UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 8-K

 

 

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): February 9, 2016

 

 

CSX CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Virginia   1-08022   62-1051971

(State or other jurisdiction

of incorporation)

  (Commission File Number)  

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

500 Water Street, 15 th Floor, Jacksonville, Florida   32202
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (904) 359-3200

(Former name or former address, if changed since last report.)

 

 

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

 

¨ Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

 

¨ Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

 

¨ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

 

¨ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

 

 

 


Item 5.02. Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers.

On February 10, 2016, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of CSX Corporation (“CSX” or the “Company”) approved and adopted a new long term incentive program that seeks to motivate and reward certain employees. The program is comprised of three components—Performance Units, Restricted Stock Units and Stock Options—which will account for 50%, 25% and 25% of the awards, respectively. This composition represents a change from the previous long term incentive program, which was compromised of two components—Performance Units and Restricted Stock Units—which accounted for 75% and 25% of the awards, respectively. The previous long term incentive program is attached to the Company’s Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 13, 2015.

On February 10, 2016, pursuant to the CSX 2016-2018 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “Plan”), the Company awarded Performance Units and included the specific target grants set forth next to each executive’s name in the table below. Potential payouts range from zero to 200% of the target awards depending on Company performance against predetermined goals. Performance Units will be paid out, if at all, in the form of shares of CSX common stock in early 2019, after the conclusion of the three-year performance cycle. Payouts for certain executive officers are subject to downward adjustment by up to 30% based upon total shareholder return relative to specified comparator groups.

Payouts of the Performance Units will be based on the achievement of goals related to Operating Ratio (“OR”) and Return On Assets (“ROA”), with each measure excluding nonrecurring items as disclosed in the Company’s financial statements. The 2016-2018 cycle will measure cumulative OR and average ROA from the beginning of 2016 through the end of 2018. OR and ROA will each comprise 50% of the total payout opportunity for participants and each will be measured independently of the other.

OR is defined as operating expense divided by operating revenue. ROA will be calculated using tax-adjusted operating income divided by net property, which is defined as gross property less accumulated depreciation.

Pursuant to the long term incentive program, Restricted Stock Units and Stock Options were also awarded on February 10, 2016 as set forth next to each executive’s name in the table below. The Restricted Stock Units and Stock Options will vest on February 10, 2019, assuming the completion of the three-year vesting period. The Restricted Stock Units will be settled by delivery of a number of shares of CSX common stock equal to the number of Restricted Stock Units granted. If unexercised, the Stock Options will expire on February 10, 2026.


Executive   

Performance

Units

  

Restricted Stock

Units

   Stock Options

Michael J. Ward

   174,554    87,277    495,595

Clarence W. Gooden

   48,487    24,244    137,665

Fredrik J. Eliasson

   38,790    19,395    110,132

Frank A. Lonegro

   29,092    14,546    82,599

Cindy M. Sanborn

   38,790    19,395    110,132

Ellen M. Fitzsimmons

   29,092    14,546    82,599

Lisa A. Mancini

   23,274    11,637    66,079

The number of Performance Units and Restricted Stock Units was based on the average closing price of CSX common stock for November 2015, December 2015 and January 2016 of $25.78. The number of Stock Options was calculated based on the Black-Scholes value of $4.54, which was determined using the average closing price of CSX common stock for November 2015, December 2015 and January 2016 of $25.78.

The foregoing description of the awards made pursuant to the long term incentive program and the Plan is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Plan, the form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement and the form of Stock Option Agreement, which are attached hereto as Exhibit 10.1, 10.2 and 10.3, respectively, and incorporated herein by reference.

On February 9, 2016, the Compensation Committee also took the following actions, effective as of that date.

The Compensation Committee approved an increase in base salary for Ellen M. Fitzsimmons, Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, from $550,000 to $625,000. Her short-term incentive opportunity will remain equal to 80% of her annual base salary. Ms. Fitzsimmons will also continue to be eligible to receive long-term equity incentive awards (in the form of Performance Units, Restricted Stock Units and Stock Options) with a targeted value of $1.5 million.

In conjunction with Lisa A. Mancini’s promotion from Senior Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer to Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer, the Compensation Committee approved an increase in her annual base salary from $500,000 to $550,000. Ms. Mancini’s short-term incentive opportunity will remain equal to 80% of her annual base salary. Ms. Mancini will also continue to be eligible to receive long-term equity incentive awards (in the form of Performance Units, Restricted Stock Units and Stock Options) with a targeted value of $1.2 million.


Also on February 9, 2016, in connection with his previously announced promotion to Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Frank A. Lonegro and the Company entered into a Change of Control Agreement pursuant to which Mr. Lonegro will be entitled to 2.99 times his annual base salary plus target bonus in the event he (i) is terminated other than for cause, (ii) resigns for good reason or (iii) experiences a constructive termination, in each case within three years of a change in control of the Company. The foregoing description of the change of control agreement does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the form of Change of Control Agreement, which is attached as Exhibit 10.4 and incorporated herein by reference.

The Compensation Committee also approved three additional $500,000 Restricted Stock grants for each of Frederik J. Eliasson, Executive Vice President and Chief Sales and Marketing Officer; Frank A. Lonegro, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer; and Cindy M. Sanborn, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company’s principal operating subsidiary, CSX Transportation, Inc. Each of these grants will vest on February 10, 2021. The foregoing description of the Restricted Stock grants does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the form of Restricted Stock Agreement, which is attached hereto as Exhibit 10.5 and incorporated herein by reference.

The Board of Directors also approved an increase in the long-term incentive equity award value for Michael J. Ward, the Company’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, from $7 million to $9 million, effective February 10, 2016.

 

Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(d) The following exhibits are being filed as part of this report:

 

10.1    CSX 2016-2018 Long Term Incentive Plan
10.2    Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement
10.3    Form of Stock Option Agreement
10.4    Form of Change of Control Agreement
10.5    Form of Restricted Stock Agreement


SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

 

CSX CORPORATION
By:  

/s/ Carolyn T. Sizemore

Name:   Carolyn T. Sizemore
Title:  

Vice President and Controller

(Principal Accounting Officer)

DATE: February 16, 2016


EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit No.    Description
10.1    CSX 2016-2018 Long Term Incentive Plan
10.2    Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement
10.3    Form of Stock Option Agreement
10.4    Form of Change of Control Agreement
10.5    Form of Restricted Stock Agreement

Exhibit 10.1

CSX Long Term Incentive Plan

2016-2018 Cycle

Purpose and Objective

The CSX Long Term Incentive Plan (“LTIP” or the “Plan”) is the vehicle under which CSX Corporation (“CSX” or “Company”) issues Performance Grants, as described in the CSX Stock and Incentive Award Plan, referred to herein as Performance Units. The Performance Units are issued pursuant to, and are subject to the terms (including defined terms) and conditions of, the CSX Stock and Incentive Award Plan. Under the LTIP, a Performance Unit represents the right to receive a share of CSX common stock. The purpose of the LTIP is to reward eligible employees for their contribution to the attainment of improved operating performance and asset utilization which is intended to result in increased total shareholder return. As described below in the Plan Design section, grants of Performance Units are approved by the Compensation Committee of CSX’s Board of Directors (the “Committee”).

The Company seeks to motivate and reward employees through the issuance of Performance Units. Performance Units are settled upon certification of the Company’s achievement of predetermined levels of: (i) Operating Ratio; and (ii) Return on Assets during the Performance Period (as defined below). The payments are referred to as Performance Awards at the time of payment, and are payable in the form of CSX common stock.

Effective Date and Performance Period

The 2016-2018 LTIP Cycle (the “2016-2018 Cycle” or “Cycle”) commences February 10, 2016 (“the Effective Date”) and ends December 28, 2018. The Performance Period, the time during which Company performance is measured, commences December 26, 2015 and ends December 28, 2018.

Eligibility and Participation

Active employees of CSX or participating subsidiaries (the “Company” or collectively, the “Companies”) in salary Band 06 and above as of the Effective Date (“Participants”) are eligible to participate in the Plan for the 2016-2018 LTIP Cycle and receive a number of Performance Units determined by reference to a dollar denominated long-term incentive compensation value approved by the Committee. The Performance Unit schedule is maintained by the Plan Administrator. Awards will not be prorated for employees hired or promoted into and within Band 06 and above after the Effective Date.


Plan Design

Under CSX’s long-term incentive compensation program design, the Committee approves the annual competitive dollar value of long-term incentive compensation for Participants primarily based upon Band. 1 For 2016, the long-term incentive compensation value is allocated as follows: Performance Units (50%), Restricted Stock Units (25%) and Stock Options (25%). Restricted Stock Units and Stock Options are provided in separate grants.

The number of Performance Units an employee receives is calculated by dividing 50% of the dollar value of the long-term incentive compensation mentioned above by the average closing price of CSX common stock during the most recent three full months preceding the Effective Date. For the 2016-2018 Cycle, the average stock price equaled $25.78, representing the months of November 2015, December 2015 and January 2016. This price is used solely to determine the number of Performance Units granted to each Participant at the commencement of the Cycle.

Performance Measures

The Plan uses a combination of (i) Operating Ratio (“OR”) and (ii) Return on Assets (“ROA”) as the performance measures, excluding non-recurring items as disclosed in the Company’s financial statements. OR and ROA have been selected as performance measures because of their high correlation to shareholder returns. Efforts to improve these measures align CSX’s business objectives in a way that allows individuals to translate personal actions to desired performance outcomes. Each Plan Participant should be motivated to grow revenue, reduce expense, improve service, increase productivity, improve safety and increase asset utilization.

