such vested Options within such period(s) as the Committee shall determine.

 

6


Section 8.3 Nonassignability . Options are not transferable otherwise than by will or the laws of descent and distribution. Any attempted transfer, assignment, pledge, hypothecation or other disposition of, or the levy of execution, attachment or similar process upon, any Option contrary to the provisions hereof shall be void and ineffective, shall give no right to any purported transferee, and may, at the sole discretion of the Committee, result in forfeiture of the Option involved in such attempt.

Section 8.4 Withholding Taxes . A Participant must pay to the Company the amount of taxes required by law upon the exercise of an Option in cash, unless an alternative payment method is acceptable by the Committee.

Section 8.5 Regulatory Approval and Listings . The Company shall use its best efforts to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission as soon as practicable following the date this Plan is effective, and keep continuously effective and usable, a Registration Statement on Form S-8 with respect to shares of Common Stock subject to Options hereunder. Notwithstanding anything contained in this Plan to the contrary, the Company shall have no obligation to issue or deliver certificates representing shares of Common Stock evidencing Options prior to:

(a) the obtaining of any approval from, or satisfaction of any waiting period or other condition imposed by, any governmental agency which the Committee shall, in its sole discretion, determine to be necessary or advisable;

(b) the listing of such shares on any exchange on which the Common Stock may be listed; and

(c) the completion of any registration or other qualification of such shares under any state or federal law or regulation of any governmental body which the Committee shall, in its sole discretion, determine to be necessary or advisable.

Section 8.6 Right to Continued Employment . Participation in the Plan shall not give any Participant any right to remain in the employ of the Company or any Subsidiary or any partnership or limited liability company controlled by the Company. Further, the adoption of this Plan shall not be deemed to give any Employee or Consultant or any other individual any right to be selected as a Participant or to be granted an Option.

Section 8.7 Reliance on Reports . Each member of the Committee and each member of the Board shall be fully justified in relying or acting in good faith upon any report made by the independent public accountants of the Company and its Subsidiaries and upon any other information furnished in connection with the Plan by any person or persons other than the Committee or Board member. In no event shall any person who is or shall have been a member of the Committee or of the Board be liable for any determination made or other action taken or any omission to act in reliance upon any such report or information or for any action taken, including the furnishing of information, or failure to act, if in good faith.

Section 8.8 Construction . The titles and headings of the sections in the Plan are for the convenience of reference only, and in the event of any conflict, the text of the Plan, rather than such titles or headings, shall control.

Section 8.9 Governing Law . The Plan shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Oklahoma except as superseded by applicable federal law.

ARTICLE IX

ACCELERATION OF OPTIONS UPON CORPORATE EVENT

Section 9.1 Procedures for Acceleration and Exercise. If the Company shall, pursuant to action by the Board, at any time propose to dissolve or liquidate or merge into, consolidate with, or sell or otherwise transfer all or substantially all of its assets to another corporation and provision is not made pursuant to the terms of such transaction for the assumption by the surviving, resulting or acquiring corporation of outstanding Options under the Plan, or for the substitution of new options therefor, the Committee shall cause written notice of the proposed transaction to be given to each Participant no less than forty days prior to the anticipated effective date of the proposed transaction, and the

 

7


Participant’s Option shall become 100% vested. Prior to a date specified in such notice, which shall be not more than ten days prior to the anticipated effective date of the proposed transaction, each Participant shall have the right to exercise his or her Option to purchase any or all of the Common Stock then subject to such Option. Each Participant, by so notifying the Company in writing, may, in exercising his or her Option, condition such exercise upon, and provide that such exercise shall become effective immediately prior to the consummation of the transaction, in which event such Participant need not make payment for the Common Stock to be purchased upon exercise of such Option until five days after receipt of written notice by the Company to such Participant that the transaction has been consummated. If the transaction is consummated, each Option, to the extent not previously exercised prior to the date specified in the foregoing notice, shall terminate on the effective date such transaction is consummated. If the transaction is abandoned, (i) any Common Stock not purchased upon exercise of such Option shall continue to be available for purchase in accordance with the other provisions of the Plan and (ii) to the extent that any Option not exercised prior to such abandonment shall have vested solely by operation of this Section 9.1, such vesting shall be deemed voided as of the time such acceleration otherwise occurred pursuant to Section 9.1, and the vesting schedule set forth in the Participant’s Option Agreement shall be reinstituted as of the date of such abandonment.

Section 9.2 Certain Additional Payments by the Company . The Committee may, in its sole discretion, provide in any Option Agreement for certain payments by the Company in the event that acceleration of vesting of any Option under the Plan is subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code or any interest or penalties with respect to such excise tax (such excise tax, interest and penalties, collectively, the “Excise Tax”). An Option Agreement may provide that the Participant shall be entitled to receive a payment (a “Gross-Up Payment”) in an amount such that after payment by the Participant of all taxes (including any interest or penalties imposed with respect to such taxes), including any Excise Tax, imposed upon the Gross-Up Payment, the Participant retains an amount of the Gross-Up Payment equal to the Excise Tax imposed upon such acceleration of vesting of any Option.

 

8

Exhibit 10.1.12

CHESAPEAKE ENERGY CORPORATION

2002 NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTOR STOCK OPTION PLAN

(As amended through June 6, 2008)


CHESAPEAKE ENERGY CORPORATION

2002 NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTOR STOCK OPTION PLAN

 

ARTICLE I – PURPOSE

   1

            Section 1.1

  

Purpose

   1

            Section 1.2

  

Establishment

   1

            Section 1.3

  

Shares Subject to the Plan

   1

            Section 1.4

  

Shareholder Approval

   1

ARTICLE II – DEFINITIONS

   1

ARTICLE III – ADMINISTRATION

   2

            Section 3.1

  

Administration of the Plan; the Committee

   2

            Section 3.2

  

Committee to Make Rules and Interpret Plan

   3

ARTICLE IV –OPTION SHARES

   3

ARTICLE V – ELIGIBILITY

   3

ARTICLE VI – STOCK OPTIONS

   3

            Section 6.1

  

Grant of Options by the Committee

   3

            Section 6.2

  

Formula Grants

   3

            Section 6.3

  

Conditions of Options

   4

ARTICLE VII – STOCK ADJUSTMENTS

   5

ARTICLE VIII – GENERAL

   5

            Section 8.1

  

Amendment or Termination of Plan

   5

            Section 8.2

  

Acceleration of Otherwise Unexercisable Stock Options on Death, Disability or Other Special Circumstances

   6

            Section 8.3

  

Limited Transferability of Options

   6

            Section 8.4

  

Withholding Taxes

   6

            Section 8.5

  

Regulatory Approval and Listings

   6

            Section 8.6

  

Right to Continued Board Membership

   6

            Section 8.7

  

Reliance on Reports

   6

            Section 8.8

  

Construction

   7

            Section 8.9

  

Governing Law

   7

ARTICLE IX – ACCELERATION OF OPTIONS UPON CORPORATE EVENT

   7

            Section 9.1

  

Procedures for Acceleration and Exercise

   7

            Section 9.2

  

Certain Additional Payments by the Company

   7


ARTICLE I

PURPOSE

Section 1.1 Purpose . This Stock Option Plan is established by Chesapeake Energy Corporation (the “Company”) to aid the Company in attracting and retaining persons of outstanding competence who are not employed by the Company to serve on the Board of Directors. The Plan is intended to enable such persons to acquire or increase ownership interests in the Company on a basis that will encourage them to use their best efforts to promote the growth and profitability of the Company. Consistent with these objectives, the Plan provides for the granting of Options to Non-employee Directors on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Plan.

Section 1.2 Establishment . The Plan is effective as of April 15, 2002 and for a period of 10 years from such date. The Plan will terminate on April 14, 2012; however, it will continue in effect until all matters relating to the exercise of Options and administration of the Plan have been settled.

Section 1.3 Shares Subject to the Plan . Subject to Articles IV, VII and IX of this Plan, shares of stock covered by Options shall consist of Five Hundred Thousand (500,000) shares of Common Stock.

Section 1.4 Shareholder Approval. Options under the Plan may not be granted to Participants prior to Shareholder Approval of the Plan.

ARTICLE II

DEFINITIONS

Section 2.1 “Board” means the Board of Directors of the Company.

Section 2.2 “Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Reference in the Plan to any Section of the Code shall be deemed to include any amendments or successor provisions to such Section and any regulations under such Section.

Section 2.3 “Committee” means the committee designated by the Board which shall consist of not less than two members of the Board who meet the definition of “non-employee director” set forth in Rule 16b-3, or any successor rule, promulgated under Section 16 of the Exchange Act.

Section 2.4 “Common Stock” means the common stock, par value $.01 per share, of the Company and, after substitution, such other stock as shall be substituted therefor as provided in Article VII or Article IX of the Plan.

Section 2.5 “Date of Grant” means the date on which the granting of an Option is authorized pursuant to Section 6.2 of the Plan, by the Committee or such later date as may be specified by the Committee in such authorization.

Section 2.6 “Director” means a member of the Board.

Section 2.7 “Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

Section 2.8 “Fair Market Value” means, as of any date, (i) if the principal market for the Common Stock is a national securities exchange or the Nasdaq stock market, the closing price of the Common Stock on that date on the principal exchange on which the Common Stock is then listed or admitted to trading; or (ii) if sale prices are not available or if the principal market for the Common Stock is not a national securities exchange and the Common Stock is not quoted on the Nasdaq stock market, the average of the highest bid and lowest asked prices for the Common Stock on such day as reported on the Nasdaq OTC Bulletin Board Service or by the National Quotation Bureau, Incorporated or a comparable service. If the day is not a business day, and as a result, clauses (i) and (ii) are inapplicable, the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock shall be determined as of the last preceding business day. If clauses (i) and (ii) are otherwise inapplicable, the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock shall be determined in good faith by the Committee.

 

1


Section 2.9 “Non-employee Director” means any member of the Board who is not currently an employee of the Company or any of its subsidiaries.

Section 2.10 “Option” means an option to purchase shares of Common Stock granted under Article VI of the Plan. Options shall not be incentive stock options within the meaning of Section 422(b) of the Code.

Section 2.11 “Option Agreement” means any written instrument that establishes the terms, conditions, restrictions, and/or limitations applicable to an Option in addition to those established by this Plan and by the Committee’s exercise of its administrative powers.

Section 2.12 “Participant” means a Non-employee Director to whom an Option has been granted by the Committee under the Plan.

Section 2.13 “Plan” means the Chesapeake Energy Corporation 2002 Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan.

Section 2.14 “Shareholder Approval” means approval by the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Common Stock, present or represented and entitled to vote at a meeting called for such purposes.

Section 2.15 “Subsidiary” shall have the same meaning set forth in Section 424(f) of the Code.

ARTICLE III

ADMINISTRATION

Section 3.1 Administration of the Plan; the Committee . The Committee shall administer the Plan. If the Committee does not exist, or for any other reason determined by the Board, the Board may take any action under the Plan that would otherwise be the responsibility of the Committee.