The measures are applied independently and weighted equally. Thus, if both target OR and target ROA are achieved, each measure would pay at 50% for a total payout of 100% of the grant value. If the maximum OR and maximum ROA are achieved then each measure would generate a 100% payout for a total payout at 200%.

 

  1. Operating Ratio : OR is defined as CSX Corporation operating expenses divided by operating revenue. Performance achievement for the Cycle is based on cumulative operating expenses and operating revenue for the Performance Period.

 

 

1   The Committee, at its sole discretion, may grant to a Participant a different long-term compensation dollar value than to other Participants within the same Band.

 

2


As the price of fuel has a significant impact on OR, fuel-adjusted OR targets will apply to the OR performance measure if the average highway diesel fuel (“HDF”) price per gallon for the Performance Period falls outside of a pre-determined range (“fuel collar”). The OR Charts in Exhibit A reflect the OR targets and related payout percentages at various HDF prices.

 

  2. Return on Assets : ROA is defined as Tax-Adjusted Operating Income divided by Net Properties.

 

Return on Assets

      =        Tax-Adjusted Operating Income
     Net Properties

Tax Adjusted Operating Income is determined by applying a 38% tax rate to Operating Income, which is based on the cumulative Operating Income during the Performance Period. Net Properties is equal to gross properties less accumulated depreciation calculated based on the quarterly average during the Performance Period.

The terms Operating Income, properties and accumulated depreciation shall be defined and measured as set forth in the Company’s financial statements at the end of the Cycle. The ROA chart in Exhibit A reflects the ROA targets and related payout percentages.

Performance Awards

As shown in the Performance Measure and Payout Percentage Table in Exhibit B, Performance Awards are paid as a percentage of a Participant’s Performance Units based upon the applicable measures discussed above. All Performance Awards will be paid in CSX common stock.

No Performance Award is earned under the Plan until the Compensation Committee approves the payout percentage based upon the level of achievement of the performance measures for the Cycle.

A Participant who commits an act involving moral turpitude that adversely affects the reputation or business of the Companies shall forfeit any Performance Units. Examples of acts of moral turpitude include, but are not limited to, dishonesty or fraud involving CSX or any affiliated company, their employees, vendors, or customers or a violation of the CSX Code of Ethics.

Participants subject to the Claw Back Provision contained herein, who violate any of the conditions included in paragraphs (i) – (v) of the Claw Back Provision below, shall forfeit all Performance Units.

 

3


Impact of Change in Employment Status

Performance Awards generally will be paid only to Participants who are actively employed by the Companies at the end of the applicable three-year performance cycle. Except as provided below, all other Participants whose employment terminates prior to the end of the Cycle shall forfeit any and all Performance Units and thus receive no Performance Award. All earned Performance Awards will be paid no later than March 15 following the end of the Cycle.

A Participant whose employment terminates due to death, disability or retirement shall be eligible to receive a pro-rata Performance Award under the LTIP based on the Performance Award the Participant would have received had there been no death, disability or retirement. The pro-rata Performance Award will be determined based upon the number of months of participation relative to the number of months in the Performance Period. Retirement shall mean: (i) the attainment of age 55 and 10 years of Company service; or (ii) the attainment of age 65. Disability shall mean long-term disability as defined in the long-term disability plan of the Company covering the Participant. In the case of death, such Performance Awards shall be paid to the Participant’s estate, or as otherwise required by law.

Participants who are part-time employees (less than 40 hours per week) during the 2016-2018 LTIP Cycle shall be entitled to a pro-rata Performance Award based on the reduced hours.

Taxation of Performance Awards

Performance Awards will be paid in shares of CSX common stock. The value received by the Participant is taxable income; therefore CSX is required to withhold income taxes at the prescribed rates for both supplemental income and employment taxes in accordance with applicable tax laws. CSX will withhold the minimum number of shares (in whole shares) equal in value to such required amount. No additional voluntary withholding amount is permitted. Participants in the CSX Executive Deferred Compensation Plan may defer receipt of Performance Awards in accordance with the terms of that plan.

Plan Administration

The CSX Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer shall be the Plan Administrator and shall interpret and construe the provisions of the Plan subject to the terms of the CSX Stock and Incentive Award Plan and the Compensation Committee’s authority and responsibility thereunder.

 

4


Plan Amendments and Termination

The Compensation Committee reserves the right to terminate, adjust, amend or suspend the Plan at any time at its sole discretion.

Clawback Provision

If a Participant receives a Performance Award, the following terms and conditions shall apply for the subsequent three-year period from the payout of the Performance Award (whether or not such Participant continues to be employed by the Company).

Noncompetition : Such Participant shall not

 

  (i) without written Company consent, work for a Class I railroad in a capacity similar to the function performed over the 5 years prior to termination; or for a customer or supplier for whom the Participant has had direct work responsibility in the prior 12 months in a capacity similar to the functions performed over the 5 years prior to termination;

 

  (ii) without written Company consent, solicit employees to work for a competitor in a capacity similar to such solicited employee’s capacity;

 

  (iii) without written Company consent, solicit the Companies’ customers on behalf of a competitor;

 

  (iv) without written Company consent, act in a manner adversarial or in any way contrary to the best interests of the Company; (for example, testifying as an expert witness or becoming associated with a union or law firm that takes positions adverse to the Companies); or

 

  (v) fail to provide the Company with information or documentation showing compliance with conditions (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv) stated above, if requested by the Plan Administrator.

The Clawback provision discussed above applies only to Participants in Band 10 and above. If a Participant breaches any of the conditions set forth above in this Clawback provision, the Participant shall repay to the Company an amount equal to the value of the Performance Award. The value of the Performance Award is measured by the amount reported as income on Form W-2 for tax purposes. Any amount due hereunder shall be paid by the Participant within thirty (30) days of notice by the Company to the Participant that the Participant has breached a condition stated above.

The Clawback provision for noncompetition shall not survive any change in control event as defined in the CSX Stock Incentive Award Plan.

 

5


Company Financial Irregularities : In the event of Company accounting irregularities discovered within three years after receipt of payment in connection with a Performance Award, which requires the Company to restate its financial statements due to material noncompliance with any financial reporting requirements under applicable securities laws, the Participant shall repay all amounts in excess of the Performance Award the Participant should have received as determined under the restated financial statements.

The Clawback provision related to financial restatements applies only to Participants who are Section 16 officers at the time of the restatement.

In cases where all or part of the Performance Award is deferred under the CSX Executive Deferred Compensation Plan, breach of these conditions shall result in an immediate forfeiture of the portion deferred, including any earnings thereon from the date of deferral, in the amount needed to equal the applicable clawback amount.

Consideration for Noncompete Agreement

In consideration for eligibility under this 2016-2018 LTIP Cycle, Employees in Band 10 and above must enter into a noncompete agreement, if not already in effect, as prescribed and agreed to by CSX. Eligibility in the 2016-2018 LTIP Cycle for Employees in Band 10 and above is conditioned upon the existence of such noncompete agreement.

Miscellaneous

By accepting a Performance Award, the Participant authorizes the Company to withhold, to the extent permitted by law, any amount the Participant may otherwise owe to the Company in any other capacity whatsoever.

The adoption of the 2016-2018 Cycle of the LTIP does not imply any commitment to continue the Plan or any other long-term incentive compensation plan or program for any succeeding year or period. Neither the Plan, nor any Performance Unit, or Performance Award made under the Plan shall create any employment contract or relationship between the Companies and any Participant.

Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, Performance Units issued to “covered employees” under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code shall be treated in a manner intended to comply with Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Committee Discretion

The Compensation Committee may apply its discretion in order to reduce payouts to Executive Team members based on the Company’s relative Total Shareholder Return in accordance with Exhibit C. No upward discretion may be applied to LTIP payouts.

 

6

Exhibit 10.2

RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT GRANT AGREEMENT

This restricted stock unit Agreement is made and entered into as of <<grant date>>, by and between CSX Corporation (“CSX”), a Virginia corporation, and «First_Name» «Last_Name» (the “Participant”). CSX grants restricted stock units (“RSUs”) to encourage a long-term perspective and commitment from its employees.

In consideration of their mutual promises and undertakings, CSX and Participant mutually agree as follows:

 

  1. Award. In consideration of Participant’s continued and uninterrupted employment with CSX, or an Affiliate thereof, for the period from <<grant date>> through <<grant date -1>> (the “Restricted Period”), the Participant is hereby granted «RSUs» RSUs wherein each unit represents one share of CSX Corporation common stock, $1 par value (“CSX Stock”).

 

  2. Vesting.  The Restricted Stock Units shall fully vest on <<vest date>> upon Recipient’s completion of the Restricted Period, except as provided below in Section 5.

 

  3. Delivery of Shares and Holding Period.  Payment of vested RSUs will be made as soon as practicable after completion of the Restricted Period in the form of CSX Stock. If Recipient is a member of the Executive Team at the time of vesting, such shares may not be sold for a period of one year following vesting with the following exceptions: (i) after the Recipient terminates employment, (ii) for payment by Recipient of applicable withholding taxes, (iii) where Recipient sells shares in connection with a change in control event as defined by the CSX Stock and Incentive Award Plan, and (iv) a person or entity that acquires the shares from the Recipient by will or the laws of descent and distribution.