Unless otherwise provided in the bylaws of the Company or resolutions adopted from time to time by the Board establishing the Committee, the Board may from time to time remove members from, or add members to, the Committee. Vacancies on the Committee, however caused, shall be filled by the Board. The Committee shall hold meetings at such times and places as it may determine. A majority of the Committee shall constitute a quorum, and the acts of a majority of the members present at any meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the valid acts of the Committee. Any action which may be taken at a meeting of the Committee may be taken without a meeting if all the members of the Committee consent to the action in writing.

Except as provided in Section 6.2 and subject to the other provisions of the Plan, the Committee shall have exclusive power to:

(a) Select the Non-employee Directors to participate in the Plan.

(b) Determine the time or times when Options will be granted.

(c) Determine the number of shares of Common Stock subject to any Option, all the terms, conditions (including performance requirements), restrictions and/or limitations, if any, of an Option, including the time and conditions of exercise or vesting, and the terms of any Option Agreement, which may include the waiver or amendment of prior terms and conditions or acceleration of the vesting or exercise of an Option under certain circumstances determined by the Committee.

(d) Determine whether Options will be granted singly or in combination.

(e) Take any and all other action it deems necessary or advisable for the proper operation or administration of the Plan.

 

2


Section 3.2 Committee to Make Rules and Interpret Plan . The Committee in its sole discretion shall have the authority, subject to the provisions of the Plan, to establish, adopt, or revise such rules and regulations and to make all such determinations relating to the Plan as it may deem necessary or advisable for the administration of the Plan. The Committee’s interpretation of the Plan or any Options granted pursuant hereto and all decisions and determinations by the Committee with respect to the Plan shall be final, binding, and conclusive on all parties.

ARTICLE IV

OPTION SHARES

With respect to shares of Common Stock related to Options, the following shall apply:

(a) Any shares of Common Stock related to Options which terminate by expiration, forfeiture, cancellation or otherwise without the issuance of shares of Common Stock shall be available again for grant under the Plan.

(b) Common Stock delivered by the Company upon exercise of an Option under the Plan will be authorized and unissued shares or issued shares which have been reacquired by the Company (i.e., treasury shares).

(c) The Committee shall, in its sole discretion, determine the manner in which fractional shares arising under this Plan shall be treated.

(d) Upon the exercise of any Option, the Company shall issue and deliver to the Participant who exercised the Option a certificate representing the number of shares of Common Stock purchased thereby.

ARTICLE V

ELIGIBILITY

Subject to the provisions of the Plan and except as provided in Section 6.2, the Committee shall, from time to time, select from the Non-employee Directors those to whom Options shall be granted and establish in the related Option Agreements the terms, conditions, restrictions and/or limitations, if any, applicable to the Options in addition to those set forth in the Plan and the administrative rules and regulations issued by the Committee.

ARTICLE VI

STOCK OPTIONS

Section 6.1 Grant of Options by the Committee. The Committee may, from time to time, subject to the provisions of the Plan and such other terms and conditions as it may determine, grant Options to Non-Employee Directors. Each grant of an Option shall be evidenced by an Option Agreement executed by the Company and the Participant, and shall contain such terms and conditions and be in such form as the Committee may from time to time approve.

Section 6.2 Formula Grants . Each Non-employee Director serving on the Board will be granted an option to purchase 10,000 shares of Common Stock on the first business day of each calendar quarter (the first business day of each January, April, July and October) starting with the Company’s fiscal quarter commencing on July 1, 2002. Options granted under this Section 6.2 will be immediately exercisable. The price at which shares of Common Stock subject to any Option granted under this Section 6.2 will be equal to the Fair Market Value on the date of grant. The number of shares of Common Stock underlying, and the exercise price of, any Option issued under this Section 6.2 will be subject to adjustment as provided in Article VII and Article IX. The term of each Option granted under this Section 6.2 will be for a period which expires ten (10) years after the Date of Grant. An Option held by a Participant who ceases to be a Director of the Company may expire earlier pursuant to Section 6.3(e) or as otherwise provided by the Committee.

 

3


Section 6.3 Conditions of Options . Each Option shall be subject to the following conditions:

(a) Exercise Price . The Option Agreement for each Option shall state the price at which the Option may be exercised. No Option shall be granted at an exercise price which is less than the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock on the Date of Grant, except that the Committee may grant Options for the purchase of up to ten percent (10%) of the shares subject to the Plan may be granted at an exercise price which is not less than eighty-five percent (85%) of the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock on the Date of Grant.

(b) Form of Payment . The payment of the exercise price of an Option shall be subject to the following:

 

  (i)

The full exercise price for shares of Common Stock purchased upon the exercise of any Option shall be paid at the time of such exercise (except that, in the case of an exercise arrangement approved by the Committee and described in clause (iii) below, payment may be made as soon as practicable after the exercise).

 

  (ii)

The exercise price shall be payable in cash (including a check acceptable to the Committee, bank draft or money order) or by tendering, by either actual delivery of shares or by attestation, shares of Common Stock acceptable to the Committee and valued at Fair Market Value as of the day of exercise, or any combination thereof, as determined by the Committee.

 

  (iii)

The Committee may permit a Participant to elect to pay the exercise price upon the exercise of an Option by irrevocably authorizing a third party to sell shares of Common Stock (or a sufficient portion of the shares) acquired upon exercise of the Option and remit to the Company a sufficient portion of the sale proceeds to pay the entire exercise price and any tax withholding resulting from such exercise.

(c) Exercise of Options . Except as provided in Section 6.2, Options granted under the Plan shall be exercisable, in whole or in such installments and at such times, and shall expire at such time, as shall be provided by the Committee in the Option Agreement. Exercise of an Option shall be by written notice stating the election to exercise in the form and manner determined by the Committee. Every share of Common Stock acquired through the exercise of an Option shall be deemed to be fully paid at the time of exercise and payment of the exercise price.

(d) Other Terms and Conditions . Among other conditions that may be imposed by the Committee with respect to Options granted pursuant to Section 6.1, if deemed appropriate, are those relating to (i) the period or periods and the conditions of exercisability of any Option; (ii) the minimum periods during which Participants must be Directors of the Company or its Subsidiaries, or must hold Options before they may be exercised; (iii) the minimum periods during which shares acquired upon exercise must be held before sale or transfer shall be permitted; (iv) conditions under which such Options or shares may be subject to forfeiture; (v) the frequency of exercise or the minimum or maximum number of shares that may be acquired at any one time and (vi) the achievement by the Company of specified performance criteria.

(e) Exercise of Options After a Participant’s Termination . Unless the Committee otherwise determines, Options granted to a Participant whose service as a Director terminates during the Option period for any reason other than cause may be exercised, to the extent exercisable, until the earlier of (a) three (3) years after termination of the Participant’s service on the Board or (b) the expiration of the Option. In the event a Participant’s membership on the Board is terminated by reason of death, the personal representative of the deceased Participant may so exercise any unexercised vested Option granted to the Participant under the Plan. If a Participant’s membership on the Board is terminated for cause, the Participant’s Option will expire thirty (30) days after such termination. Discharge for cause will include termination for malfeasance or gross misfeasance in the performance of duties, conviction of illegal activity in connection therewith, or any conduct detrimental to the interests of the Company, and in any event the determination of the Board with respect thereto will be final and conclusive.

 

4


(f) Application of Funds . The proceeds received by the Company from the sale of Common Stock issued upon the exercise of Options will be used for general corporate purposes.

(g) Shareholder Rights . No Participant shall have any rights as a shareholder with respect to any share of Common Stock subject to an Option prior to the purchase of such share of Common Stock by exercise of the Option.

ARTICLE VII

STOCK ADJUSTMENTS

Subject to the provisions of Article IX of this Plan, in the event that the shares of Common Stock, as presently constituted, shall be changed into or exchanged for a different number or kind or shares of stock or other securities of the Company or of another corporation (whether by reason of merger, consolidation, recapitalization, reclassification, stock split, combination of shares or otherwise), or if the number of such shares of Common Stock shall be increased through the payment of a stock dividend, or a dividend on the shares of Common Stock or rights or warrants to purchase securities of the Company shall be made, then there shall be substituted for or added to each share available under and subject to the Plan as provided in Section 1.3 hereof, and each share then subject or thereafter subject or which may become subject to Options under the Plan, the number and kind of shares of stock or other securities into which each outstanding share of Common Stock shall be so changed or for which each such share shall be exchanged or to which each such share shall be entitled, as the case may be, on a fair and equivalent basis in accordance with the applicable provisions of Section 424 of the Code; provided, however, in no such event will such adjustment result in a modification of any Option as defined in Section 424(h) of the Code. In the event there shall be any other change in the number or kind of the outstanding shares of Common Stock, or any stock or other securities into which the Common Stock shall have been changed or for which it shall have been exchanged, then if the Committee shall, in its sole discretion, determine that such change equitably requires an adjustment in the shares available under and subject to the Plan, or in any Option theretofore granted or which may be granted under the Plan, such adjustments shall be made in accordance with such determination, except that no adjustment of the number of shares of Common Stock available under the Plan or to which any Option relates that would otherwise be required shall be made unless and until such adjustment either by itself or with other adjustments not previously made would require an increase or decrease of at least 1% of the number of shares of Common Stock available under the Plan or to which any Option relates immediately prior to the making of such adjustment (the “Minimum Adjustment”). Any adjustment representing a change of less than such minimum amount shall be carried forward and made as soon as such adjustment together with other adjustments required by this Article VII and not previously made would result in a Minimum Adjustment. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any adjustment required by this Article VII which otherwise would not result in a Minimum Adjustment shall be made with respect to shares of Common Stock relating to any Option immediately prior to exercise of such Option. No adjustment in the number of shares of Common Stock underlying Options to be granted under Section 6.2 of the Plan shall be made pursuant to this Article VII.

No fractional shares of Common Stock or units of other securities shall be issued pursuant to any such adjustment, and any fractions resulting from any such adjustment shall be eliminated in each case by rounding downward to the nearest whole share.

ARTICLE VIII

GENERAL

Section 8.1 Amendment or Termination of Plan . The Board may suspend or terminate the Plan at any time. In addition, the Board may, from time to time, amend the Plan in any manner, but may not adopt any amendment without Shareholder Approval if in the opinion of counsel to the Company, Shareholder Approval is required by any federal or state laws or regulations or the rules of any stock exchange on which the Common Stock is then listed.

 

5


Section 8.2 Acceleration of Otherwise Unexercisable Stock Options on Death, Disability or Other Special Circumstances . The Committee, in its sole discretion, may permit a Participant who ceases to be a Director or the personal representative of a deceased Participant to purchase all or any part of the shares subject to any unvested Option on the date of the Participant’s termination of membership on the Board, or death, or as the Committee otherwise so determines. With respect to Options which have already vested at the date of such termination or the vesting of which is accelerated by the Committee in accordance with the foregoing provision, the Participant or the personal representative of a deceased Participant shall have the right to exercise such vested Options in accordance with Section 6.3(e).