 

  4. CSX Stock and Incentive Award Plan.   The grant hereunder is made under the CSX Stock and Incentive Award Plan (the “Plan”), the provisions of which (including defined terms) are hereby incorporated by reference except as otherwise provided specifically herein.

 

  5. Termination of Employment. In the event of a termination of Participant’s employment before the end of the Restricted Period for any reason other than death, disability or retirement, all RSUs shall be terminated. In the event of a termination of Participant’s employment before the end of the Restricted Period by reason of Participant’s death or disability, full and immediate vesting shall apply, and CSX Stock shall be issued as soon as practicable following such event. In the event of a termination of Participant’s employment before the end of the Restricted Period by reason of retirement, pro rata vesting shall apply, and CSX Stock shall be issued at the end of the Restricted Period. The pro rata computation will be determined based upon the number of months of employment completed during the Restricted Period.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Participant’s employment is terminated by reason of Retirement before the expiration of the Restricted Period and the Participant “Engages in Competing Employment” prior to expiration of the Restricted Period, then the RSUs shall be terminated without further obligation on the part of CSX or any Affiliate. A Participant Engages in Competing Employment if the Participant works for or provides services for any “Competitor,” on the Participant’s own behalf or on behalf of others, including, but not limited to, as a consultant, independent contractor, owner, officer, partner or employee. For this purpose, a Competitor is any entity in the same line of business as the Corporation in North American markets in which the Corporation competes.

For purposes of this Agreement, retirement shall mean the attainment of age 55 and 10 years of service with the Company or an Affiliate, or attainment of age 65. Disability shall mean the Participant’s becoming disabled within the meaning of the long-term disability plan of the Company covering the Participant.


Any RSUs granted to the Participant that do not vest under the terms of this Agreement shall be terminated.

 

  6. Dividend Equivalents. During the Restricted Period, CSX will pay to Participant, based upon the number of RSUs granted, an amount equal to dividends (“Dividend Equivalents”) declared and payable on the CSX Stock subject to applicable withholding taxes. The Dividend Equivalents will be taxed as compensation. In the event of retirement prior to the end of the Restricted Period, Participant shall receive Dividend Equivalents on the pro-rated number of shares throughout the remaining portion of the Restricted Period.

 

  7. Withholding of Tax. Participant shall be solely responsible for any and all federal, state and local taxes that may be imposed on the Participant as a result of the vesting of the RSU grant, the receipt of CSX Stock, and receipt of dividend equivalents. CSX is required to withhold income taxes at the prescribed supplemental income and employment tax rates at the time such taxes are due. Upon issuance of CSX stock, CSX will withhold the minimum number of whole shares equal in value to such required withholding amount. No additional voluntary withholding amount is permitted.

 

  8. Assignment of Restricted Stock Units Prohibited. The RSUs may not be sold, assigned, pledged, exchanged, hypothecated or otherwise transferred, encumbered or disposed of.

 

  9. Shareholder Rights.   The RSUs shall confer no other shareholder rights upon the Participant except as provided herein unless and until such time as the award has been settled by the issuance of CSX Stock to the Participant.

 

  10. Not a Contract of Employment or Right to Future Awards.  Nothing in this Agreement shall be interpreted or construed to create a contract of employment between the Company and the Participant or a right to receive equity awards in the future. This Agreement is intended solely to provide Participant an incentive to continue existing employment.

 

  11. Section 409A . Participant understands and agrees that all payments made pursuant to this Agreement are intended to be exempt or comply with Section 409A of the Code, and shall be interpreted on a basis consistent with such intent.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of <<grant date>>.

 

PARTICIPANT:       CSX CORPORATION

 

    By:  

 

«First_Name» «Last_Name»       Michael J. Ward
Employee Number: «EmpID»       Chairman, President
      Chief Executive Officer
Date:  

 

     


Please print, sign and return both pages of agreement to:

Compensation@csx.com

or

CSX Executive Compensation :

500 Water Street – J905

Jacksonville, FL 32202

2016

Exhibit 10.3

 

LOGO

CSX CORPORATION

Notice of Non-Qualified Stock Option Grant

 

Name of Participant:

  

[Name]

Employee ID:    [ID #]
Number of Options Granted:    [# options granted]
Grant Date:    February 10, 2016
Option Exercise Price:    $24.13
Vesting Date:    February 10, 2019
Expiration Date:    February 10, 2026
Grant Number    [Grant #]

CSX Corporation (“CSX”) has granted to you non-qualified stock options (“Options”) to purchase CSX common stock. Your grant has been made pursuant to CSX’s 2010 Stock and Incentive Award Incentive Plan (the “Plan”), which, together with the terms contained in this Notice and stock option agreement attached hereto as Exhibit A (the “Option Agreement), sets forth terms and conditions of your grant and is incorporated herein by reference. A copy of the Plan is available on the CSX Gateway within the Long Term Incentives Portal under Team Sites.   You should review the terms of the Notice, Option Agreement and the Plan carefully. CSX reserves the right to terminate, change or amend the Plan at any time. Receipt of this grant does not obligate CSX to make any additional grants to you.

Your Option, or a portion thereof, may be subject to forfeiture if you terminate employment as set forth in the attached Option Agreement.

You agree that the attached Option Agreement is governed by the terms and conditions of the Plan. Unless defined in this Option Agreement, capitalized terms shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Plan.

The Company and you have executed this Option Agreement as of the Date of Grant set forth above.

 

CSX

    PARTICIPANT

 

   

 

Name:

 

Michael J. Ward

   

Name:

 

Title:

 

Chairman and CEO

     


Attachments: Exhibit A (Terms and Conditions)


EXHIBIT A

OPTION AGREEMENT: TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Vesting:

The Options may be exercised only when vested. Except in the case of Retirement, Disability or death, the Options will vest and become exercisable on February 10, 2019. In the event of Participant’s Retirement, Disability or death, a prorated portion of the Options will vest on February 10, 2019.

Termination of Employment Requirements:

 

  (a) Retirement, Disability, death.   In the event of the Participant’s separation from employment due to Retirement, Disability or death, the Participant or designated Beneficiary or estate will have until the Expiration Date to exercise any vested Options.

 

  (b) Termination for Cause.   If the Participant’s employment is terminated for Cause, as defined in the Plan, all rights under the Options shall lapse and terminate immediately.

 

  (c) Resignation or Other Terminations.   Except as otherwise provided in Section 20 of the Plan, if the Participant separates from employment for any reason other than Retirement, Disability or death, Participant will have 60 days after separation from employment to exercise any Options that are vested at separation from employment. If the Participant voluntarily resigns from employment prior to becoming Retirement eligible, any then unvested Options shall lapse and terminate immediately.

 

  (d) Definitions. Retirement shall mean the attainment of age 55 with a minimum of 10 years of service or the attainment of age 65. Disability shall mean long term disability as defined in the company’s long term disability plan covering the Participant.

Exercise:

Participant may exercise these Options, in whole or in part, to purchase a whole number of vested shares at any time by following the exercise procedures below. All exercises must take place before the Expiration Date, or such earlier dates as established by the Notice, Option Agreement or the Plan, or such Options shall otherwise lapse.

Options may be exercised by: (i) paying cash, (ii) executing a “cashless” exercise, or (iii) executing a “cashless” exercise and “hold” transaction.

Non-Transferability:

The Options may not be assigned, sold or transferred by the Participant other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution, and are exercisable during Participant’s life only by the Participant.

Change in Control:

In the event of a Change in Control in which the Company is not the successor or acquiring company or a direct or indirect parent entity of the successor or acquiring company (the “Surviving Company”) and the Surviving Company does not arrange to continue or convert the Option or grant a Substitute Award, as provided under Section 20 of the Plan, the Company may, without the Participant’s consent, elect to provide any one or more of the following:

 

  (a) The Option shall be terminated as of the Change in Control in exchange for a payment in cash and/or securities equal to the amount, if any, by which the Fair Market Value of the shares underlying the Option exceeds the Option Exercise Price;

 

February 10, 2016

1


  (b) The Option shall become immediately and fully exercisable as of a date prior to the Change in Control, to the extent not previously exercised or terminated, and shall be terminated as of the Change in Control; or

 

  (c) To the extent that the Option Exercise Price exceeds the Fair Market Value of the shares underlying the Option as of the Change in Control, the Option shall lapse and terminate as of the Change in Control.

Severability:

If any terms and conditions herein are, become, or are deemed to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, such provision shall be construed or deemed amended or limited in scope to conform to applicable laws or, in the discretion of the Company, it shall be stricken and the remainder of the terms and conditions shall remain in force and effect.

Choice of Law; Jurisdiction:

All questions pertaining to the construction, regulation, validity, and effect of the terms and conditions shall be determined in accordance with the laws of the state of Florida, without regard to the conflict of laws doctrine.

Restrictions on Resales of Shares Acquired Pursuant to Option Exercise:

The Company may impose such restrictions, conditions or limitations as it deems appropriate as to the timing and manner of any resales by the Participant or other subsequent transfers by the Participant of any Common Stock issued as a result of the exercise of the Option, including without limitation (a) restrictions under an insider trading policy, (b) restrictions designed to delay and/or coordinate the timing and manner of sales by Participant and other option-holders and (c) restrictions as to the use of a specified brokerage firm for such resales or other transfers.

Each Participant who is a Named Executive Officer on the date the Option is exercised must retain shares acquired on the exercise of the Option until the first anniversary of the exercise of the Option. However, the one-year restriction on transferability shall not apply: (i) after the Participant’s termination of employment from CSX and its Affiliates, (ii) to the surrender or exchange (actually or by attestation) of shares to exercise the Option, (iii) to the sale of shares in connection with the exercise of the Option in a “cashless” exercise and “hold” transaction, (iv) to the surrender (actually or by attestation), withholding or sale of shares to satisfy Applicable Withholding Taxes arising on the exercise of the Option, (v) to the sale of such shares in a Change in Control transaction or (vi) to a person or entity that acquires the shares from the Participant by will or the laws of descent and distribution. The term “Named Executive Officer” means an executive officer of CSX for whom compensation disclosure was required in CSX’s most recent proxy statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Nonqualified Stock Option:

The Option is intended to be a nonqualified stock option and is not intended to be an incentive stock option under Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended and will be interpreted accordingly.

Income Taxes:

An exercise of Options may generate federal and applicable state income and employment tax withholding obligations. The full purchase price of the shares being purchased through exercise of Options and the related withholding taxes for federal, state or local jurisdictions must be paid to CSX at the time of an exercise of Options. The Participant acknowledges that the Company shall have

 

February 10, 2016

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the right to deduct any taxes required to be withheld by law in connection with the exercise of the Option from any amounts payable by it to the Participant (including, without limitation, future cash wages).

 

February 10, 2016

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Exhibit 10.4

CSX CORPORATION

FORM OF CHANGE OF CONTROL AGREEMENT

AGREEMENT by and between CSX CORPORATION, a Virginia corporation (the “Company”), and                      (the “Executive”), dated as of the      day of              , 2016.

The Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”) has determined that it is in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders to ensure that the Company will have the continued dedication of the Executive, notwithstanding the possibility, threat or occurrence of a Change of Control (as defined below) of the Company. The Board believes it is imperative to diminish the inevitable distraction of the Executive by virtue of the personal uncertainties and risks created by a pending or threatened Change of Control and to encourage the Executive’s full attention and dedication to the Company currently and in the event of any threatened or pending Change of Control, and to provide the Executive with compensation and benefits arrangements upon a Change of Control which ensure that the compensation and benefits expectations of the Executive will be satisfied and which are competitive with those of other corporations. To accomplish these objectives, the Board has caused the Company to enter into this Agreement.

NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY AGREED AS FOLLOWS:

1. Certain Definitions.

a. “ Effective Date ” means the first date during the Term (as defined in Section 1(b)) on which a Change of Control (as defined in Section 2) occurs. Anything in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, if a Change of Control occurs, and (i) the Executive’s employment with the Company is terminated by the Company without Cause or (ii) the Executive ceases to be an officer of the Company in either case prior to the date on which the Change of Control occurs, and if it is reasonably demonstrated by the Executive that such termination of employment or cessation of status as an officer (i) was at the request of a third party who has taken steps reasonably calculated to effect such Change of Control or (ii) otherwise arose in connection with or anticipation of such Change of Control, then, in each such case, for all purposes of this Agreement “Effective Date” shall mean the date immediately prior to the date of such termination of employment or cessation of status as an officer.

b. The “ Term ” means the period commencing on the date hereof and ending on the earlier to occur of (i) May 6, 2017, (ii) retirement or (iii) termination of employment absent a Change of Control; provided , however , that the Term shall end on an earlier date if the Company gives the Executive at least one year’s advance written notice thereof.

2. Change of Control . For the purpose of this Agreement, a “Change of Control” shall mean:

a. Stock Acquisition . 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 13(d)-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) of 20% 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”);


provided , however , that for purposes of this subsection (a), the following acquisitions shall 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 subsection (c) of this Section 2; or

b. Board Composition . Individuals who, as of the date hereof, constitute the Board (the “Incumbent Board”) cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the Board; provided , however , that any individual becoming a director subsequent to such date whose election, or nomination for election by the Company’s shareholders, was approved by a vote of at least a majority of the directors then comprising the Incumbent Board shall be considered as though such individual were a member of the Incumbent Board, but excluding, for this purpose, 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 Board; or

c. Business Combination . Consummation of a reorganization, merger or consolidation or sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company or its principal subsidiary (a “Business Combination”) that is not subject, as a matter of law or contract, to approval by the Surface Transportation Board or any successor agency or regulatory body having jurisdiction over such transactions (the “Agency”), in each case, 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 50% 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 corporation resulting from such Business Combination (including, without limitation, a corporation which as a result of such transaction owns the Company or its principal subsidiary or all or substantially all of the assets of the Company or its principal subsidiary 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, 20% 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; or

d. Regulated Business Combination . Consummation of a Business Combination that is subject, as a matter of law or contract, to approval by the Agency (a “Regulated Business Combination”) unless such Business Combination complies with clauses (i), (ii) and (iii) of subsection (c) of this Section 2; or

e. Liquidation or Dissolution . Consummation of a complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company or its principal subsidiary approved by the Company’s shareholders.

 

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If any Change of Control is a Regulated Business Combination, but its implementation involves another “Change of Control” that is not a Regulated Business Combination within the meaning of this Section 2, then for all purposes of this Agreement, such Change of Control shall not be deemed to be a Regulated Business Combination, the provisions governing a Regulated Business Combination shall not apply, and the provisions governing such other Change of Control shall apply.

3. Employment Period.

a. Generally . Subject to Section 3(b), the Company hereby agrees to continue the Executive in its employ, and the Executive hereby agrees to remain in the employ of the Company subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, for the period commencing on the Effective Date and ending on May 6, 2017 (the “Employment Period”).

b. Regulated Business Combination . Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the case of a Change of Control that is a Regulated Business Combination, then for all purposes of this Agreement, the “Employment Period” shall mean the longer of (i) the period commencing on the Effective Date and ending on May 6, 2017 or (ii) the period commencing on the Effective Date and ending twelve months following the effective date of a final decision by the Agency on the proposed Regulated Business Combination (“Final Regulatory Action”), provided , however , that (x) if the Final Regulatory Action is a denial of the Regulated Business Combination then for all purposes of this Agreement the “Employment Period” shall end upon the sixtieth (60th) day following such Final Regulatory Action and (y) if the Final Regulatory Action is an approval of the Regulated Business Combination, but the Regulated Business Combination is not consummated by the first anniversary of the Final Regulatory Action, then for all purposes of this Agreement the “Employment Period” shall end upon such first anniversary, of the Final Regulatory Action.

4. Terms of Employment.

a. Position and Duties . (i) During the Employment Period: (A) the Executive’s position (including status, offices, titles and reporting requirements), authority, duties and responsibilities shall be at least commensurate in all material respects with the most significant of those held, exercised and assigned at any time during the 120-day period immediately preceding the Effective Date, and (B) the Executive’s services shall be performed at the location where the Executive was employed immediately preceding the Effective Date or any office or location less than 35 miles from such location.

(ii) During the Employment Period, and excluding any periods of vacation and sick leave to which the Executive is entitled, Executive agrees during normal business hours to diligently discharge the business and affairs of the Company and, to the extent necessary to discharge the responsibilities assigned to the Executive hereunder, to use the Executive’s reasonable best efforts to perform faithfully and efficiently such responsibilities. During the Employment Period it shall not be a violation of this Agreement for the Executive to (A) serve on corporate, civic or charitable boards or committees, (B) deliver lectures, fulfill speaking engagements or teach at educational institutions and (C) manage personal investments, so long as such activities do not significantly interfere with the performance of the Executive’s responsibilities as an employee of the Company in accordance with this Agreement. It is expressly understood and agreed that to the extent that any such activities have been conducted by the Executive prior to the Effective Date, the continued conduct of such activities (or the conduct of activities similar in nature and scope thereto) subsequent to the Effective Date shall not thereafter be deemed to interfere with the performance of the Executive’s responsibilities to the Company.

 

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b. Compensation . (i)  Base Salary . During the Employment Period, the Executive shall receive an annual base salary (“Annual Base Salary”), which shall be paid at a monthly rate, at least equal to twelve times the highest monthly base salary paid or payable, including any base salary which has been earned but deferred, to the Executive by the Company and its affiliated companies in respect of the twelve-month period immediately preceding the month in which the Effective Date occurs. During the Employment Period, the Annual Base Salary shall be reviewed no more than 12 months after the last salary increase awarded to the Executive prior to the Effective Date and thereafter at least annually. Any increase in Annual Base Salary shall not serve to limit or reduce any other obligation to the Executive under this Agreement. Annual Base Salary shall not be reduced after any such increase, and the term Annual Base Salary as utilized in this Agreement shall refer to Annual Base Salary as so increased. Notwithstanding the preceding, an across-the-board reduction in Annual Base Salary applicable to all similarly situated peer executives implemented out of extreme business necessity and unrelated to a contemplated or anticipated Change of Control shall not be a violation of this section . As used in this Agreement, the term “affiliated companies” shall include any company controlled by, controlling or under common control with the Company.