Section 8.3 Limited Transferability of Options . The Committee may, in its discretion, authorize all or a portion of the Options to be granted to a Participant to be on terms which permit transfer by such Participant to (i) the ex-spouse of the Participant pursuant to the terms of a qualified domestic relations order, (ii) the spouse, children or grandchildren of the Participant (“Immediate Family Members”), (iii) a trust or trusts for the exclusive benefit of such Immediate Family Members, or (iv) a partnership in which such Immediate Family Members are the only partners. In addition (x) there may be no consideration for any such transfer, (y) the Option Agreement pursuant to which such Options are granted must be approved by the Committee, and must expressly provide for transferability in a manner consistent with this Section and (z) subsequent transfers of transferred Options shall be prohibited except by will or the laws of descent and distribution. However, no such transfer of an Option by a Participant shall be effective to bind the Company unless the Company has been furnished with written notice of such transfer and an authenticated copy of the will and/or such other evidence as the Committee may deem necessary to establish the validity of the transfer and the acceptance by the transferee of the terms and conditions of such Options. Following transfer, any such Options shall continue to be subject to the same terms and conditions as were applicable immediately prior to transfer, provided that, with the exception of Sections 6.2, 6.3(c) and 6.3(e), the term “Participant” shall be deemed to refer to the transferee.

Section 8.4 Withholding Taxes . A Participant must pay to the Company the amount of taxes required by law upon the exercise of an Option in cash, unless an alternative payment method is acceptable by the Committee.

Section 8.5 Regulatory Approval and Listings . The Company shall use its best efforts to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission as soon as practicable following the date this Plan is effective, and keep continuously effective and usable, a Registration Statement on Form S-8 with respect to shares of Common Stock subject to Options hereunder. Notwithstanding anything contained in this Plan to the contrary, the Company shall have no obligation to issue or deliver certificates representing shares of Common Stock evidencing Options prior to:

(a) the obtaining of any approval from, or satisfaction of any waiting period or other condition imposed by, any governmental agency which the Committee shall, in its sole discretion, determine to be necessary or advisable;

(b) the listing of such shares on any exchange on which the Common Stock may be listed; and

(c) the completion of any registration or other qualification of such shares under any state or federal law or regulation of any governmental body which the Committee shall, in its sole discretion, determine to be necessary or advisable.

Section 8.6 Right to Continued Board Membership . Participation in the Plan shall not give any Participant any right to remain on the Board of the Company. Further, except as provided in Section 6.2, the adoption of this Plan shall not be deemed to give a Non-employee Director any right to be selected as a Participant or to be granted an Option.

Section 8.7 Reliance on Reports . Each member of the Committee and each member of the Board shall be fully justified in relying or acting in good faith upon any report made by the independent public accountants of the Company and its Subsidiaries and upon any other information furnished in connection with the Plan by any person or persons other than the Committee or Board member. In no event shall any person who is or shall have been a member of the Committee or of the Board be liable for any determination made or other action taken or any omission to act in reliance upon any such report or information or for any action taken, including the furnishing of information, or failure to act, if in good faith.

 

6


Section 8.8 Construction . The titles and headings of the sections in the Plan are for the convenience of reference only, and in the event of any conflict, the text of the Plan, rather than such titles or headings, shall control.

Section 8.9 Governing Law . The Plan shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Oklahoma except as superseded by applicable federal law.

ARTICLE IX

ACCELERATION OF OPTIONS UPON CORPORATE EVENT

Section 9.1 Procedures for Acceleration and Exercise. If the Company shall, pursuant to action by the Board, at any time propose to dissolve or liquidate or merge into, consolidate with, or sell or otherwise transfer all or substantially all of its assets to another corporation and provision is not made pursuant to the terms of such transaction for the assumption by the surviving, resulting or acquiring corporation of outstanding Options under the Plan, or for the substitution of new options therefor, the Committee shall cause written notice of the proposed transaction to be given to each Participant no less than forty (40) days prior to the anticipated effective date of the proposed transaction, and the Participant’s Option shall become 100% vested. Prior to a date specified in such notice, which shall be not more than ten (10) days prior to the anticipated effective date of the proposed transaction, each Participant shall have the right to exercise his or her Option to purchase any or all of the Common Stock then subject to such Option. Each Participant, by so notifying the Company in writing, may, in exercising his or her Option, condition such exercise upon, and provide that such exercise shall become effective immediately prior to the consummation of the transaction, in which event such Participant need not make payment for the Common Stock to be purchased upon exercise of such Option until five (5) days after receipt of written notice by the Company to such Participant that the transaction has been consummated. If the transaction is consummated, each Option, to the extent not previously exercised prior to the date specified in the foregoing notice, shall terminate on the effective date such transaction is consummated. If the transaction is abandoned, (i) any Common Stock not purchased upon exercise of such Option shall continue to be available for purchase in accordance with the other provisions of the Plan and (ii) to the extent that any Option not exercised prior to such abandonment shall have vested solely by operation of this Section 9.1, such vesting shall be deemed voided as of the time such acceleration otherwise occurred pursuant to Section 9.1, and the vesting schedule set forth in the Participant’s Option Agreement shall be reinstituted as of the date of such abandonment.

Section 9.2 Certain Additional Payments by the Company . The Committee may, in its sole discretion, provide in any Option Agreement for certain payments by the Company in the event that acceleration of vesting of any Option under the Plan is subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code or any interest or penalties with respect to such excise tax (such excise tax, interest and penalties, collectively, the “Excise Tax”). An Option Agreement may provide that the Participant shall be entitled to receive a payment (a “Gross-Up Payment”) in an amount such that after payment by the Participant of all taxes (including any interest or penalties imposed with respect to such taxes), including any Excise Tax, imposed upon the Gross-Up Payment, the Participant retains an amount of the Gross-Up Payment equal to the Excise Tax imposed upon such acceleration of vesting of any Option.

 

7

Exhibit 10.1.13

CHESAPEAKE ENERGY CORPORATION

2002 NONQUALIFIED STOCK OPTION PLAN

(as amended through June 6, 2008)


CHESAPEAKE ENERGY CORPORATION

2002 NONQUALIFIED STOCK OPTION PLAN

Table of Contents

 

ARTICLE I – PURPOSE

   1

            Section 1.1

  

Purpose

   1

            Section 1.2

  

Establishment

   1

            Section 1.3

  

Shares Subject to the Plan

   1

ARTICLE II – DEFINITIONS

   1

ARTICLE III – ADMINISTRATION

   2

            Section 3.1

  

Administration of the Plan; the Committee

   2

            Section 3.2

  

Committee to Make Rules and Interpret Plan

   3

ARTICLE IV – GRANT OF OPTIONS

   3

ARTICLE V – ELIGIBILITY

   3

ARTICLE VI – STOCK OPTIONS

   4

            Section 6.1

  

Grant of Options

   4

            Section 6.2

  

Conditions of Options

   4

ARTICLE VII – STOCK ADJUSTMENTS

   5

ARTICLE VIII – GENERAL

   6

            Section 8.1

  

Amendment or Termination of Plan

   6

            Section 8.2

  

Acceleration of Otherwise Unexercisable Stock Options on Death, Disability or Other Special Circumstances

   6

            Section 8.3

  

Nonassignability

   6

            Section 8.4

  

Withholding Taxes

   6

            Section 8.5

  

Regulatory Approval and Listings

   6

            Section 8.6

  

Right to Continued Employment

   6

            Section 8.7

  

Reliance on Reports

   6

            Section 8.8

  

Construction

   7

            Section 8.9

  

Governing Law

   7

ARTICLE IX – ACCELERATION OF OPTIONS UPON CORPORATE EVENT

   7

            Section 9.1

  

Procedures for Acceleration and Exercise

   7

            Section 9.2

  

Certain Additional Payments by the Company

   7


ARTICLE I

PURPOSE

Section 1.1 Purpose . This Stock Option Plan is established by Chesapeake Energy Corporation (the “Company”) to create incentives which are designed to motivate Employees and Consultants to put forth maximum effort toward the success and growth of the Company and to enable the Company to attract and retain experienced individuals who by their position, ability and diligence are able to make important contributions to the Company’s success. Toward these objectives, the Plan provides for the granting of Options to Employees and Consultants on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Plan.

Section 1.2 Establishment . The Plan is effective as of March 1, 2002 and for a period of 10 years from such date. The Plan will terminate on February 29, 2012; however, it will continue in effect until all matters relating to the exercise of Options and administration of the Plan have been settled.

Section 1.3 Shares Subject to the Plan . Subject to Articles IV, VII and IX of this Plan, shares of stock covered by Options shall consist of Four Million (4,000,000) shares of Common Stock.

ARTICLE II

DEFINITIONS

Section 2.1 “Board” means the Board of Directors of the Company.

Section 2.2 “Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Reference in the Plan to any Section of the Code shall be deemed to include any amendments or successor provisions to such Section and any regulations under such Section.

Section 2.3 “Committee” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.1.

Section 2.4 “Common Stock” means the common stock, par value $.01 per share, of the Company and, after substitution, such other stock as shall be substituted therefor as provided in Article VII or Article IX of the Plan.

Section 2.5 “Consultant” means any person who is engaged by the Company, a subsidiary or a partnership or limited liability company which the Company controls to render consulting or advisory services.

Section 2.6 “Date of Grant” means the date on which the granting of an Option is authorized by the Committee or such later date as may be specified by the Committee in such authorization.

Section 2.7 “Disability” has the meaning set forth in Section 22(e)(3) of the Code.

Section 2.8 “Eligible Person” means any Employee or Consultant.

Section 2.9 “Employee” means any employee of the Company, a Subsidiary or a partnership or limited liability company which the Company controls.

Section 2.10 “Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

Section 2.11 “Executive Officer Participants” means Participants who are subject to the provisions of Section 16 of the Exchange Act with respect to the Common Stock.

Section 2.12 “Fair Market Value” means, as of any date, (i) if the principal market for the Common Stock is a national securities exchange or the Nasdaq stock market, the closing price of the Common Stock on that date on the principal exchange on which the Common Stock is then listed or admitted to trading; or (ii) if sale prices are not available or if the principal market for the Common Stock is not a national securities exchange and the Common Stock is not quoted on the Nasdaq stock market, the average of the highest bid and lowest asked prices for the Common Stock


on such day as reported on the Nasdaq OTC Bulletin Board Service or by the National Quotation Bureau, Incorporated or a comparable service. If the day is not a business day, and as a result, clauses (i) and (ii) are inapplicable, the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock shall be determined as of the last preceding business day. If clauses (i) and (ii) are otherwise inapplicable, the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock shall be determined in good faith by the Committee.

Section 2.13 “Non-Executive Officer Participants” means Participants who are not subject to the provisions of Section 16 of the Exchange Act.

Section 2.14 “Nonqualified Stock Option” means an option to purchase shares of Common Stock which is not an incentive stock option within the meaning of Section 422(b) of the Code.