(ii) Annual Bonus . In addition to Annual Base Salary, the Executive shall be eligible to earn, for each calendar year ending during the Employment Period, an annual bonus (the “Annual Bonus”) in cash, based on Company performance levels, not less favorable (in terms both of dollar amounts and difficulty of achievement) to the Executive than the Executive’s opportunity to earn such annual cash bonuses under the Company’s annual incentive plans, or any comparable bonus under any predecessor or successor plan, for the last three full calendar years prior to the Effective Date (annualized in the event that the Executive was not employed by the Company for the whole of such calendar year). Notwithstanding the preceding, an across-the-board reduction of minimum, target and maximum Annual Bonus opportunities applicable to all similarly situated peer executives implemented out of extreme business necessity and unrelated to a contemplated or anticipated Change of Control shall not be a violation of this section.   Each such Annual Bonus shall be paid no later than March 15 of the calendar year next following the calendar year for which the Annual Bonus is awarded, unless deferred pursuant to the terms of a deferred compensation plan maintained by the Company.

(iii) Incentive, Savings and Retirement Plans . During the Employment Period, the Executive shall be entitled to participate in all incentive, savings and retirement plans, practices, policies and programs applicable generally to other peer executives of the Company and its affiliated companies, but in no event shall such plans, practices, policies and programs provide the Executive with incentive opportunities (measured with respect to both regular and special incentive opportunities, to the extent, if any, that such distinction is applicable), savings opportunities and retirement benefit opportunities, in each case, less favorable, in the aggregate, than the most favorable of those provided by the Company and its affiliated companies for the Executive under such plans, practices, policies and programs as in effect at any time during the 120-day period immediately preceding the Effective Date or if more favorable to the Executive, those provided generally at any time after the Effective Date to other peer executives of the Company and its affiliated companies.

(iv) Welfare Benefit Plans . During the Employment Period, the Executive and/or the Executive’s family, as the case may be, shall be eligible for participation in and shall receive all benefits under welfare benefit plans, practices, policies and programs provided by the Company and its affiliated companies (including, without limitation, medical, prescription, dental, disability, employee life, group life, accidental

 

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death and travel accident insurance plans and programs) to the extent applicable generally to other peer executives of the Company and its affiliated companies, but in no event shall such plans, practices, policies and programs provide the Executive with benefits which are less favorable, in the aggregate, than the most favorable of such plans, practices, policies and programs in effect for the Executive at any time during the 120-day period immediately preceding the Effective Date or, if more favorable to the Executive, those provided generally at any time after the Effective Date to other peer executives of the Company and its affiliated companies.

(v) Expenses . During the Employment Period, the Executive shall be entitled to receive prompt reimbursement for all reasonable expenses incurred by the Executive in carrying out Executive’s duties hereunder, in accordance with the policies, practices and procedures of the Company and its affiliated companies in effect and applicable to the Executive at any time during the 120-day period immediately preceding the Effective Date or, if more favorable to the Executive, as in effect generally at any time thereafter with respect to other peer executives of the Company and its affiliated companies. Any required reimbursements shall be paid to Executive no later than the last day of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the underlying expense was incurred by the Executive, and the amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement during any year shall not affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement in any other year.

(vi) Fringe Benefits . During the Employment Period, the Executive shall be entitled to fringe benefits, in accordance with the most favorable plans, practices, programs and policies of the Company and its affiliated companies in effect for the Executive at any time during the 120-day period immediately preceding the Effective Date or, if more favorable to the Executive, as in effect generally at any time thereafter with respect to other peer executives of the Company and its affiliated companies.

(vii) Office and Support Staff . During the Employment Period, the Executive shall be entitled to an office or offices of a size and with furnishings and other appointments, and to exclusive personal secretarial and other assistance, at least equal to the most favorable of the foregoing provided to the Executive by the Company and its affiliated companies at any time during the 120-day period immediately preceding the Effective Date or, if more favorable to the Executive, as provided generally at any time thereafter with respect to other peer executives of the Company and its affiliated companies.

(viii) Vacation . During the Employment Period, the Executive shall be entitled to paid vacation in accordance with the most favorable plans, policies, programs and practices of the Company and its affiliated companies as in effect for the Executive at any time during the 120-day period immediately preceding the Effective Date or, if more favorable to the Executive, as in effect generally at any time thereafter with respect to other peer executives of the Company and its affiliated companies.

Notwithstanding Section 4(b)(iii)-(viii), benefits payable under a plan, practice, policy, or program that has been amended to reduce benefits or terminated within the 120-day period immediately preceding the Effective Date for reasons unrelated to affecting benefits due hereunder shall not be taken into account under such provisions. In the case of a plan, practice, policy or program amended to reduce benefits, only the higher pre-amendment benefit shall be disregarded.

5. Termination of Employment.

a. Death or Disability . The Executive’s employment shall terminate automatically upon the Executive’s death during the Employment Period. If the Company determines in good

 

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faith that the Disability of the Executive has occurred during the Employment Period (pursuant to the definition of Disability set forth below), it may give to the Executive written notice in accordance with Section 13(c) of this Agreement of its intention to terminate the Executive’s employment. In such event, the Executive’s employment with the Company shall terminate effective on the 30th day after receipt of such notice by the Executive (the “Disability Effective Date”), provided that, within the 30 days after such receipt, the Executive shall not have returned to full-time performance of the Executive’s duties. For purposes of this Agreement, “Disability” shall mean the absence of the Executive from the Executive’s duties with the Company on a full-time basis for 180 consecutive business days as a result of the Executive’s inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity due to mental or physical illness which is determined to be total and permanent by a physician selected by the Company or its insurers and acceptable to the Executive or the Executive’s legal representative. Executive agrees to cooperate with the Company and the selected physician so that such determination can be made.

b. Cause . The Company may terminate the Executive’s employment during the Employment Period for Cause. For purposes of this Agreement, “Cause” shall mean:

(i) the willful and continued failure of the Executive to perform substantially the Executive’s duties with the Company or one of its affiliates (other than any such 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 or the Chief Executive Officer of the Company, which specifically identifies the manner in which the Chief Executive Officer believes that the Executive has not substantially performed the Executive’s duties,

(ii) the willful engaging by the Executive in illegal conduct or gross misconduct which is materially and demonstrably injurious to the Company, or

(iii) the violation of any Company policy by Executive, or the commission by Executive of an act involving moral turpitude, in each case, that adversely affects the reputation or business of the Company or any affiliate.

For purposes of this provision, no act or failure to act, on the part of the Executive, shall be considered “willful” unless it is done, or omitted to be done, by the Executive in bad faith or without reasonable belief that the Executive’s action or omission was in the best interests of the Company. Any act, or failure to act, based upon authority given pursuant to a resolution duly adopted by the Board or upon the instructions of the Chief Executive Officer or a senior officer of the Company or based upon the advice of counsel for the Company shall 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. The cessation of employment of the Executive shall not be deemed to be for Cause unless and until there shall have been delivered to the Executive a copy of a resolution duly adopted by the affirmative vote of not less than three-quarters of the entire membership of the Board at a meeting of the Board called and held for such purpose (after reasonable notice is provided to the Executive and the Executive is given an opportunity, together with counsel, to be heard before the Board), finding that, in the good faith opinion of the Board, the Executive is guilty of the conduct described in subparagraph (i) or (ii) above, and specifying the particulars thereof in detail.

 

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c. Good Reason . The Executive’s employment may be terminated by the Executive during the Employment Period for Good Reason. For purposes of this Section 5(c), any good faith determination of “Good Reason” made by the Executive shall be conclusive. For purposes of this Agreement, “Good Reason” shall mean:

(i) the assignment to the Executive of any duties inconsistent in any respect with the Executive’s position (including status, offices, titles and reporting requirements), authority, duties or responsibilities as contemplated by Section 4(a) of this Agreement, or any other diminution in such position, authority, duties or responsibilities, excluding for this purpose an isolated, insubstantial and inadvertent action not taken in bad faith and which is remedied by the Company promptly after receipt of notice thereof given by the Executive;

(ii) any failure by the Company to comply with any of the provisions of Section 4(b) of this Agreement, other than an isolated, insubstantial and inadvertent failure not occurring in bad faith and which is remedied by the Company promptly after receipt of notice thereof given by the Executive;

(iii) the Company’s requiring the Executive to be based at any office or location other than as provided in Section 4(a)(i)(B) hereof or the Company’s requiring the Executive to travel on Company business to a materially greater extent than required immediately prior to the Effective Date, in either case without the Executive’s prior consent;

(iv) any purported termination by the Company of the Executive’s employment otherwise than as expressly permitted by this Agreement; or

(v) any failure by the Company to comply with and satisfy Section 12(c) of this Agreement.

d. Regulated Business Combination . Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the case of a Change of Control that is a Regulated Business Combination, then for all purposes of this Agreement, during that portion of the Employment Period prior to Final Regulatory Action, the Executive may not exercise his or her rights to terminate the Executive’s employment under this Agreement for “Good Reason.” During such period, the Executive may only terminate his or her employment under this Agreement and receive benefits under Section 6 if the Executive is “Constructively Terminated” by the Company. Moreover, except to the extent expressly set forth in the definition of “Constructive Termination,” the Executive shall have no remedy for any breach by the Company of the provisions of Section 4; provided , however , that any failure of the Company to comply in any material respect with the provisions of Section 4 shall create a rebuttable presumption that a Constructive Termination has occurred.

For purposes of this Agreement, a “Constructive Termination” shall mean:

(i) substantial diminution of the Executive’s duties or responsibilities as contemplated by Section 4(a) of this Agreement, excluding for this purpose an isolated, insubstantial and inadvertent action not taken in bad faith and which is remedied by the Company promptly after receipt of notice thereof given by the Executive;

(ii) a reduction in the Executive’s Annual Base Salary;

(iii) a failure by the Company to comply with Section 4(b)(ii) regarding the Annual Bonus;

(iv) a reduction in the Executive’s other incentive opportunities, benefits or perquisites described in Section 4(b) unless the Executive’s peer executives suffer a comparable reduction;

(v) the Company’s requiring the Executive to be based at any office or location other than as provided in Section 4(a)(i)(B) hereof or the Company’s requiring

 

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the Executive to travel on Company business to a materially greater extent than required immediately prior to the Effective Date, in either case without the Executive’s prior consent; or

(vi) any purported termination by the Company of the Executive’s employment otherwise than for Cause or Disability.

During that portion of the Employment Period after Final Regulatory Action, the Executive may terminate his or her employment under this Agreement for “Good Reason.”

e. Notice of Termination . Any termination by the Company for Cause, or by the Executive for Good Reason or Constructive Termination, shall be communicated by Notice of Termination to the other party hereto given in accordance with Section 13(c) of this Agreement. For purposes of this Agreement, a “Notice of Termination” means a written notice which (i) indicates the specific termination provision in this Agreement relied upon, (ii) to the extent applicable, sets forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of the Executive’s employment under the provision so indicated, and (iii) if the Date of Termination (as defined below) is other than the date of receipt of such notice, specifies the termination date (which date shall be not more than thirty days after the giving of such notice). The failure by the Executive or the Company to set forth in the Notice of Termination any fact or circumstance which contributes to a showing of Good Reason, Cause or Constructive Termination shall not waive any right of the Executive or the Company, respectively, hereunder or preclude the Executive or the Company, respectively, from asserting such fact or circumstance in enforcing the Executive’s or the Company’s rights hereunder.

f. Date of Termination . “Date of Termination” means (i) if the Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company for Cause, or by the Executive for Good Reason or Constructive Termination, the date of receipt of the Notice of Termination or any later date specified therein, as the case may be, (ii) if the Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company other than for Cause or Disability, the Date of Termination shall be the date on which the Company notifies the Executive of such termination, and (iii) if the Executive’s employment is terminated by reason of death or Disability, the Date of Termination shall be the date of death of the Executive or the Disability Effective Date, as the case may be. For purposes of any benefit to be provided or any amount payable under this Agreement that is subject to Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), termination of employment shall not be deemed to occur unless it is reasonably expected that Executive will provide no further services to the Company or its affiliates, as defined in Section 414(b) or (c) of the Code, or that the level of bona fide services will drop to 20% or less of the average level of services provided by Executive over the thirty-six (36) months preceding Executive’s termination of employment. If Executive continues to provide bona fide services to the Company or any of its affiliates at a level that is more than 20% of the average level of services provided by Executive over such thirty-six (36) month period, then Executive shall be deemed not to have experienced a termination of employment.

6. Obligations of the Company upon Termination.

a. Without Cause, Good Reason or Constructive Termination . If, during the Employment Period, the Company shall terminate the Executive’s employment other than for Cause or Disability or the Executive shall terminate employment for Good Reason or Constructive Termination, then the Company shall provide the following payments and benefits:

(i) The Company shall pay to the Executive in a lump sum in cash within 30 days after the Date of Termination the aggregate of (A), plus (B), plus (C), plus (D) as follows:

A. the sum of (1) the Executive’s Annual Base Salary through the Date of Termination to the extent not theretofore paid and (2) any accrued vacation pay, in each case to the extent not theretofore paid (the sum of the amounts described in clauses (1) and (2) shall be hereinafter referred to as the “Accrued Obligations”); and

 

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B. an amount equal to the product of (1) 2.99 and (2) the sum of (x) the Executive’s Annual Base Salary in effect on the date of Executive’s termination of employment (or, if greater, the Executive’s Annual Base Salary in effect immediately before any salary reduction therein triggering the event leading to Executive’s termination) and (y) the Target Bonus; and

C. an amount equal to 100% of the estimated aggregate cost of the benefits to be provided to Executive under Section 6(a)(ii) for the three year period during which such benefits may be provided to Executive, as determined by the Company in good faith (which determination shall be final and binding); and

D. the product of (x) the Annual Bonus the Executive would have received for the year of termination (based upon the Executive’s target opportunity and the annual incentive plan’s achievement percentage) had the Executive remained employed for the entire performance period to which such Annual Bonus relates and (y) a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days in the current calendar year through the Date of Termination, and the denominator of which is 365.

The amounts set forth in (A), (B) and (C) shall be paid to the Executive in a lump sum in cash within 30 days after the Date of Termination. The amount set forth in (D) shall be paid following completion of the relevant performance period at the same time Annual Bonuses are normally paid pursuant to the terms of the applicable plan.

In the event that Executive is a “specified employee” within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code (as determined by the Company or its delegate), any payments hereunder subject to Section 409A of the Code shall not be paid or provided until the earlier of (A) the Executive’s death, or (B) the expiration of the 6-month period following Executive’s termination of employment (the “Delay Period”). Any payments that are delayed by virtue of this subparagraph shall (I) be paid in one payment at the conclusion of the Delay Period and (II) include interest computed at five percent (5%) per annum for the duration of the Delay Period.

(ii) For three years after the Executive’s Date of Termination, or such longer period as may be provided by the terms of the appropriate plan, program, practice or policy, the Company shall continue medical, group life, and disability benefits to the Executive and/or the Executive’s family equal to those which would have been provided to them in accordance with the plans, programs, practices and policies described in Section 4(b)(iv) of this Agreement if the Executive’s employment had not been terminated or, if more favorable to the Executive, as in effect generally at any time thereafter with respect to other peer executives of the Company and its affiliated companies and their families; provided, however, that any such benefits that are fully insured will only be provided to the extent the underlying insurance policy provides or can be amended to provide coverage for such benefits, and provided further, that if the Executive becomes reemployed with another employer and is eligible to receive medical, group life, or disability benefits under another employer-provided plan, then the medical, group life, or disability benefits described herein shall be secondary to those provided under such other plan during such applicable period of eligibility. With respect to any benefits provided to Executive under this Section 6(a)(ii), the Executive

 

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shall pay one hundred percent of the cost of such coverage (one hundred two percent with respect to medical benefits) on an after-tax basis. In the event medical coverage is provided under the Company’s existing plan, any COBRA continuation coverage obligation under Section 4980B of the Code will run concurrently with the benefits provided hereunder.

(iii) The Company shall during the period commencing on the Date of Termination and ending on the last day of the second calendar year following the calendar year in which Executive’s termination of employment occurred, at its sole expense as incurred, provide the Executive with outplacement services, the scope and provider of which shall be selected by the Executive in his or her sole discretion, but at a cost not in excess of $20,000.

(iv) To the extent not theretofore paid or provided, the Company shall timely pay or provide to the Executive any other amounts or benefits required to be paid or provided or which the Executive is eligible to receive under any plan, program, policy or practice or contract or agreement of the Company and its affiliated companies, including earned but unpaid stock and similar compensation and any annual or long-term incentive compensation earned with respect to a performance period completed prior to the Executive’s termination date but not yet fully paid as of such termination date (such other amounts and benefits shall be hereinafter referred to as the “Other Benefits”).

b.  Death . If the Executive’s employment is terminated by reason of the Executive’s death during the Employment Period, this Agreement shall terminate without further obligations to the Executive’s legal representatives under this Agreement, other than for payment of Accrued Obligations and the timely payment or provision of Other Benefits. Accrued Obligations shall be paid to the Executive’s estate or beneficiary, as applicable, in a lump sum in cash within 30 days of the Date of Termination. With respect to the provision of Other Benefits, the term Other Benefits as utilized in this Section 6(b) shall include, without limitation, and the Executive’s estate and/or beneficiaries shall be entitled to receive, benefits at least equal to the most favorable benefits provided by the Company and affiliated companies to the estates and beneficiaries of peer executives of the Company and such affiliated companies under such plans, programs, practices and policies relating to death benefits, if any, as in effect with respect to other peer executives and their beneficiaries at any time during the 120-day period immediately preceding the Effective Date or, if more favorable to the Executive’s estate and/or the Executive’s beneficiaries, as in effect on the date of the Executive’s death with respect to other peer executives of the Company and its affiliated companies and their beneficiaries. Notwithstanding the preceding, benefits payable under a plan, practice, policy, or program that has been amended to reduce benefits or terminated within the 120-day period immediately preceding the Effective Date for reasons unrelated to affecting benefits due hereunder shall not be taken into account. In the case of a plan, practice, policy or program amended to reduce benefits, only the higher pre-amendment benefit shall be disregarded.

c.  Disability . If the Executive’s employment is terminated by reason of the Executive’s Disability during the Employment Period, this Agreement shall terminate without further obligations to the Executive, other than for payment of Accrued Obligations and the timely payment or provision of Other Benefits. Accrued Obligations shall be paid to the Executive in a lump sum in cash within 30 days of the Date of Termination. With respect to the provision of Other Benefits, the term Other Benefits as utilized in this Section 6(c) shall include, and the Executive shall be entitled after the Disability Effective Date to receive, disability and other benefits at least equal to the most favorable of those generally provided by the Company and its affiliated companies to disabled executives and/or their families in accordance with such plans, programs, practices and policies relating to disability, if any, as in effect generally with respect to other peer executives and their families at any time during the 120-day period immediately preceding the Effective Date or, if more favorable to the Executive and/or the

 

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Executive’s family, as in effect at any time thereafter generally with respect to other peer executives of the Company and its affiliated companies and their families. Notwithstanding the preceding benefits payable under a plan, practice, policy, or program that has been amended to reduce benefits or terminated within the 120-day period immediately preceding the Effective Date for reasons unrelated to affecting benefits due hereunder shall not be taken into account. In the case of a plan, practice, policy or program amended to reduce benefits, only the higher pre-amendment benefit shall be disregarded.

d.  Cause; Other than for Good Reason or Constructive Termination . If the Executive’s employment shall be terminated for Cause during the Employment Period, this Agreement shall terminate without further obligations to the Executive other than the obligation to pay to the Executive (x) the Executive’s Annual Base Salary through the Date of Termination, and (y) Other Benefits, in each case to the extent theretofore unpaid. If the Executive voluntarily terminates employment during the Employment Period, excluding a termination for Good Reason or Constructive Termination, this Agreement shall terminate without further obligations to the Executive, other than for Accrued Obligations and the timely payment or provision of Other Benefits. In such case, all Accrued Obligations shall be paid to the Executive in a lump sum in cash within 30 days of the Date of Termination.