Section 2.15 “Option” means a Nonqualified Stock Option granted under Article VI of the Plan.

Section 2.16 “Option Agreement” means any written instrument that establishes the terms, conditions, restrictions, and/or limitations applicable to an Option in addition to those established by this Plan and by the Committee’s exercise of its administrative powers.

Section 2.17 “Participant” means an Eligible Person to whom an Option has been granted by the Committee under the Plan.

Section 2.18 “Plan” means the Chesapeake Energy Corporation 2002 Nonqualified Stock Option Plan.

Section 2.19 “Regular Stock Option Committee” means the Employee Compensation and Benefits Committee designated by the Board which shall consist of not less than one member of the Board.

Section 2.20 “Special Stock Option Committee” means a committee designated by the Board which shall consist of not less than two members of the Board who meet the definition of “non-employee directors” pursuant to Rule 16b-3, or any successor rule, promulgated under Section 16 of the Exchange Act.

Section 2.21 “Subsidiary” shall have the same meaning set forth in Section 424 of the Code.

ARTICLE III

ADMINISTRATION

Section 3.1 Administration of the Plan; the Committee . The Regular Stock Option Committee shall administer the Plan with respect to Non-Executive Officer Participants, including the grant of Options, and the Special Stock Option Committee shall administer the Plan with respect to Executive Officer Participants, including the grant of Options. Accordingly, as used in the Plan, the term “Committee” shall mean the Regular Stock Option Committee if it refers to Plan administration affecting Non-Executive Officer Participants or the Special Stock Option Committee if it refers to Plan administration affecting Executive Officer Participants. If in either case the Committee does not exist, or for any other reason determined by the Board, the Board may take any action under the Plan that would otherwise be the responsibility of the Committee.

Unless otherwise provided in the by-laws of the Company or resolutions adopted from time to time by the Board establishing the Committee, the Board may from time to time remove members from, or add members to, the Committee. Vacancies on the Committee, however caused, shall be filled by the Board. The Committee shall hold meetings at such times and places as it may determine. A majority of the Committee shall constitute a quorum, and the acts of a majority of the members present at any meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the valid acts of the Committee. Any action which may be taken at a meeting of the Committee may be taken without a meeting if all the members of the Committee consent to the action in writing.

Subject to the provisions of the Plan, the Committee shall have exclusive power to:

(a) Select the Eligible Persons to participate in the Plan.

 

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(b) Determine the time or times when Options will be granted.

(c) Determine the number of shares of Common Stock subject to any Option, all the terms, conditions (including performance requirements), restrictions and/or limitations, if any, of an Option, including the time and conditions of exercise or vesting, and the terms of any Option Agreement, which may include the waiver or amendment of prior terms and conditions or acceleration of the vesting or exercise of an Option under certain circumstances determined by the Committee.

(d) Determine whether Options will be granted singly or in combination.

(e) Take any and all other action it deems necessary or advisable for the proper operation or administration of the Plan.

Section 3.2 Committee to Make Rules and Interpret Plan . The Committee in its sole discretion shall have the authority, subject to the provisions of the Plan, to establish, adopt, or revise such rules and regulations and to make all such determinations relating to the Plan as it may deem necessary or advisable for the administration of the Plan. The Committee’s interpretation of the Plan or any Options granted pursuant hereto and all decisions and determinations by the Committee with respect to the Plan shall be final, binding, and conclusive on all parties.

ARTICLE IV

GRANT OF OPTIONS

The Committee may, from time to time, grant Options to one or more Participants, provided, however, that:

(a) At least a majority of the shares of Common Stock underlying Options granted under the Plan during any three-year period must be granted to employees who are not Executive Officer Participants or directors of the Company.

(b) Any shares of Common Stock related to Options which terminate by expiration, forfeiture, cancellation or otherwise without the issuance of shares of Common Stock shall be available again for grant under the Plan.

(c) Common Stock delivered by the Company upon exercise of an Option under the Plan will be authorized and unissued shares or issued shares which have been reacquired by the Company (i.e., treasury shares).

(d) The Committee shall, in its sole discretion, determine the manner in which fractional shares arising under this Plan shall be treated.

(e) Upon the exercise of any Option, the Company shall issue and deliver to the Participant who exercised the Option a certificate representing the number of shares of Common Stock purchased thereby.

ARTICLE V

ELIGIBILITY

Subject to the provisions of the Plan, the Committee shall, from time to time, select from the Eligible Persons those to whom Options shall be granted and shall establish in the related Option Agreements the terms, conditions, restrictions and/or limitations, if any, applicable to the Options in addition to those set forth in the Plan and the administrative rules and regulations issued by the Committee.

 

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ARTICLE VI

STOCK OPTIONS

Section 6.1 Grant of Options . The Committee may, from time to time, subject to the provisions of the Plan and such other terms and conditions as it may determine, grant Nonqualified Stock Options to Eligible Persons. Each grant of an Option shall be evidenced by an Option Agreement executed by the Company and the Participant, and shall contain such terms and conditions and be in such form as the Committee may from time to time approve, subject to the requirements of Section 6.2.

Section 6.2 Conditions of Options . Each Option so granted shall be subject to the following conditions:

(a) Exercise Price . The Option Agreement for each Option shall state the exercise price which shall be set by the Committee on the Date of Grant. No Option shall be granted at an exercise price which is less than the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock on the Date of Grant, except that Options for the purchase of up to ten percent (10%) of the shares subject to the Plan may be granted at an exercise price which is not less than eighty-five percent (85%) of the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock on the Date of Grant.

(b) Form of Payment . The payment of the exercise price of an Option shall be subject to the following:

 

  (i)

The full exercise price for shares of Common Stock purchased upon the exercise of any Option shall be paid at the time of such exercise (except that, in the case of an exercise arrangement approved by the Committee and described in clause (iii) below, payment may be made as soon as practicable after the exercise).

 

  (ii)

The exercise price shall be payable in cash (including a check acceptable to the Committee, bank draft or money order) or by tendering, by either actual delivery of shares or by attestation, shares of Common Stock acceptable to the Committee and valued at Fair Market Value as of the day of exercise, or any combination thereof, as determined by the Committee.

 

  (iii)

The Committee may permit a Participant to elect to pay the exercise price upon the exercise of an Option by irrevocably authorizing a third party to sell shares of Common Stock (or a sufficient portion of the shares) acquired upon exercise of the Option and remit to the Company a sufficient portion of the sale proceeds to pay the entire exercise price and any tax withholding resulting from such exercise.

(c) Exercise of Options . Options granted under the Plan shall be exercisable, in whole or in such installments and at such times, and shall expire at such time, as shall be provided by the Committee in the Option Agreement. Exercise of an Option shall be by written notice stating the election to exercise in the form and manner determined by the Committee. Every share of Common Stock acquired through the exercise of an Option shall be deemed to be fully paid at the time of exercise and payment of the exercise price.

(d) Other Terms and Conditions . Among other conditions that may be imposed by the Committee, if deemed appropriate, are those relating to (i) the period or periods and the conditions of exercisability of any Option; (ii) the minimum periods during which Participants must be employed by the Company or its Subsidiaries, or must hold Options before they may be exercised; (iii) the minimum periods during which shares acquired upon exercise must be held before sale or transfer shall be permitted; (iv) the

 

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maximum period that Participants will be allowed to be inactively employed or on a leave of absence before their vesting is suspended until they return to active employment; (v) conditions under which such Options or shares may be subject to forfeiture; (vi) the frequency of exercise or the minimum or maximum number of shares that may be acquired at any one time and (vii) the achievement by the Company of specified performance criteria.

(e) Application of Funds . The proceeds received by the Company from the sale of Common Stock issued upon the exercise of Options will be used for general corporate purposes.

(f) Shareholder Rights . No Participant shall have any rights as a shareholder with respect to any share of Common Stock subject to an Option prior to the purchase of such share of Common Stock by exercise of the Option.

ARTICLE VII

STOCK ADJUSTMENTS

Subject to the provisions of Article IX of this Plan, in the event that the shares of Common Stock, as presently constituted, shall be changed into or exchanged for a different number or kind or shares of stock or other securities of the Company or of another corporation (whether by reason of merger, consolidation, recapitalization, reclassification, stock split, combination of shares or otherwise), or if the number of such shares of Common Stock shall be increased through the payment of a stock dividend, or a dividend on the shares of Common Stock or rights or warrants to purchase securities of the Company shall be made, then there shall be substituted for or added to each share available under and subject to the Plan as provided in Section 1.3 hereof, and each share then subject or thereafter subject or which may become subject to Options under the Plan, the number and kind of shares of stock or other securities into which each outstanding share of Common Stock shall be so changed or for which each such share shall be exchanged or to which each such share shall be entitled, as the case may be, on a fair and equivalent basis in accordance with the applicable provisions of Section 424 of the Code; provided, however, in no such event will such adjustment result in a modification of any Option as defined in Section 424(h) of the Code. In the event there shall be any other change in the number or kind of the outstanding shares of Common Stock, or any stock or other securities into which the Common Stock shall have been changed or for which it shall have been exchanged, then if the Committee shall, in its sole discretion, determine that such change equitably requires an adjustment in the shares available under and subject to the Plan, or in any Option theretofore granted or which may be granted under the Plan, such adjustments shall be made in accordance with such determination, except that no adjustment of the number of shares of Common Stock available under the Plan or to which any Option relates that would otherwise be required shall be made unless and until such adjustment either by itself or with other adjustments not previously made would require an increase or decrease of at least 1% of the number of shares of Common Stock available under the Plan or to which any Option relates immediately prior to the making of such adjustment (the “Minimum Adjustment”). Any adjustment representing a change of less than such minimum amount shall be carried forward and made as soon as such adjustment together with other adjustments required by this Article VII and not previously made would result in a Minimum Adjustment. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any adjustment required by this Article VII which otherwise would not result in a Minimum Adjustment shall be made with respect to shares of Common Stock relating to any Option immediately prior to exercise of such Option.

No fractional shares of Common Stock or units of other securities shall be issued pursuant to any such adjustment, and any fractions resulting from any such adjustment shall be eliminated in each case by rounding downward to the nearest whole share.

 

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ARTICLE VIII

GENERAL

Section 8.1 Amendment or Termination of Plan . The Board may suspend or terminate the Plan at any time. In addition, the Board may, from time to time, amend the Plan in any manner in accordance with applicable federal or state laws or regulations.

Section 8.2 Acceleration of Otherwise Unexercisable Stock Options on Death, Disability or Other Special Circumstances . The Committee, in its sole discretion, may permit (i) a Participant who terminates employment due to a Disability, (ii) the personal representative of a deceased Participant, or (iii) any other Participant who terminates employment upon the occurrence of special circumstances (as determined by the Committee) to purchase all or any part of the shares subject to any unvested Option on the date of the Participant’s termination of employment due to a Disability, death or special circumstances, or as the Committee otherwise so determines. With respect to Options which have already vested at the date of such termination or the vesting of which is accelerated by the Committee in accordance with the foregoing provision, the Participant or the personal representative of a deceased Participant shall have the right to exercise such vested Options within such period(s) as the Committee shall determine.

Section 8.3 Nonassignability . Options are not transferable otherwise than by will or the laws of descent and distribution. Any attempted transfer, assignment, pledge, hypothecation or other disposition of, or the levy of execution, attachment or similar process upon, any Option contrary to the provisions hereof shall be void and ineffective, shall give no right to any purported transferee, and may, at the sole discretion of the Committee, result in forfeiture of the Option involved in such attempt.

Section 8.4 Withholding Taxes . A Participant must pay to the Company the amount of taxes required by law upon the exercise of an Option in cash, unless an alternative payment method is acceptable by the Committee.

Section 8.5 Regulatory Approval and Listings . The Company shall use its best efforts to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission as soon as practicable following the date this Plan is effective, and keep continuously effective and usable, a Registration Statement on Form S-8 with respect to shares of Common Stock subject to Options hereunder. Notwithstanding anything contained in this Plan to the contrary, the Company shall have no obligation to issue or deliver certificates representing shares of Common Stock evidencing Options prior to:

(a) the obtaining of any approval from, or satisfaction of any waiting period or other condition imposed by, any governmental agency which the Committee shall, in its sole discretion, determine to be necessary or advisable;

(b) the listing of such shares on any exchange on which the Common Stock may be listed; and

(c) the completion of any registration or other qualification of such shares under any state or federal law or regulation of any governmental body which the Committee shall, in its sole discretion, determine to be necessary or advisable.

Section 8.6 Right to Continued Employment . Participation in the Plan shall not give any Participant any right to remain in the employ of the Company or any Subsidiary or any partnership or limited liability company controlled by the Company. Further, the adoption of this Plan shall not be deemed to give any Employee or Consultant or any other individual any right to be selected as a Participant or to be granted an Option.

Section 8.7 Reliance on Reports . Each member of the Committee and each member of the Board shall be fully justified in relying or acting in good faith upon any report made by the independent public accountants of the Company and its Subsidiaries and upon any other information furnished in connection with the Plan by any person or persons other than the Committee or Board member. In no event shall any person who is or shall have been a member of the Committee or of the Board be liable for any determination made or other action taken or any omission to act in reliance upon any such report or information or for any action taken, including the furnishing of information, or failure to act, if in good faith.

 

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Section 8.8 Construction . The titles and headings of the sections in the Plan are for the convenience of reference only, and in the event of any conflict, the text of the Plan, rather than such titles or headings, shall control.

Section 8.9 Governing Law . The Plan shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Oklahoma except as superseded by applicable federal law.

ARTICLE IX

ACCELERATION OF OPTIONS UPON CORPORATE EVENT

Section 9.1 Procedures for Acceleration and Exercise. If the Company shall, pursuant to action by the Board, at any time propose to dissolve or liquidate or merge into, consolidate with, or sell or otherwise transfer all or substantially all of its assets to another corporation and provision is not made pursuant to the terms of such transaction for the assumption by the surviving, resulting or acquiring corporation of outstanding Options under the Plan, or for the substitution of new options therefor, the Committee shall cause written notice of the proposed transaction to be given to each Participant no less than forty days prior to the anticipated effective date of the proposed transaction, and the Participant’s Option shall become 100% vested. Prior to a date specified in such notice, which shall be not more than ten days prior to the anticipated effective date of the proposed transaction, each Participant shall have the right to exercise his or her Option to purchase any or all of the Common Stock then subject to such Option. Each Participant, by so notifying the Company in writing, may, in exercising his or her Option, condition such exercise upon, and provide that such exercise shall become effective immediately prior to the consummation of the transaction, in which event such Participant need not make payment for the Common Stock to be purchased upon exercise of such Option until five days after receipt of written notice by the Company to such Participant that the transaction has been consummated. If the transaction is consummated, each Option, to the extent not previously exercised prior to the date specified in the foregoing notice, shall terminate on the effective date such transaction is consummated. If the transaction is abandoned, (i) any Common Stock not purchased upon exercise of such Option shall continue to be available for purchase in accordance with the other provisions of the Plan and (ii) to the extent that any Option not exercised prior to such abandonment shall have vested solely by operation of this Section 9.1, such vesting shall be deemed voided as of the time such acceleration otherwise occurred pursuant to Section 9.1, and the vesting schedule set forth in the Participant’s Option Agreement shall be reinstituted as of the date of such abandonment.

Section 9.2 Certain Additional Payments by the Company . The Committee may, in its sole discretion, provide in any Option Agreement for certain payments by the Company in the event that acceleration of vesting of any Option under the Plan is subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code or any interest or penalties with respect to such excise tax (such excise tax, interest and penalties, collectively, the “Excise Tax”). An Option Agreement may provide that the Participant shall be entitled to receive a payment (a “Gross-Up Payment”) in an amount such that after payment by the Participant of all taxes (including any interest or penalties imposed with respect to such taxes), including any Excise Tax, imposed upon the Gross-Up Payment, the Participant retains an amount of the Gross-Up Payment equal to the Excise Tax imposed upon such acceleration of vesting of any Option.

 

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Exhibit 10.2.1

AMENDED AND RESTATED

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

THIS AGREEMENT is made effective January 1, 2008, between CHESAPEAKE ENERGY CORPORATION, an Oklahoma corporation (the “Company”), and AUBREY K. McCLENDON, an individual (the “Executive”).

W I T N E S S E T H:

WHEREAS, the Company and the Executive entered into that certain Employment Agreement dated effective October 1, 2007, (the “Prior Agreement”);

WHEREAS, the Company and the Executive desire to amend and restate the Prior Agreement in its entirety to reflect the changes to the employment arrangement between the Company and the Executive.

NOW THERFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises herein contained, the Company and the Executive agree as follows:

1. Employment . The Company hereby employs the Executive and the Executive hereby accepts such employment subject to the terms and conditions contained in this Agreement. The Executive is engaged as an employee of the Company and the Executive and the Company do not intend to create a joint venture, partnership or other relationship that might impose similar such fiduciary obligations on the Executive or the Company in the performance of this Agreement.

2. Executive’s Duties . The Executive is employed on a full-time basis. Throughout the term of this Agreement, the Executive will use the Executive’s best efforts and due diligence to assist the Company in the objective of achieving the most profitable operation of the Company and the Company’s affiliated entities consistent with developing and maintaining a quality business operation.

 

  2.1

Specific Duties . During the term of this Agreement the Executive: (a) will serve as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer for the Company; (b) will be nominated for election or appointed to serve as a director of the Company; (c) will be appointed as an officer of one (1) or more of the Company’s subsidiaries; and (d) may be nominated for election or appointed to serve as a director of one (1) or more of the Company’s subsidiaries. The Executive agrees to use the Executive’s best efforts to perform all of the services required to fully and faithfully execute the offices and positions to which the Executive is appointed and such other services as may be reasonably directed by the Board of Directors of the Company in accordance with this Agreement.

 

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  2.2

Modifications . The precise duties to be performed by the Executive may be extended or curtailed in the discretion of the Board of Directors of the Company. However, except for termination for Cause (as hereinafter defined under paragraph 6.1.2 of this Agreement), the failure of the Executive to be elected, be reelected or serve as a director of the Company during the term of this Agreement, the removal of the Executive as a member of the board of directors of the Company, the withdrawal of the designation of the Executive as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of the Company or the assignment of the performance of duties incumbent on the foregoing offices to other persons without the prior written consent of the Executive will constitute termination without Cause by the Company.

 

  2.3

Rules and Regulations . From time to time, the Company may issue policies and procedures applicable to employees and the Executive including an Employment Policies Manual. The Executive agrees to comply with such policies and procedures, except to the extent such policies are inconsistent with this Agreement. Such policies and procedures may be supplemented, modified, changed or adopted without notice in the sole discretion of the Company at any time. In the event of a conflict between such policies and procedures and this Agreement, this Agreement will control unless compliance with this Agreement will violate any law or regulation applicable to the Company or its affiliated entities. Any activity by the Executive that is expressly permitted by this Agreement will not violate such policies and procedures.

 

  2.4

Stock Investment . During the term of this Agreement, the Executive agrees to hold shares of the Company’s common stock having an aggregate Investment Value (as hereafter defined) greater than five hundred percent (500%) of the compensation paid to the Executive under paragraphs 4.1 and 4.2 of this Agreement during such calendar year. Any shares of common stock acquired by the Executive prior to the date of this Agreement and still owned by the Executive during the term of this Agreement may be used to satisfy the requirement to own common stock. For purposes of this paragraph, the “Investment Value” of each share of stock will be as follows: (a) for shares purchased in the open market after the date of this Agreement the price paid by the Executive for such shares; (b) for shares acquired after the date of this Agreement through the exercise of stock options, the grant of restricted stock or the conversion of other securities other than through open market purchases, the fair market value of the common stock on the date the option is exercised, the restricted stock vests, or the stock is acquired through the conversion of another security or the date such stock is otherwise acquired; and (c) for shares acquired prior to the date of this Agreement, the closing price for the Company’s stock on the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) on the date of this Agreement adjusted for

 

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subsequent stock splits. This paragraph will automatically become null and void without notice or action by either party if the Company’s common stock ceases to be listed on the NYSE, the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation System or other national exchange. The Company has no obligation to sell or to purchase from the Executive any of the Company’s stock in connection with this paragraph 2.4 and has made no representations or warranties regarding the Company’s stock, operations or financial condition.

3. Other Activities . Except for the activities (the “Permitted Activities”) permitted under this paragraph or approved by the Board of Directors, the Executive will not: (a) engage in activities which require such substantial services on the part of the Executive that the Executive is unable to perform the duties assigned to the Executive in accordance with this Agreement; (b) serve as an officer or director of any publicly held entity; or (c) directly or indirectly invest in, participate in or acquire an interest in any oil and gas business, including, without limitation, (i) producing oil and gas, (ii) drilling, owning or operating oil and gas leases or wells, (iii) providing services or materials to the oil and gas industry, (iv) marketing or refining oil or gas, or (v) owning any interest in any corporation, partnership, company or entity which conducts any of the foregoing activities. The Executive is not restricted from maintaining or making investments, or engaging in other businesses, enterprises or civic, charitable or public service functions if such activities, investments, businesses or enterprises do not result in a violation of clauses (a) through (c) of this paragraph 3. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Executive will be permitted to participate in the following activities and such activities will be deemed to be approved by the Company, if such activities are undertaken in strict compliance with this Agreement.

 

  3.1

Surface Interests and Gifts . The foregoing restriction in clause (c) will not prohibit the ownership of (a) the interests in oil and gas described therein where the Executive acquires, owns or previously owned the surface of the land covered in whole or in part by such interest in oil and gas and the ownership, operation, development or use of the interest in oil and gas is incidental to the ownership of the surface estate or (b) interests or interests in oil and gas received by gift or inheritance. For purposes of this paragraph 3.1: (y) interests in oil and gas means any interest in oil and gas including, without implied limitation, any mineral interest, royalty interest, overriding royalty interest, working interest, net profits interest, production payment or similar interest in the production of oil and gas; and (z) the interests in oil and gas permitted to be owned under this paragraph 3.1 are not required to be acquired simultaneously with the acquisition of the surface estate, but may be acquired at any time the Executive owns any interest in the surface estate.

 

  3.2

Existing Interests . The Executive has in the past conducted oil and gas activities individually, through Chesapeake Investments, an Oklahoma Limited Partnership, and through other entities owned or controlled by the Executive (collectively, the “Executive Affiliates”). The Executive will be

 

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permitted to continue to conduct oil and gas activities (including participation in new wells) directly or through the Executive Affiliates , but only to the extent such activities are conducted with respect to oil and gas leases or interests in oil and gas which the Executive or Executive Affiliates (a) owned or had the right to acquire as of the date of this Agreement, (b) acquired or held in accordance with paragraph 3.1 of this Agreement or (c) acquired from the Company under the FWP Program (as hereinafter defined), prior employment agreements or any other written agreement between the Executive, the Company or the Company’s affiliated entities (collectively, the “Prior Interests”). To the extent Prior Interests or activities covered by this paragraph 3.2 are operated by the Company, the Executive agrees to pay any costs or expenses with respect to the Prior Interests in accordance with the terms of the Founder Well Participation Program (the “FWP Program”).

 

  3.3

FWP Program . The Executive or the designated Executive Affiliate will be permitted to participate in the FWP Program in accordance with its terms. The parties hereto agree the FWP Program cannot be modified or amended without the prior written consent of the Board of Directors and the Executive.

 

  3.4

Non-Active Investments . The foregoing restriction in clause (c) of this paragraph 3 will not prohibit the following activity by the Executive or the Executive’s affiliates: (a) an investment in the securities of a publicly listed company; (b) investment or trading in commodities, currencies, financial instruments or other derivatives (including, without implied limitation, short positions, long positions or positions in options) whether on an exchange, by private contract or in the over-the-counter market; (c) an investment in non public entities which own de minimis passive interests in E&P Activities (as hereafter defined) which are incidental to such entity’s primary non E&P business activity; and (d) an investment in an investment fund, hedge fund, limited partnership or other passive investment entity (i) which does not actively engage in E&P Activities; and (ii) for which the Executive does not directly or indirectly provide input, advice or management to such entity, the sponsor of such entity or any portfolio company of such entity. For purposes of this Agreement the term E&P Activities means the specific activities listed in sub clauses (i) or (ii) of clause (c) of paragraph 3 of this Agreement.

4. Executive’s Compensation . The Company agrees to compensate the Executive as follows:

 

  4.1

Base Salary . A base salary (the “Base Salary”), in an annual rate of not less than Nine Hundred Seventy-Five Thousand Dollars ($975,000.00), will be paid to the Executive in equal bi-weekly installments, beginning July 1, 2007 during the term of this Agreement.

 

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  4.2

Bonus . . In addition to the Base Salary described in paragraph 4.1 of this Agreement, the Company may periodically pay bonus compensation to the Executive. Except as expressly provided in this Agreement, any bonus compensation will be awarded in the absolute discretion of the Company in such amounts and at such times as the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company may determine.

 

  4.3

Equity Compensation . In addition to the compensation set forth in paragraphs 4.1 and 4.2 of this Agreement, the Executive may periodically receive grants of stock options, restricted stock or other equity related awards from the Company’s various equity compensation plans, subject to the terms and conditions thereof.

 

  4.4

Benefits . The Company agrees to extend to the Executive retirement benefits, deferred compensation, reimbursement of reasonable expenditures for dues, travel and entertainment and any other benefits the Company provides to other executives or officers from time to time on the same terms as such benefits are provided to such individuals. The Company will also provide the Executive the opportunity to apply for coverage under the Company’s medical, life and disability plans, if any. If the Executive is accepted for coverage under such plans, the Company will provide such coverage on the same terms as is customarily provided by the Company to the plan participants as modified from time to time. The Company may condition any such benefits on the Executive paying any amounts which the Company requires other employees to pay with respect to such benefits.

 

  4.5

Vacation . The Executive will be entitled to take up to five (5) weeks of paid vacation each calendar year during the term of this Agreement. Except as provided in the Company’s general employment policies or as otherwise provided in this Agreement, no additional compensation will be paid for failure to take vacation and no vacation may be carried forward from one calendar year to another.

 

  4.6

Travel . For safety, security and efficiency the Executive will utilize aircraft owned, leased or chartered by the Company for business and personal use and will not be required to reimburse the Company for any cost related to such use. The Executive will: (a) not owe any additional amounts to the Company under this paragraph for guests or family members traveling with the Executive; and (b) pay all personal income taxes accruing as a result of the personal use of the Company’s aircraft by the Executive and the Executive’s immediate family members under this paragraph.

 

  4.7

Accounting Support . The Executive will be permitted to utilize the Company’s office facilities, computer facilities and personnel to provide accounting services, management services, records maintenance, tax advice, tax return

 

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preparation and other business services for the Executive’s (and the Executive’s immediate family members’) personal businesses, investments and activities. Beginning January 1, 2007, the Executive agrees to pay to the Company as a partial reimbursement an amount equal to: (a) direct costs for each Company employee primarily designated to provide services under this paragraph (consisting of cash salaries, cash bonuses, contributions to retirement and deferred compensation plans, un-reimbursed insurance premiums for the benefit of the employee and the employer’s portion of payroll taxes) multiplied by the percentage of the time such employee spends providing such services plus (b) as indirect costs the amount for each employee under the foregoing clause (a) multiplied by a percentage determined by the compensation committee of the Board of Directors and approved by the Executive. Such amounts related to the provision of secretarial or general administrative support for the Executive’s will not be required to be reimbursed in whole or part under this paragraph.

 

  4.5

Compensation Review . The compensation of the Executive will be reviewed not less frequently than semi-annually by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company. The compensation of the Executive prescribed in paragraph 4 of this Agreement (including benefits) may be increased at the discretion of the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company, but may not be reduced without the prior written consent of the Executive except as expressly provided herein. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Board of Directors may reduce the amounts or awards under paragraph 4.2 or 4.3 of this Agreement on a reasonable basis provided such decrease is applicable to all executives of the Company and does not result in a proportionately greater reduction in the amounts or awards to Executive under such paragraphs as compared to any other executive of the Company or any of the Company’s subsidiaries.

5. Term . In the absence of termination as set forth in paragraph 6 below, this Agreement will extend for a term commencing on the effective date of this Agreement and ending on December 31, 2012, as extended from time to time (the “Expiration Date”). Unless the Company provides at least thirty (30) days prior written notice of non-extension to the Executive, on each December 31 during the term of this Agreement, the term and the Expiration Date will be automatically extended for one (1) additional year so that the remaining term on this Agreement will be not less than four (4) and not more than five (5) years.

 

-6-


6. Termination . This Agreement will continue in effect until the expiration of the term set forth in paragraph 5 of this Agreement unless earlier terminated pursuant to this paragraph 6.

 

  6.1

Termination by Company . The Company will have the following rights to terminate this Agreement:

 

  6.1.1

Termination without Cause . The Company may terminate this Agreement without Cause at any time by the service of written notice of termination to the Executive specifying an effective date of such termination not sooner than ninety (90) business days after the date of such notice (the “Termination Date”). In the event the Executive is terminated without Cause (other than a CC Termination under paragraph 6.3 of this Agreement), the Executive will be entitled to the following: (a) payment of Base Compensation (as hereafter defined) in accordance with the Company’s policies during the remaining term of this Agreement, but in any event through the then current Expiration Date; (b) excepting participation in any retirement or deferred compensation plan maintained by the Company, continuation of the benefits provided by operation of paragraphs 4.4, 4.6 and 4.7 of this Agreement at the levels and on the terms provided on the date of termination hereunder, during the remaining term of this Agreement, but in any event through the then current Expiration Date; and (c) a lump sum cash payment for any accrued but unused vacation through the Termination Date in accordance with the Company’s Employment Policies Manual. For purposes of this Agreement the term “Base Compensation” means the Executive’s current Base Salary under paragraph 4.1 on the Termination Date plus the bonus compensation received by the Executive during the twelve (12) month period preceding the Termination Date. Termination compensation under subsection (a) of this paragraph 6.1.1 will be paid in accordance with the Company’s then current payroll schedule and any benefits will be subject to any conditions or obligations in existence at on the Termination Date.

 

  6.1.2

Termination for Cause . The Company may terminate this Agreement for Cause. For purposes of this Agreement, “Cause” means: (a) the willful and continued failure of the Executive to perform substantially the Executive’s duties with the Company or one of the Company Entities (other than a failure resulting from incapacity due to physical or mental illness), after a written demand for substantial performance is delivered to the Executive by the Board of Directors which specifically identifies the manner in which the Board of Directors believes that the Executive has not substantially performed the Executive’s duties; or (b) the willful engaging by the Executive in illegal conduct, gross misconduct or a clearly established violation of the Company’s written policies and procedures, in each case which is materially and demonstrably injurious to the Company. For purposes of this provision, an act or failure to act, on the part of the Executive, will not be considered “willful” unless it is done, or omitted to be done, by the Executive in bad faith or without reasonable belief that the

 

-7-


 

Executive’s action or omission was in the best interests of the Company. Any act, or failure to act, based on authority given pursuant to a resolution duly adopted by the Board of Directors or based on the advice of counsel for the Company will be conclusively presumed to be done, or omitted to be done, by the Executive in good faith and in the best interests of the Company. In the event this Agreement is terminated for Cause, the Company will not have any obligation to provide any further payments or benefits to the Executive after the effective date of such termination. This Agreement will not be deemed to have terminated for Cause unless a written determination specifying the reasons for such termination is made, approved by a majority of the independent and disinterested members of the Board of Directors of the Company and delivered to the Executive. Thereafter, the Executive will have the right for a period of thirty (30) days to request a Board of Directors meeting to be held at a mutually agreeable time and location to be attended by the members of the Board of Directors in person within the following thirty (30) days, at which meeting the Executive will have an opportunity to be heard. Failing such determination and opportunity for hearing, any termination of this Agreement will be deemed to have occurred without Cause.

 

  6.2

Termination by Executive . The Executive may voluntarily terminate this Agreement with or without Cause by the service of written notice of such termination to the Company specifying an effective date of such termination ninety (90) days after the date of such notice, during which time the Executive may use remaining accrued vacation days, or at the Company’s option, be paid for such days. In the event this Agreement is terminated by the Executive, neither the Company nor the Executive will have any further obligations hereunder including, without limitation, any obligation of the Company to provide any further payments or benefits to the Executive after the effective date of such termination.

 

  6.3

Termination After Change in Control . If during the term of this Agreement there is a “Change of Control” and within three (3) years thereafter there is a CC Termination (as hereafter defined), then the Executive will be entitled to a severance payment (in addition to any other rights and other amounts payable to the Executive under this Agreement or otherwise through the date of the CC Termination) in an amount equal to three (3) times the Executive’s Base Compensation. If the foregoing amount is not paid within ten (10) days after the CC Termination, the unpaid amount will bear interest at the per annum rate of 12%.

 

-8-


  6.3.1

Change of Control . For the purpose of this Agreement, a “Change of Control” means the occurrence of any of the following:

(a) The acquisition by any individual, entity or group (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) (a “Person”) of beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) of 30% or more of either (i) the then outstanding shares of common stock of the Company (the “Outstanding Company Common Stock”) or (ii) the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of the Company entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (the “Outstanding Company Voting Securities”). For purposes of this paragraph (a) the following acquisitions by a Person will not constitute a Change of Control: (i) any acquisition directly from the Company; (ii) any acquisition by the Company; (iii) any acquisition by any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by the Company or any corporation controlled by the Company; or (iv) any acquisition by any corporation pursuant to a transaction which complies with clauses (i), (ii) and (iii) of paragraph (c) of this paragraph 6.3.1.

(b) The individuals who, as of the date hereof, constitute the Board of Directors (the “Incumbent Board”) cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the Board of Directors. Any individual becoming a director subsequent to the date hereof whose election, or nomination for election by the Company’s shareholders, is approved by a vote of at least a majority of the directors then comprising the Incumbent Board will be considered a member of the Incumbent Board as of the date hereof, but any such individual whose initial assumption of office occurs as a result of an actual or threatened election contest with respect to the election or removal of directors or other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of a Person other than the Incumbent Board will not be deemed a member of the Incumbent Board as of the date hereof.

(c) The consummation of a reorganization, merger, consolidation or sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company (a “Business Combination”), unless following such Business Combination: (i) all or substantially all of the individuals and entities who were the beneficial owners, respectively, of the Outstanding Company Common Stock and Outstanding Company Voting Securities immediately prior to such Business Combination beneficially own, directly or indirectly, more than 60% of, respectively, the then outstanding shares of common stock and the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, as the case may be, of the

 

-9-


corporation resulting from such Business Combination (including, without limitation, a corporation which as a result of such transaction owns the Company or all or substantially all of the Company’s assets either directly or through one or more subsidiaries) in substantially the same proportions as their ownership, immediately prior to such Business Combination of the Outstanding Company Common Stock and Outstanding Company Voting Securities, as the case may be, (ii) no Person (excluding any corporation resulting from such Business Combination or any employee benefit plan (or related trust) of the Company or such corporation resulting from such Business Combination) beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, 30% or more of, respectively, the then outstanding shares of common stock of the corporation resulting from such Business Combination or the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of such corporation except to the extent that such ownership existed prior to the Business Combination and (iii) at least a majority of the members of the board of directors of the corporation resulting from such Business Combination were members of the Incumbent Board at the time of the execution of the initial agreement, or of the action of the Board, providing for such Business Combination.

(d) The approval by the shareholders of the Company of a complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company.

 

  6.3.2

CC Termination . The term “CC Termination” means any of the following which occur and for which the Executive notifies the Company that the Executive deems such action a CC Termination under this paragraph: (a) this Agreement expires in accordance with its terms; (b) this Agreement is not extended under paragraph 5 of this Agreement and the Executive resigns within one (1) year after such non-extension; (c) a required relocation more than 25 miles from the Executive’s then current place of employment; (c) a default by the Company under this Agreement; (d) the failure by the Company after a Change of Control to obtain the assumption of this Agreement, without limitation or reduction, by any successor to the Company or any parent corporation of the Company; or (e) after a Change of Control has occurred, the Executive agrees to remain employed by the Company for a period of three (3) months to assist in the transition and thereafter resigns.

 

  6.4

Incapacity of Executive . If the Executive suffers from a physical or mental condition, which in the reasonable judgment of the Company’s Board of Directors, prevents the Executive in whole or in part from performing the duties specified herein for a period of four (4) consecutive months, the Executive may be terminated. Although the termination will be deemed as a

 

-10-


 

termination with Cause, the Executive will be entitled to the compensation provided for in paragraph 6.1.1 of this Agreement with Base Compensation to be reduced by any benefits payable under any disability plans provided to the Executive at the Company’s expense.

 

  6.5

Death of Executive . If the Executive dies during the term of this Agreement, the Company may thereafter terminate this Agreement without compensation to the Executive’s estate except the Company will be obligated to continue for twelve (12) months after the effective date of such termination to: (a) pay the Base Salary payments under paragraph 4.1 of this Agreement; and (b) provide Accounting Support benefits under paragraph 4.7 of this Agreement.

 

  6.6

Effect of Termination . The termination of this Agreement will terminate all obligations of the Executive to render services on behalf of the Company, provided that the Executive will maintain the confidentiality of all information acquired by the Executive during the term of his employment in accordance with paragraph 7 of this Agreement. Except as otherwise provided in this paragraph 6, no accrued bonus, severance pay or other form of compensation will be payable by the Company to the Executive by reason of the termination of this Agreement. In the event that payments are required to be made by the Company under this paragraph 6, the Executive will not be required to seek other employment as a means of mitigating the Company’s obligations hereunder resulting from termination of the Executive’s employment and the Company’s obligations hereunder (including payment of severance benefits) will not be terminated, reduced or modified as a result of the Executive’s earnings from other employment or self-employment. All keys, entry cards, credit cards, files, records, financial information, furniture, furnishings, equipment, supplies and other items relating to the Company will remain the property of the Company. The Executive will have the right to retain and remove all personal property and effects that are owned by the Executive and located in the offices of the Company. All such personal items will be removed from such offices no later than sixty (60) days after the effective date of termination, and the Company is hereby authorized to discard any items remaining and to reassign the Executive’s office space after such date. Prior to the effective date of termination, the Executive will cooperate with the Company to provide for the orderly termination of the Executive’s employment.

 

  6.7

Equity Compensation and Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan Provisions . Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary in any option agreement, restricted stock agreement, plan or other agreement relating to equity based compensation or non-qualified deferred compensation benefits, in the event of a termination under paragraph 6.1.1, 6.2 (but only if the Executive is at least 55 years of age on the date of termination under paragraph 6.2), 6.4 or 6.5 of this Agreement: (a) all units, stock options,

 

-11-


 

incentive stock options, supplemental matching contributions, performance shares, stock appreciation rights and restricted stock held by Executive immediately prior to such termination will immediately become 100% vested; and (b) the Executive’s right to exercise any previously unexercised options will not terminate until the latest date on which such option would expire but for Executive’s termination of employment. To the extent Company is unable to provide for one or both of the foregoing rights the Company will provide in lieu thereof a lump-sum cash payment equal to the difference between the total value of such units, stock options, incentive stock options, supplemental matching contributions, performance shares, stock appreciation rights and shares of restricted stock (the “Equity Compensation Rights”) with the foregoing rights as of the date of Executive’s termination of employment and the total value of the Equity Compensation without the foregoing rights as of the date of the Executive’s termination of employment. The foregoing amounts will be determined by the Board of Directors in good faith after consultation with the Executive based on a valuation performed by an independent consultant selected by the Board of Directors.

7. Confidentiality . The Executive recognizes that the nature of the Executive’s services are such that the Executive will have access to information which constitutes trade secrets, is of a confidential nature, is of great value to the Company or is the foundation on which the business of the Company is predicated. The Executive agrees not to disclose to any person other than the Company’s employees or the Company’s legal counsel nor use for any purpose, other than the performance of this Agreement, any confidential information (“Confidential Information”). Confidential Information includes data or material (regardless of form) which is: (a) a trade secret; (b) provided, disclosed or delivered to Executive by the Company, any officer, director, employee, agent, attorney, accountant, consultant, or other person or entity employed by the Company in any capacity, any customer, borrower or business associate of the Company or any public authority having jurisdiction over the Company of any business activity conducted by the Company; or (c) produced, developed, obtained or prepared by or on behalf of Executive or the Company (whether or not such information was developed in the performance of this Agreement) with respect to the Company or any assets oil and gas prospects, business activities, officers, directors, employees, borrowers or customers of the foregoing. However, Confidential Information will not include any information, data or material which at the time of disclosure or use was generally available to the public other than by a breach of this Agreement, was available to the party to whom disclosed on a non-confidential basis by disclosure or access provided by the Company or a third party, or was otherwise developed or obtained independently by the person to whom disclosed without a breach of this Agreement. On request by the Company, the Company will be entitled to a copy of any Confidential Information in the possession of the Executive. The Executive also agrees that the provisions of this paragraph 7 will survive the termination, expiration or cancellation of this Agreement for a period of one (1) year. The Executive will deliver to the Company all originals and copies of the documents or materials containing Confidential Information. For purposes of paragraphs 7, 8, and 9 of this Agreement, the Company expressly includes any of the Company Entities.

 

-12-


8. Non-competition . During the Executive’s employment hereunder and for the period ending six months after the Executive’s termination in accordance with this Agreement, the Executive will not: (a) acquire, attempt to acquire or aid another in the acquisition or attempted acquisition of an interest in oil and gas assets, oil and gas production, oil and gas leases, minerals interests, oil and gas wells or other such oil and gas exploration, development or production activities within any spacing unit in which the Company owns an oil an gas interest on the date of the resignation or termination of the Executive; (b) solicit, induce, entice or attempt to entice any employee, contractor, customer, vendor or subcontractor to terminate or breach any relationship with the Company or the Company’s affiliates for the Executive’s own account or for the benefit of another party; and (c) circumvent or attempt to circumvent the foregoing agreements by any future arrangement or through the actions of a third party. The foregoing will not prohibit the activities which are expressly permitted by paragraph 3 of this Agreement.

9. Proprietary Matters . The Executive expressly understands and agrees that any and all improvements, inventions, discoveries, processes or know-how that are generated or conceived by the Executive during the term of this Agreement, whether generated or conceived during the Executive’s regular working hours or otherwise, will be the sole and exclusive property of the Company. Whenever requested by the Company (either during the term of this Agreement or thereafter), the Executive will assign or execute any and all applications, assignments and or other instruments and do all things which the Company deems necessary or appropriate in order to permit the Company to: (a) assign and convey or otherwise make available to the Company the sole and exclusive right, title, and interest in and to said improvements, inventions, discoveries, processes, know-how, applications, patents, copyrights, trade names or trademarks; or (b) apply for, obtain, maintain, enforce and defend patents, copyrights, trade names, or trademarks of the United States or of foreign countries for said improvements, inventions, discoveries, processes or know-how. However, the improvements, inventions, discoveries, processes or know-how generated or conceived by the Executive and referred to above (except as they may be included in the patents, copyrights or registered trade names or trademarks of the Company, or corporations, partnerships or other entities which may be affiliated with the Company) will not be exclusive property of the Company at any time after having been disclosed or revealed or have otherwise become available to the public or to a third party on a non-confidential basis other than by a breach of this Agreement, or after they have been independently developed or discussed without a breach of this Agreement by a third party who has no obligation to the Company or the Company Entities.

10. Arbitration . The parties will attempt to promptly resolve any dispute or controversy arising out of or relating to this Agreement or termination of the Executive by the Company. Any negotiations pursuant to this paragraph 10 are confidential and will be treated as compromise and settlement negotiations for all purposes. If the parties are unable to reach a settlement amicably, the dispute will be submitted to binding arbitration before a single arbitrator in accordance with the Employment Dispute Resolution Rules of the American

 

-13-


Arbitration Association. The arbitrator will be instructed and empowered to take reasonable steps to expedite the arbitration and the arbitrator’s judgment will be final and binding upon the parties subject solely to challenge on the grounds of fraud or gross misconduct. Except for damages arising out of a breach of paragraphs 6, 7, 8 or 9 of this Agreement, the arbitrator is not empowered to award total damages (including compensatory damages) that exceed 300% of compensatory damages and each party hereby irrevocably waives any damages in excess of that amount. The arbitration will be held in Oklahoma County, Oklahoma. Judgment upon any verdict in arbitration may be entered in any court of competent jurisdiction and the parties hereby consent to the jurisdiction of, and proper venue in, the federal and state courts located in Oklahoma County, Oklahoma. The Company will pay the costs and expenses of the arbitration including, without implied limitation, the fees for the arbitrators. Unless otherwise expressly set forth in this Agreement, the procedures specified in this paragraph 10 will be the sole and exclusive procedures for the resolution of disputes and controversies between the parties arising out of or relating to this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a party may seek a preliminary injunction or other provisional judicial relief if in such party’s judgment such action is necessary to avoid irreparable damage or to preserve the status quo.

11. Miscellaneous . The parties further agree as follows:

 

  11.1

Time . Time is of the essence of each provision of this Agreement.

 

  11.2

Notices . Any notice, payment, demand or communication required or permitted to be given by any provision of this Agreement will be in writing and will be deemed to have been given when delivered personally or by telefacsimile to the party designated to receive such notice, or on the date following the day sent by overnight courier, or on the third (3rd) business day after the same is sent by certified mail, postage and charges prepaid, directed to the following address or to such other or additional addresses as any party might designate by written notice to the other party:

 

To the Company:

  

Chesapeake Energy Corporation

  

Post Office Box 18496

  

Oklahoma City, OK 73154-0496

  

Attn: Jennifer M. Grigsby

To the Executive:

  

Mr. Aubrey K. McClendon

  

6902 Avondale Drive

  

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73116

 

  11.3

Assignment . Neither this Agreement nor any of the parties’ rights or obligations hereunder can be transferred or assigned without the prior written consent of the other parties to this Agreement.

 

-14-


  11.4

Construction . If any provision of this Agreement or the application thereof to any person or circumstances is determined, to any extent, to be invalid or unenforceable, the remainder of this Agreement, or the application of such provision to persons or circumstances other than those as to which the same is held invalid or unenforceable, will not be affected thereby, and each term and provision of this Agreement will be valid and enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by law. This Agreement is intended to be interpreted, construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Oklahoma.

 

  11.5

Entire Agreement . Except as provided in paragraph 2.3 of this Agreement, this Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter herein contained, and no modification hereof will be effective unless made by a supplemental written agreement executed by all of the parties hereto.

 

  11.6

Binding Effect . This Agreement will be binding on the parties and their respective successors, legal representatives and permitted assigns. In the event of a merger, consolidation, combination, dissolution or liquidation of the Company, the performance of this Agreement will be assumed by any entity which succeeds to or is transferred the business of the Company as a result thereof.

 

  11.7

Attorneys’ Fees . If any party institutes an action, proceeding or arbitration against any other party relating to the provisions of this Agreement or any default hereunder, the Company will be responsible for paying the Company’s legal fees and expenses and the Company will be required to reimburse the Executive for reasonable expenses and legal fees incurred by the Executive in connection with the resolution of such action or proceeding, including any costs of appeal.

 

  11.8

Supercession . This Agreement is the final, complete and exclusive expression of the agreement between the Company and the Executive and supersedes and replaces in all respects any prior employment agreements (including the Prior Agreement). On execution of this Agreement by the Company and the Executive, the relationship between the Company and the Executive after the effective date of this Agreement will be governed by the terms of this Agreement and not by any other agreements, oral or otherwise.

 

  11.9

Section 409A Compliance . This Agreement is intended to comply with Section 409A of the Code and will be construed in accordance with such intent. To the extent that any benefit to be paid or granted under this Agreement is subject to Section 409A of the Code, such benefit will be paid or granted in a manner that will comply with Section 409A of the Code (including any Section 409A guidance reasonably acceptable to both

 

-15-


 

parties). Any provision of this Agreement that would cause a benefit to fail to satisfy Section 409A of the Code will have no force or effect until amended to comply with Section 409A of the Code (which amendment may be retroactive to the extent permitted by Section 409A of the Code).

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have executed this Agreement effective the date first above written.

 

CHESAPEAKE ENERGY CORPORATION, an

Oklahoma corporation

By:

 

/s/ Jennifer M. Grigsby

 

Jennifer M. Grigsby, Senior Vice

 

President, Treasurer and Corporate Secretary

 

(the “Company”)

By:

 

/s/ Aubrey K. McClendon

 

Aubrey K. McClendon, individually

 

(the “Executive”)

 

-16-

Exhibit 10.4

Non-Employee Director Compensation

Based on its annual review of director compensation, on June 6, 2008, Chesapeake Energy Corporation’s Board of Directors approved the annual compensation of its non-employee directors effective July 1, 2008 as follows: (1) $55,000 annual retainer to be paid in quarterly installments on the first business day of each calendar quarter; (2) $15,000 and $3,500 payable for each board meeting attended in person and telephonically, respectively, not to exceed $80,000 per year for board meetings attended; and (3) 12,500 restricted shares of Chesapeake’s common stock to be issued on the first business day in July of each year. One-quarter (1/4) of each restricted stock award will vest immediately upon award with the remaining three-quarters (3/4) of the award to vest ratably over the next three years following the date of the award.

Exhibit 10.5

Named Executive Officer Compensation

Effective July 1, 2008, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors (the "Committee") of Chesapeake Energy Corporation set the annual base salaries of the named executive officers at $975,000 for Aubrey K. McClendon, $860,000 for Marcus C. Rowland, $860,000 for Steven C. Dixon, $800,000 for Douglas J. Jacobson, $775,000 for J. Mark Lester and $700,000 for Martha A. Burger. In addition, the Committee awarded cash bonuses to the named executive officers, payable on July 18, 2008, of $975,000 for Aubrey K. McClendon, $650,000 for Marcus C. Rowland, $650,000 for Steven C. Dixon, $550,000 for Douglas J. Jacobson, $525,000 for J. Mark Lester and $425,000 for Martha A. Burger

EXHIBIT 12

CHESAPEAKE ENERGY CORPORATION

RATIOS OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES AND COMBINED FIXED CHARGES AND PREFERRED DIVIDENDS

($ in millions)

 

     Year
Ended
December 31,
2003
   Year
Ended
December 31,
2004
    Year
Ended
December 31,
2005
   Year
Ended
December 31,
2006
    Year
Ended
December 31,
2007
   Six
Months

Ended
June 30,
2008
 

EARNINGS:

               

Income (loss) before income taxes and
Cumulative effect of accounting
change

   $ 501    $ 805     $ 1,493    $ 3,255     $ 2,341    $ (2,811 )

Interest expense (a)

     148      162       221      299       379      183  

(Gain)/loss on investment in equity
investees in excess of
distributed earnings

          (1 )     1      (3 )     21      19  

Amortization of capitalized interest

     3      5       10      19       39      28  

Bond discount amortization (b)

                                 

Loan cost amortization

     4      6       9      13       17      10  
                                             

Earnings

   $ 656    $ 977     $ 1,734    $ 3,583     $ 2,797    $ (2,571 )
                                             

FIXED CHARGES:

               

Interest expense

   $ 148    $ 162     $ 221    $ 299     $ 379    $ 183  

Capitalized interest

     13      36       79      179       269      180  

Bond discount amortization (b)

                                 

Loan cost amortization

     4      6       9      13       17      10  
                                             

Fixed Charges

   $ 165    $ 204     $ 309    $ 491     $ 665    $ 373  
                                             

Preferred Stock Dividends

               

Preferred Dividend
Requirements

   $ 22    $ 40     $ 42    $ 89     $ 94    $ 21  

Ratio of income before provision
for taxes to net income (c)

     1.61      1.56       1.57      1.62       1.61      1.63  
                                             

Subtotal – Preferred Dividends

   $ 36    $ 62     $ 66    $ 144     $ 151    $ 34  

Combined Fixed Charges and
Preferred Dividends

   $ 201    $ 266     $ 375    $ 635     $ 816    $ 407  

Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges

     4.0      4.8       5.6      7.3       4.2      (6.9 )

Insufficient coverage

   $    $     $    $     $    $ 2,944  

Ratio of Earnings to Combined Fixed
Charges and Preferred Dividends

     3.3      3.7       4.6      5.6       3.4      (6.3 )

Insufficient coverage

   $    $     $    $     $    $ 2,978  

 

(a)

Excludes the effect of unrealized gains or losses on interest rate derivatives.

 

(b)

Amortization of bond discount is excluded since it is included in interest expense.

 

(c)

Amounts of income before provision for taxes and of net income exclude the cumulative effect of accounting change.

Exhibit 31.1

CERTIFICATION

I, Aubrey K. McClendon, certify that:

 

 

1.

I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Chesapeake Energy Corporation;

 

 

2.

Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

 

3.

Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

 

4.

The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

 

 

(a)

designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

 

(b)

designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

 

(c)

evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

 

(d)

disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

 

5.

The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

 

(a)

all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

 

(b)

any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Date: August 11, 2008

   

/s/ AUBREY K. MCCLENDON

   

Aubrey K. McClendon

   

Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer

Exhibit 31.2

CERTIFICATION

I, Marcus C. Rowland, certify that:

 

 

1.

I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Chesapeake Energy Corporation;

 

 

2.

Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

 

3.

Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

 

4.

The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

 

 

(a)

designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

 

(b)

designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

 

(c)

evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

 

(d)

disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

 

5.

The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

 

(a)

all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

 

(b)

any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Date: August 11, 2008

   

/s/ MARCUS C. ROWLAND

   

Marcus C. Rowland

   

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Exhibit 32.1

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906

OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Quarterly Report of Chesapeake Energy Corporation (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2008 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Aubrey K. McClendon, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C § 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

 

 

1.

The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

 

 

2.

The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

 

/s/ AUBREY K. MCCLENDON

Aubrey K. McClendon

Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer

Date: August 11, 2008

Exhibit 32.2

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906

OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Quarterly Report of Chesapeake Energy Corporation (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2008 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Marcus C. Rowland, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C § 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

 

 

1.

The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

 

 

2.

The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

 

/s/ MARCUS C. ROWLAND

Marcus C. Rowland

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Date: August 11, 2008