7.  Non-exclusivity of Rights. Nothing in this Agreement shall prevent or limit the Executive’s continuing or future participation in any plan, program, policy or practice provided by the Company or any of its affiliated companies for which the Executive may qualify, nor, subject to Section 13(g), shall anything herein limit or otherwise affect such rights as the Executive may have under any contract or agreement with the Company or any of its affiliated companies. Amounts which are vested benefits or which the Executive is otherwise entitled to receive under any plan, policy, practice or program of or any contract or agreement with the Company or any of its affiliated companies at or subsequent to the Date of Termination shall be payable in accordance with such plan, policy, practice or program or contract or agreement except as explicitly modified by this Agreement.

8.  Full Settlement. The Company’s obligation to make the payments provided for in this Agreement and otherwise to perform its obligations hereunder shall not be affected by any set-off, counterclaim, recoupment, defense or other claim, right or action which the Company may have against the Executive or others. In no event shall the Executive be obligated to seek other employment or take any other action by way of mitigation of the amounts payable to the Executive under any of the provisions of this Agreement and such amounts shall not be reduced whether or not the Executive obtains other employment. The Company agrees to pay as incurred, to the full extent permitted by law, all legal fees and expenses which the Executive may reasonably incur as a result of any contest regardless of the outcome thereof by the Company, the Executive or others of the validity or enforceability of, or liability under, any provision of this Agreement or any guarantee of performance thereof (including as a result of any contest by the Executive about the amount of any payment pursuant to this Agreement), plus in each case interest on any delayed payment, at the applicable Federal rate provided for in Section 7872(f)(2)(A) of the Code; provided, that the Executive shall repay to the Company all such amounts paid by the Company, and shall not be entitled to any further payments hereunder, in connection with a contest originated by the Executive if the trier of fact in such contest determines that the Executive’s claim was not brought in good faith or was frivolous.

9.  Limitations on Payments by the Company.

a. Except as provided in Section 8, the Company shall determine whether to reduce any payment or distribution to be made by the Company to or for the benefit of the Executive (whether paid or payable or distributed or distributable pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or under another plan or arrangement) (a “Payment”) in accordance with paragraph (i) of this Section 9(a), or to make such Payments in full in accordance with paragraph (ii) of this Section 9(a).

(i) If any Payment or Payments would otherwise constitute an “excess parachute payment,” as defined in Section 280G of the Code, the Payment or Payments shall be reduced (but not below zero) to the largest amount that will result in no portion of the Payments being subject to the excise tax imposed under Section 4999 of the Code (the “Reduced Amount”).

(ii) Notwithstanding Section 9(a)(i), Executive shall receive full Payment if it is determined that the net after-tax benefit the Executive would receive, after taking into account both income taxes and any excise tax imposed under Section 4999 of the Code (“Excise Tax”), is greater than the net after-tax amount the Executive would receive based on the application of Section 9(a)(i). In this event, Executive shall be responsible for the payment of any Excise Tax.

 

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To the extent Payments are reduced pursuant to Section 9(a)(i), Payments shall be reduced by the Company in its reasonable discretion in the following order: (A) reduction of any cash payment, excluding any cash payment with respect to the acceleration of equity awards, that is otherwise payable to the Executive that is exempt from Section 409A of the Code, (B) reduction of any other payments or benefits otherwise payable to the Executive on a pro-rata basis or such other manner that complies with Section 409A of the Code and (C) reduction of any payment with respect to the acceleration of equity awards that is otherwise payable to the Executive that is exempt from Section 409A of the Code.

b. Subject to the provisions of Section 9(c), all determinations required to be made under this Section 9, including whether Executive will receive a Reduced Amount or full Payment and the assumptions to be utilized in arriving at such determination, shall be made by a certified public accounting firm, law firm, or other advisor as may be designated by the Company (the “Advisor”) which shall provide detailed supporting calculations both to the Company and the Executive at least 7 business days prior to the date any Payment is scheduled to be made or commence. In the event that the Advisor is serving as accountant or auditor for the individual, entity or group effecting the Change of Control, the Company shall appoint another recognized firm to make the determinations required hereunder (which firm shall then be referred to as the Advisor). All fees and expenses of the Advisor shall be borne solely by the Company. Any determination by the Advisor shall be binding upon the Company and the Executive. As a result of the uncertainty in the application of the Excise Tax at the time of the initial determination by the Advisor hereunder, it is possible that Payments which will not have been made by the Company should have been made (“Underpayment”), consistent with the calculations required to be made hereunder. The Advisor shall determine the amount of any Underpayment that has occurred and any such Underpayment shall be promptly paid by the Company to or for the benefit of the Executive.

c. If the Executive receives a Payment, the Executive shall notify the Company in writing of any claim by the Internal Revenue Service that, if successful, would require the payment by the Executive of an Excise Tax. Such notification shall be given as soon as practicable but no later than ten business days after the Executive is informed in writing of such claim and shall apprise the Company of the nature of such claim and the date on which such claim is requested to be paid. The Executive shall not pay such claim prior to the expiration of the 30-day period following the date on which it gives such notice to the Company (or such shorter period ending on the date that any payment of taxes with respect to such claim is due). If the Company notifies the Executive in writing prior to the expiration of such period that it desires to contest such claim, the Executive shall:

(i) give the Company any information reasonably requested by the Company relating to such claim,

(ii) take such action in connection with contesting such claim as the Company shall reasonably request in writing from time to time, including, without limitation, accepting legal representation with respect to such claim by an attorney reasonably selected by the Company,

 

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(iii) cooperate with the Company in good faith in order to effectively contest such claim, and

(iv) permit the Company to participate in any proceedings relating to such claim;

provided , however , that the Company shall bear and pay directly all costs and expenses (including additional interest and penalties) incurred in connection with such contest and shall indemnify and hold the Executive harmless, on an after-tax basis, for any unintended tax liability (including interest and penalties with respect thereto) resulting from such representation and the payment of costs and expenses. Without limitation on the foregoing provisions of this Section 9(c), the Company shall control all proceedings taken in connection with such contest and, at its sole option, may pursue or forgo any and all administrative appeals, proceedings, hearings and conferences with the taxing authority in respect of such claim and may, at its sole option, either direct the Executive to pay the tax claimed and sue for a refund or contest the claim in any permissible manner, and the Executive agrees to prosecute such contest to a determination before any administrative tribunal, in a court of initial jurisdiction and in one or more appellate courts, as the Company shall determine; provided , however , that if the Company directs the Executive to pay such claim and sue for a refund, the Company shall advance the amount of such payment to the Executive, on an interest-free basis and shall indemnify and hold the Executive harmless, on an after-tax basis, from any unintended tax liability (including interest or penalties with respect thereto) imposed with respect to such advance or with respect to any imputed income with respect to such advance; and further provided that any extension of the statute of limitations relating to payment of taxes for the taxable year of the Executive with respect to which such contested amount is claimed to be due is limited solely to such contested amount. Furthermore, the Company’s control of the contest shall be limited to issues with respect to which an Excise Tax would be payable hereunder with respect to a Reduced Amount and the Executive shall be entitled to settle or contest, as the case may be, any other issue raised by the Internal Revenue Service or any other taxing authority.

d. If, after the receipt by the Executive of an amount advanced by the Company pursuant to Section 9(c), the Executive becomes entitled to receive any refund with respect to such claim, the Executive shall (subject to the Company’s complying with the requirements of Section 9(c)) promptly pay to the Company the amount of such refund (together with any interest paid or credited thereon after taxes applicable thereto). If, after the receipt by the Executive of an amount advanced by the Company pursuant to Section 9(c), a determination is made that the Executive shall not be entitled to any refund with respect to such claim and the Company does not notify the Executive in writing of its intent to contest such denial of refund prior to the expiration of 30 days after such determination, then such advance shall be forgiven and shall not be required to be repaid.

10.  Confidential Information . The Executive shall hold in a fiduciary capacity for the benefit of the Company all confidential or proprietary information, knowledge or data relating to the Company or any of its affiliated companies, and their respective businesses, which shall have been obtained by the Executive during the Executive’s employment by the Company or any of its affiliated companies and which shall not be or become public knowledge (other than by acts by the Executive or representatives of the Executive in violation of this Agreement). After termination of the Executive’s employment with the Company, the Executive shall not, without the prior written consent of the Company or as may otherwise be required by law or legal process, communicate or divulge any such information, knowledge or data to anyone other than the Company and those designated by it. In addition, to the extent that the Executive is a party to any other agreement relating to confidential information, inventions or similar matters with the Company, the Executive shall continue to comply with

 

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the provisions of such agreements. In no event shall an asserted violation of the provisions of this Section 10 constitute a basis for deferring or withholding any amounts otherwise payable to the Executive under this Agreement.

11.  Arbitration. The Company and the Executive agree that all disputes, controversies, and claims arising between them concerning the subject matter of this Agreement, other than Sections 9 and 10, shall be settled by arbitration in accordance with the rules and procedures of the American Arbitration Association then in effect. The location of the arbitration will be Jacksonville, Florida or such other place as the parties may mutually agree. In rendering any award or ruling, the arbitrator or arbitrators shall determine the rights and obligations of the parties according to the substantive and procedural laws of the State of Florida. The parties to any such dispute, controversy, or claim shall attempt to agree upon the selection of a single arbitrator. If after a reasonable period of time the parties are unable to agree upon such a single arbitrator, then three arbitrators will be appointed with each party selecting an arbitrator from the American Arbitration Association’s available panel of arbitrators, and the parties agreeing upon the selection of a third arbitrator. If the parties cannot agree upon the selection of a third arbitrator, then the two arbitrators selected by the parties shall agree upon a third arbitrator from the panel of American Arbitration Association arbitrators. If the two arbitrators are unable to so agree on a third arbitrator, the third arbitrator shall be selected by the American Arbitration Association. Any arbitration pursuant to this section shall be final and binding on the parties, and judgment upon any award rendered in such arbitration may be entered in any court, state or federal, having jurisdiction. All fees and expenses of the arbitration shall be born in accordance with Section 8. The arbitrator or arbitrators shall have no authority to award provisional relief, injunctive remedies, or punitive damages. The parties expressly acknowledge that they are waiving their right to seek remedies in court, including without limitations the right if any to a jury trial.

12.  Successors.

a. This Agreement is personal to the Executive and without the prior written consent of the Company shall not be assignable by the Executive otherwise than by will or the laws of descent and distribution. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Executive’s legal representatives.

b. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the Company and its successors and assigns.

c. The Company will require any successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Company to assume expressly and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform it if no such succession had taken place. As used in this Agreement, “Company” shall mean the Company as hereinbefore defined and any successor to its business and/or assets as aforesaid which assumes and agrees to perform this Agreement by operation of law, or otherwise.

13.  Miscellaneous.

a. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Florida, without reference to principles of conflict of laws. The captions of this Agreement are not part of the provisions hereof and shall have no force or effect. This Agreement may not be amended or modified otherwise than by a written agreement executed by the parties hereto or their respective successors and legal representatives.

b. This Agreement is intended to be fully compliant with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code and the final regulations promulgated thereunder, taking into account any and all transition rules and relief promulgated by the Internal Revenue Service or the U.S. Department of Treasury regarding compliance therewith, and, to the maximum extent permitted

 

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by law, shall be administered, operated and construed consistent with this intent. Any amounts payable solely on account of an involuntary separation from service within the meaning of Section 409A shall be excludible from the requirements of Section 409A, either as involuntary separation pay or as short-term deferral amounts ( e.g ., amounts payable under the schedule prior to March 15 of the calendar year following the calendar year of involuntary separation) to the maximum possible extent. Further, any reimbursements or in-kind benefits provided under this Agreement shall be made or provided in accordance with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code, including, where applicable, the requirement that (i) any reimbursement is for expenses incurred during the period of time specified in this Agreement, (ii) the amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement, or in-kind benefits provided, during a calendar year may not affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement, or in-kind benefits to be provided, in any other calendar year, (iii) the reimbursement of an eligible expense will be made no later than the last day of the calendar year following the year in which the expense is incurred, and (iv) the right to reimbursement or in-kind benefits is not subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit.

c. All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be given by hand delivery to the other party or by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed as follows:

If to the Executive :

If to the Company :

CSX Corporation

500 Water Street

Jacksonville, FL 32202

Attention: Executive President and Chief Administration Officer

or to such other address as either party shall have furnished to the other in writing in accordance herewith. Notice and communications shall be effective when actually received by the addressee.

d. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement.

e. The Company may withhold from any amounts payable under this Agreement such Federal, state, local or foreign taxes as shall be required to be withheld pursuant to any applicable law or regulation.

f. The Executive’s or the Company’s failure to insist upon strict compliance with any provision of this Agreement or the failure to assert any right the Executive or the Company may have hereunder, including, without limitation, the right of the Executive to terminate employment for Good Reason or Constructive Termination pursuant to Section 5 of this Agreement, shall not be deemed to be a waiver of such provision or right or any other provision or right of this Agreement.

g. The Executive and the Company acknowledge that, except as may otherwise be provided under any other written agreement between the Executive and the Company, the employment of the Executive by the Company is “at will” and, subject to Section 1(a) hereof, prior to the Effective Date, the Executive’s employment may be terminated by either the Executive or the Company at any time prior to the Effective Date, in which case the Executive

 

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shall have no further rights under this Agreement. From and after the Effective Date this Agreement shall supersede any other agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof.

14. Other Agreements Unaffected. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, this Agreement shall have no effect on any other agreement between the Executive and the Company or any of its affiliates, and any such agreement shall remain in full force and effect in accordance with its terms.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Executive has hereunto set the Executive’s hand and, pursuant to the authorization from its Board of Directors, the Company has caused these presents to be executed in its name on its behalf, all as of the day and year first above written.

 

 

Executive
CSX CORPORATION
By  

 

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

 

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Exhibit 10.5

RESTRICTED STOCK AWARD AGREEMENT

This Agreement is made and entered into as of <<grant date>> by and between CSX Corporation (“CSX”), a Virginia corporation, and <<Name>> (the “Recipient”). In consideration of their mutual promises and undertakings, CSX and Recipient mutually agree as follows:

 

  1. Restricted Stock. In consideration of Recipient’s continued and uninterrupted employment with CSX or an Affiliate thereof, for the period from <<grant date>> through <<(vest date -1 day)>> (the “Restricted Period”), the Recipient is hereby granted <<number>> shares of restricted CSX Corporation common stock, $1 par value (“CSX Stock”).

 

  2. Vesting. The Restricted Stock shall fully vest on <<vest date>> upon Recipient’s completion of the Restricted Period, except as provided below in Section 6.

 

  3. Delivery of Shares with Holding Period. Payment of vested Restricted Stock will be paid as soon as practicable after completion of the Restricted Period. If Recipient is a member of the Executive Team at the time of vesting, such shares may not be sold for a period of one year following vesting with the following exceptions: (i) after the Recipient terminates employment, (ii) for payment by Recipient of applicable withholding taxes, (iii) where Recipient sells shares in connection with a change in control event as defined by the CSX Stock and Incentive Award Plan, and (iv) a person or entity that acquires the shares from the Recipient by will or the laws of descent and distribution.

 

  4. Omnibus Plan incorporated by reference. The grant hereunder is made under CSX Stock and Incentive Award Plan (the “Plan”), the provisions of which are hereby incorporated by reference except as otherwise provided specifically herein.

 

  5. Dividend equivalents. During the Restricted Period, CSX will pay to Recipient, based upon the number of restricted shares granted, an amount equal to dividends (“Dividend Equivalents”) declared and payable on the CSX common stock net of applicable withholding taxes.

 

  6. Termination of Employment. In the event of a termination of Recipient’s employment before the end of the Restricted Period for any reason other than death or disability, the Restricted Stock shall be forfeited. In the event of a termination of Recipient’s employment before the end of the Restricted Period, by reason of Recipient’s death or disability, pro rata vesting shall apply. The pro rata computation will be determined based upon the number of months of employment completed during the Restricted Period. “Disability” shall mean the Recipient’s becoming disabled within the meaning of the long-term disability plan of the Company covering the Recipient. Restricted Stock granted to the Recipient that does not vest under the terms of this Agreement shall be forfeited.


  7. Withholding of Tax. Recipient shall be solely responsible for any and all federal, state, and local taxes which may be imposed on the Recipient as a result of the vesting of the Restricted Stock, the receipt of CSX Stock, and receipt of dividend equivalents. CSX is required to withhold income taxes at the prescribed supplemental income and employment tax rates at the time such taxes are due. Upon issuance of CSX stock, CSX will withhold the minimum number of whole shares equal in value to such required withholding amount. No additional voluntary withholding amount is permitted.

 

  8. Assignment of Restricted Stock Prohibited. The Restricted Stock may not be sold, assigned, pledged, exchanged, hypothecated or otherwise transferred, encumbered or disposed of.

 

  9. Not a Contract of Employment. Nothing in this Agreement shall be interpreted or construed to create a contract of employment between the Company and the Recipient. This Agreement is intended solely to provide Recipient an incentive to continue existing employment.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date indicated below.

 

RECIPIENT:     CSX CORPORATION:
      By:    
<<Name>>       Michael J. Ward
      Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Employee Number: <<Employee ID>>

     

Date: