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): March 27, 2017

 

 

Concho Resources Inc.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

 

 

Delaware

(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation)

 

001-33615   76-0818600
(Commission File Number)   (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

One Concho Center

600 West Illinois Avenue

Midland, Texas

  79701
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)   (Zip Code)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (432) 683-7443

 

 

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 (see General Instruction A.2. below):

 

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 Principal Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Principal Officers.

(d) Election of Director . On March 27, 2017, the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of Concho Resources Inc. (the “Company”) elected Susan J. Helms as a director. Ms. Helms will serve as a Class III director and her term on the Board will expire at the Company’s annual meeting of stockholders in 2019. In connection with her appointment, the Board has determined that Ms. Helms will serve as a member of the Reserves Committee. In addition, the Board has determined that Ms. Helms is an independent director under Section 303A.02 of the New York Stock Exchange Listed Company Manual and Rule 10A-3 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

There are no understandings or arrangements between Ms. Helms and any other person pursuant to which Ms. Helms was elected to serve as a director of the Company. There are no relationships between Ms. Helms and the Company or any of its subsidiaries that would require disclosure pursuant to Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K. As a non-employee director, Ms. Helms will receive compensation in accordance with the Company’s policies for compensating non-employee directors.

In connection with Ms. Helms’s election to the Board, the Company entered into an indemnification agreement with Ms. Helms on March 27, 2017. The form of indemnification agreement is attached hereto as Exhibit 10.1 and is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. The indemnification agreement is intended to permit indemnification to the fullest extent now or hereafter permitted by the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware. It is possible that the applicable law could change the degree to which indemnification is expressly permitted. The indemnification agreement covers expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement incurred as a result of the fact that Ms. Helms, in her capacity as a director, is made, threatened or reasonably expected to be made a party to any suit or proceeding. The indemnification agreement also obligates the Company to promptly advance all expenses incurred in connection with any claim. Ms. Helms is, in turn, obligated to reimburse the Company for all amounts so advanced if it is later determined that Ms. Helms is not entitled to indemnification. The indemnification provided under the indemnification agreement is not exclusive of any other indemnity rights; however, double payment to Ms. Helms is prohibited.

 

Item 5.03 Amendments to Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws; Change in Fiscal Year.

On March 27, 2017, the Board adopted amendments to Article I, Section 1.7 of the Company’s Third Amended and Restated Bylaws (the “Bylaws”) to provide for a majority vote standard for the election of directors. In future uncontested elections of directors, each director of the Company will be elected if the number of votes cast for the director’s election exceeds the number of votes cast against the director’s election. Under previous Bylaw provisions, directors were elected by a plurality of votes cast. In all director elections other than uncontested elections, directors will continue to be elected by a plurality of votes cast.

The Bylaws as amended became effective immediately upon their adoption by the Board. A copy of the Bylaws as amended is attached as Exhibit 3.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K.

 

Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(d) Exhibits.

 

Exhibit No.

  

Description of Exhibit

  3.1    Third Amended and Restated Bylaws of Concho Resources Inc.
10.1    Form of Director and Officer Indemnification Agreement between Concho Resources Inc. and Ms. Helms.


SIGNATURES

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.

 

    CONCHO RESOURCES INC.
Date: March 28, 2017     By:   /s/ Travis L. Counts
    Name:   Travis L. Counts
    Title:   Vice President and General Counsel


EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit No.

  

Description of Exhibit

  3.1    Third Amended and Restated Bylaws of Concho Resources Inc.
10.1    Form of Director and Officer Indemnification Agreement between Concho Resources Inc. and Ms. Helms.

Exhibit 3.1

THIRD AMENDED AND RESTATED BYLAWS

OF

CONCHO RESOURCES INC.

A Delaware Corporation

As Amended:

March 27, 2017


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

ARTICLE I STOCKHOLDERS

     1  

Section 1.1 Annual Meeting

     1  

Section 1.2 Special Meetings

     1  

Section 1.3 Notice of Meetings

     1  

Section 1.4 Quorum

     1  

Section 1.5 Organization

     2  

Section 1.6 Conduct of Business

     2  

Section 1.7 Proxies and Voting

     2  

Section 1.8 Stock List

     3  

Section 1.9 Notice of Stockholder Business and Nominations

     3  

ARTICLE II BOARD OF DIRECTORS

     6  

Section 2.1 Number, Election and Term of Directors

     6  

Section 2.2 Newly Created Directorships and Vacancies

     6  

Section 2.3 Regular Meetings

     6  

Section 2.4 Special Meetings

     6  

Section 2.5 Quorum

     6  

Section 2.6 Participation in Meetings By Conference Telephone

     7  

Section 2.7 Conduct of Business

     7  

Section 2.8 Compensation of Directors

     7  

Section 2.9 Powers and Duties of the Chairman of the Board

     7  

ARTICLE III COMMITTEES

     7  

Section 3.1 Committees of the Board of Directors

     7  

Section 3.2 Conduct of Business

     7  

ARTICLE IV OFFICERS

     8  

Section 4.1 Generally

     8  

Section 4.2 Resignation and Removal

     8  

Section 4.3 Powers and Duties of the Chief Executive Officer

     8  

Section 4.4 Powers and Duties of the President

     9  

Section 4.5 Vice Presidents

     9  

Section 4.6 Treasurer

     9  

Section 4.7 Assistant Treasurers

     9  

Section 4.8 Secretary

     9  

Section 4.9 Assistant Secretaries

     9  

Section 4.10 Delegation of Authority

     9  

Section 4.11 Action with Respect to Securities of Other Corporations

     10  

ARTICLE V STOCK

     10  

Section 5.1 Certificates of Stock

     10  

Section 5.2 Transfers of Stock

     10  

Section 5.3 Record Date

     10  

 

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Section 5.4 Lost, Stolen or Destroyed Certificates

     11  

Section 5.5 Regulations

     11  

ARTICLE VI NOTICES

     11  

Section 6.1 Notices

     11  

Section 6.2 Waivers

     11  

ARTICLE VII MISCELLANEOUS

     11  

Section 7.1 Facsimile Signatures

     11  

Section 7.2 Corporate Seal

     11  

Section 7.3 Reliance upon Books, Reports and Records

     12  

Section 7.4 Fiscal Year

     12  

Section 7.5 Time Periods

     12  

ARTICLE VIII INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS

     12  

Section 8.1 Mandatory Indemnification of Directors and Officers

     12  

Section 8.2 Right of Indemnitee to Bring Suit

     13  

Section 8.3 Permissive Indemnification of Non-Officer Employees and Agents

     13  

Section 8.4 General Provisions

     14  

ARTICLE IX AMENDMENTS

     14  

 

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THIRD AMENDED AND RESTATED BYLAWS

OF

CONCHO RESOURCES INC.

Incorporated under the Laws of the State of Delaware

ARTICLE I

STOCKHOLDERS

Section 1.1 Annual Meeting . An annual meeting of the stockholders, for the election of directors to succeed those whose terms expire and for the transaction of such other business as may properly come before the meeting, shall be held at such place, on such date, and at such time as the Board of Directors shall each year fix.

Section 1.2 Special Meetings . Special meetings of the stockholders, other than those required by statute, may be called only by the Chairman of the Board, if any, or by the Board of Directors acting pursuant to a resolution adopted by a majority of the Whole Board. For purposes of these Bylaws, the term “ Whole Board ” shall mean the total number of authorized directors regardless of whether there exist any vacancies in such authorized directorships. The Board of Directors may postpone or reschedule any previously scheduled special meeting.

Section 1.3 Notice of Meetings . Notice of the place, if any, date, and time of all meetings of the stockholders, and the means of remote communications, if any, by which stockholders and proxyholders may be deemed to be present in person and vote at such meeting, and, in the case of a special meeting, the purpose for which the meeting is called, shall be given, not less than ten (10) nor more than sixty (60) days before the date on which the meeting is to be held, to each stockholder entitled to vote at such meeting, except as otherwise provided herein or required by law (meaning, here and hereinafter, as required from time to time by the Delaware General Corporation Law (the “ GCL ”) or the Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation).

When a meeting is adjourned to another time or place, notice need not be given of the adjourned meeting if the time and place, if any, thereof, and the means of remote communications, if any, by which stockholders and proxyholders may be deemed to be present in person and vote at such adjourned meeting are announced at the meeting at which the adjournment is taken; provided, however , that if the date of any adjourned meeting is more than thirty (30) days after the date for which the meeting was originally noticed, or if a new record date is fixed for the adjourned meeting, notice of the place, if any, date, and time of the adjourned meeting and the means of remote communications, if any, by which stockholders and proxyholders may be deemed to be present in person and vote at such adjourned meeting, shall be given in conformity herewith. At any adjourned meeting, any business may be transacted which might have been transacted at the original meeting.

Section 1.4 Quorum . At any meeting of the stockholders, the holders of a majority of the voting power of all of the shares of the stock entitled to vote at the meeting, present in person or by proxy, shall constitute a quorum for all purposes, unless or except to the extent that the

 

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presence of a larger number may be required by law. Where a separate vote by a class or classes or series is required, a majority of the voting power of the shares of such class or classes or series present in person or represented by proxy shall constitute a quorum entitled to take action with respect to that vote on that matter.

If a quorum shall fail to attend any meeting, the chairman of the meeting may adjourn the meeting to another place, if any, date, or time.

Section 1.5 Organization . Such person as the Board of Directors may have designated or, in the absence of such person, the Chairman of the Board or, in his or her absence, the President of the Corporation or, in his or her absence, such person as may be chosen by the holders of a majority of the voting power of the shares entitled to vote who are present, in person or by proxy, shall call to order any meeting of the stockholders and act as chairman of the meeting. In the absence of the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Corporation, the secretary of the meeting shall be such person as the chairman of the meeting appoints.

Section 1.6 Conduct of Business . The chairman of any meeting of stockholders shall determine the order of business and the procedure at the meeting, including such regulation of the manner of voting and the conduct of discussion as seem to him or her in order. The chairman shall have the power to adjourn the meeting to another place, if any, date and time. The date and time of the opening and closing of the polls for each matter upon which the stockholders will vote at the meeting shall be announced at the meeting.

Section 1.7 Proxies and Voting . At any meeting of the stockholders, every stockholder entitled to vote may vote in person or by proxy authorized by an instrument in writing or by a transmission permitted by law filed in accordance with the procedure established for the meeting. Any copy, facsimile telecommunication or other reliable reproduction of the writing or transmission created pursuant to this paragraph may be substituted or used in lieu of the original writing or transmission for any and all purposes for which the original writing or transmission could be used, provided that such copy, facsimile telecommunication or other reproduction shall be a complete reproduction of the entire original writing or transmission.

The Corporation may, and to the extent required by law, shall, in advance of any meeting of stockholders, appoint one or more inspectors to act at the meeting and make a written report thereof. The Corporation may designate one or more alternate inspectors to replace any inspector who fails to act. If no inspector or alternate is able to act at a meeting of stockholders, the person presiding at the meeting may, and to the extent required by law, shall, appoint one or more inspectors to act at the meeting. Each inspector, before entering upon the discharge of his or her duties, shall take and sign an oath faithfully to execute the duties of inspector with strict impartiality and according to the best of his or her ability. Every vote taken by ballots shall be counted by a duly appointed inspector or inspectors.

At any meeting of stockholders at which directors are to be elected, each nominee for election as a director in an uncontested election shall be elected if the number of votes cast for the nominee’s election exceeds the number of votes cast against the nominee’s election. In all director elections other than uncontested elections, the nominees for election as a director shall be elected by a plurality of the votes cast. Except as otherwise required by law or these Bylaws, for all other matters, action on a matter shall be approved if the number of votes cast in favor of the action exceeds the number of votes cast against the action.

 

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Section 1.8 Stock List . A complete list of stockholders entitled to vote at any meeting of stockholders, arranged in alphabetical order for each class of stock and showing the address of each such stockholder and the number of shares registered in his or her name, shall be open to the examination of any such stockholder for a period of at least ten (10) days prior to the meeting in the manner provided by law.

The stock list shall also be open to the examination of any stockholder during the whole time of the meeting as provided by law. This list shall presumptively determine the identity of the stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting and the number of shares held by each of them.

Section 1.9 Notice of Stockholder Business and Nominations .

(A) Annual Meetings of Stockholders .

(1) Nominations of persons for election to the Board of Directors of the Corporation and the proposal of business to be considered by the stockholders may be made at an annual meeting of stockholders (a) pursuant to the Corporation’s notice of meeting delivered pursuant to Section 1.3 of these Bylaws (or any supplement thereto), (b) by or at the direction of the Board of Directors or any committee thereof or (c) by any stockholder of the Corporation who is entitled to vote at the meeting, who complied with the notice procedures set forth in clauses (2) and (3) of paragraph (A) of this Section 1.9 and who was a stockholder of record at the time such notice was delivered to the Secretary of the Corporation.

(2) For nominations or other business to be properly brought before an annual meeting by a stockholder pursuant to clause (c) of paragraph (A) (1) of this Section 1.9 , (1) the stockholder must have given timely notice thereof in writing to the Secretary of the Corporation, (2) such business must be a proper matter for stockholder action under the GCL, (3) if the stockholder, or the beneficial owner on whose behalf any such proposal or nomination is made, has provided the Corporation with a Solicitation Notice, as that term is defined in subclause (c)(iii) of this paragraph, such stockholder or beneficial owner must, in the case of a proposal, have delivered a proxy statement and form of proxy to holders of at least the percentage of the Corporation’s voting shares required under applicable law or these Bylaws to carry any such proposal, or, in the case of a nomination or nominations, have delivered a proxy statement and form of proxy to holders of a percentage of the Corporation’s voting shares reasonably believed by such stockholder or beneficial holder to be sufficient to elect the nominee or nominees proposed to be nominated by such stockholder, and must, in either case, have included in such materials the Solicitation Notice and (4) if no Solicitation Notice relating thereto has been timely provided pursuant to this Section, the stockholder or beneficial owner proposing such business or nomination must not have solicited a number of proxies sufficient to have required the delivery of such a Solicitation Notice under this Section. To be timely, a stockholder’s notice shall be delivered to the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation not less than ninety (90) or more than one hundred twenty(120) days prior to the first anniversary (the “ Anniversary ”) of the date on which the Corporation first mailed its proxy materials for the preceding year’s annual meeting of stockholders; provided, however , that in the

 

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event that the date of the annual meeting is advanced more than thirty (30) days prior to or delayed by more than thirty (30) days after the anniversary of the preceding year’s annual meeting, notice by the stockholder to be timely must be so delivered not later than the close of business on the later of (i) the ninetieth day prior to such annual meeting or (ii) the tenth day following the day on which public announcement of the date of such meeting is first made. Such stockholder’s notice shall set forth: (a) as to each person whom the stockholder proposes to nominate for election or reelection as a Director all information relating to such person that is required to be disclosed in solicitations of proxies for election of Directors, or is otherwise required, in each case pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “ Exchange Act ”), including such person’s written consent to being named in the proxy statement as a nominee and to serving as a Director if elected; (b) as to any other business that the stockholder proposes to bring before the meeting, a brief description of the business desired to be brought before the meeting, the reasons for conducting such business at the meeting and any material interest in such business of such stockholder and the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the proposal is made; (c) as to the stockholder giving the notice and the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the nomination or proposal is made (i) the name and address of such stockholder, as they appear on the Corporation’s books, and of such beneficial owner, (ii) the class and number of shares of the Corporation which are owned beneficially and of record by such stockholder and such beneficial owner, (iii) a representation that the stockholder is a holder of record of stock of the Corporation entitled to vote at such meeting and intends to appear in person or by proxy at the meeting to propose such business and nomination and (iv) whether either such stockholder or beneficial owner intends to deliver a proxy statement and form of proxy to holders of, in the case of a proposal, at least the percentage of the Corporation’s voting shares required under applicable law to carry the proposal or, in the case of a nomination or nominations, a sufficient number of holders of the Corporation’s voting shares to elect such nominee or nominees (an affirmative statement of such intent, a “ Solicitation Notice ”); and (d) a description of any agreement, arrangement or understanding (including any derivative or short positions, profit interests, options, warrants, convertible securities, stock appreciation or similar rights, hedging transactions, and borrowed or loaned shares) that has been entered into as of the date of the stockholder’s notice by, or on behalf of, such stockholder and such beneficial owners, whether or not such instrument or right shall be subject to settlement in underlying shares of capital stock of the Corporation, the effect or intent of which is to mitigate loss to, manage risk or benefit of share price changes for, or increase or decrease the voting power of, such stockholder or such beneficial owner, with respect to securities of the Corporation. The foregoing notice requirements of this Section 1.9(A)(2) shall be deemed satisfied by a stockholder if the stockholder has notified the Corporation of his, her or its intention to present a proposal or nomination at an annual meeting in compliance with applicable rules and regulations promulgated under the Exchange Act and such stockholder’s proposal or nomination has been included in a proxy statement that has been prepared by the Corporation to solicit proxies for such annual meeting. The Corporation may require any proposed nominee to furnish such other information as it may reasonably require to determine the eligibility of such proposed nominee to serve as a director of the Corporation.

(3) Notwithstanding anything in the second sentence of paragraph (A) (2) of this Section 1.9 to the contrary, in the event that the number of Directors to be elected to the Board of Directors is increased and there is no public announcement naming all of the nominees for Director or specifying the size of the increased Board of Directors made by the

 

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Corporation at least fifty-five (55) days prior to the Anniversary, a stockholder’s notice required by this Section 1.9 shall also be considered timely, but only with respect to nominees for any new positions created by such increase, if it shall be delivered to the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation not later than the close of business on the tenth day following the day on which such public announcement is first made by the Corporation.

(B) Special Meeting of Stockholders . Only such business shall be conducted at a special meeting of stockholders as shall have been brought before the meeting pursuant to the Corporation’s notice of meeting pursuant to Section 1.3 of these Bylaws. Nominations of persons for election to the Board of Directors may be made at a special meeting of stockholders at which Directors are to be elected pursuant to the Corporation’s notice of meeting (i) by or at the direction of the Board of Directors or (ii) by any stockholder of the Corporation who is entitled to vote at the meeting, who complies with the notice procedures set forth above in this Section 1.9 and who is a stockholder of record at the time such notice is delivered to the Secretary of the Corporation. Nominations by stockholders of persons for election to the Board of Directors may be made at such a special meeting of stockholders if the stockholder’s notice as required by paragraph (A) (2) of this Section 1.9 shall be delivered to the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation not earlier than the ninetieth day prior to such special meeting and not later than the close of business on the later of the seventieth day prior to such special meeting or the tenth day following the day on which public announcement is first made of the date of the special meeting and of the nominees proposed by the Board of Directors to be elected at such meeting.

(C) General .

(1) Only persons who are nominated in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Section 1.9 shall be eligible to serve as Directors and only such business shall be conducted at a meeting of stockholders as shall have been brought before the meeting in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Section 1.9 . Except as otherwise provided herein or required by law, the chairman of the meeting shall have the power and duty to determine whether a nomination or any business proposed to be brought before the meeting was made in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Section 1.9 and, if any proposed nomination or business is not in compliance with this Section 1.9 , to declare that such defective proposal or nomination shall be disregarded. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 1.9 , unless otherwise required by law, if the stockholder (or a qualified representative of the stockholder) does not appear at the annual or special meeting of stockholders of the Corporation to present a nomination or proposed business, such nomination shall be disregarded and such proposed business shall not be transacted, notwithstanding that proxies in respect of such vote may have been received by the Corporation. For purposes of this Section 1.9 , to be considered a qualified representative of the stockholder, a person must be a duly authorized officer, manager or partner of such stockholder or must be authorized by a writing executed by such stockholder or an electronic transmission delivered by such stockholder to act for such stockholder as proxy at the meeting of stockholders and such person must produce such writing or electronic transmission, or a reliable reproduction of the writing or electronic transmission, at the meeting of stockholders.

 

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(2) For purposes of this Section 1.9 , “ public announcement ” shall mean disclosure in a press release reported by the Dow Jones News Service, Associated Press or comparable national news service or in a document publicly filed by the Corporation with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Section 13, 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act.

(3) Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 1.9 , a stockholder shall also comply with all applicable requirements of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder with respect to the matters set forth in this Section 1.9 . Nothing in this Section 1.9 shall be deemed to affect any rights (a) of stockholders to request inclusion of proposals in the Corporation’s proxy statement pursuant to Rule 14a-8 under the Exchange Act or (b) of the holders of any series of Preferred Stock to elect directors pursuant to any applicable provisions of the Restated Certificate of Incorporation.

ARTICLE II

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Section 2.1 Number, Election and Term of Directors . The number, election and term of directors shall be as, or shall be determined in the manner, set forth in the Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation or, to the extent not set forth therein, in a resolution adopted by a majority of the Whole Board.

Section 2.2 Newly Created Directorships and Vacancies . Subject to the rights of the holders of any series of Preferred Stock, newly created directorships resulting from any increase in the authorized number of directors or any vacancies in the Board of Directors resulting from death, resignation, retirement, disqualification, removal from office or other cause shall be filled only by a majority vote of the Whole Board (and not by stockholders).

Section 2.3 Regular Meetings . Regular meetings of the Board of Directors shall be held at such place or places, on such date or dates, and at such time or times as shall have been established by the Board of Directors and publicized among all directors. A notice of each regular meeting shall not be required.

Section 2.4 Special Meetings . Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called by the Chairman of the Board, the President or by a majority of the Whole Board and shall be held at such place, on such date, and at such time as they, he or she shall fix. Notice of the place, date, and time of each such special meeting shall be given to each director by whom it is not waived by mailing written notice not less than five (5) days before the meeting or by telephone or by telegraphing or telexing or by facsimile or electronic transmission of the same not less than twenty-four (24) hours before the meeting. Unless otherwise indicated in the notice thereof, any and all business may be transacted at a special meeting.

Section 2.5 Quorum . At any meeting of the Board of Directors, a majority of the total number of the Whole Board shall constitute a quorum for all purposes. If a quorum shall fail to attend any meeting, a majority of those present may adjourn the meeting to another place, date, or time, without further notice or waiver thereof.

 

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Section 2.6 Participation in Meetings By Conference Telephone . Members of the Board of Directors, or of any committee thereof, may participate in a meeting of such Board of Directors or committee by means of conference telephone or other communications equipment by means of which all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other and such participation shall constitute presence in person at such meeting.

Section 2.7 Conduct of Business . At any meeting of the Board of Directors, business shall be transacted in such order and manner as the Board of Directors may from time to time determine, and all matters shall be determined by the vote of a majority of the directors present, except as otherwise provided herein or required by law. Action may be taken by the Board of Directors without a meeting if all members thereof consent thereto in writing or by electronic transmission, and the writing or writings or electronic transmission or transmissions are filed with the minutes of proceedings of the Board of Directors. Such filing shall be in paper form if the minutes are maintained in paper form and shall be in electronic form if the minutes are maintained in electronic form.

Section 2.8 Compensation of Directors . Unless otherwise restricted by law, the Board of Directors shall have the authority to fix the compensation of the directors. The directors may be paid their expenses, if any, of attendance at each meeting of the Board of Directors and may be paid a fixed sum for attendance at each meeting of the Board of Directors or paid a stated salary or paid other compensation as director. No such payment shall preclude any director from serving the Corporation in any other capacity and receiving compensation therefor. Members of special or standing committees may also be paid their expenses, if any, of and allowed compensation for attending committee meetings.

Section 2.9 Powers and Duties of the Chairman of the Board . If elected, the Chairman of the Board shall preside at all meetings of the stockholders and of the Board of Directors; and shall have such other powers and duties as designated in these Bylaws and as from time to time may be assigned to him or her by the Board of Directors.

ARTICLE III

COMMITTEES

Section 3.1 Committees of the Board of Directors . The Board of Directors may from time to time designate committees of the Board of Directors, with such lawfully delegable powers and duties as it thereby confers and to the full extent permitted by Section 141(c)(2) of the GCL, to serve at the pleasure of the Board of Directors and shall, for those committees and any others provided for herein, elect a director or directors to serve as the member or members, designating, if it desires, other directors as alternate members who may replace any absent or disqualified member at any meeting of the committee. In the absence or disqualification of any member of any committee and any alternate member in his or her place, the member or members of the committee present at the meeting and not disqualified from voting, whether or not he, she or they constitute a quorum, may by unanimous vote appoint another member of the Board of Directors to act at the meeting in the place of the absent or disqualified member.

Section 3.2 Conduct of Business . Each committee may determine the procedural rules for meeting and conducting its business and shall act in accordance therewith, except as otherwise provided herein or required by law. Adequate provision shall be made for notice to members of all meetings; one-third (1/3) of the members shall constitute a quorum unless the

 

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committee shall consist of one (1) or two (2) members, in which event one (1) member shall constitute a quorum; and all matters shall be determined by a majority vote of the members present. Action may be taken by any committee without a meeting if all members thereof consent thereto in writing or by electronic transmission, and the writing or writings or electronic transmission or transmissions are filed with the minutes of the proceedings of such committee. Such filing shall be in paper form if the minutes are maintained in paper form and shall be in electronic form if the minutes are maintained in electronic form.

ARTICLE IV

OFFICERS

Section 4.1 Generally . The officers of the Corporation shall include a Chief Executive Officer, a President, and a Secretary, and may also include a Vice Chairman, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, a Treasurer, one or more Vice Presidents (who may be further classified by such descriptions as “executive,” “senior,” “assistant,” “staff” or otherwise, as the Board of Directors shall determine), one or more Assistant Secretaries and one or more Assistant Treasurers. Officers shall be elected by the Board of Directors, which shall consider that subject at its first meeting after every annual meeting of stockholders. Each officer shall hold office until his or her successor is elected and qualified or until his or her earlier resignation or removal. Any number of offices may be held by the same person. The salaries of officers elected by the Board of Directors shall be fixed from time to time by the Board of Directors or a committee thereof or by such officers as may be designated by resolution of the Board of Directors or a committee thereof.

Section 4.2 Resignation and Removal . Any officer may resign at any time upon written notice to the Corporation. Any officer, agent or employee of the Corporation may be removed by the Board of Directors with or without cause at any time. The Board of Directors may delegate the power of removal as to officers, agents and employees who have not been appointed by the Board of Directors. Such removal shall be without prejudice to a person’s contract rights, if any, but the appointment of any person as an officer, agent or employee of the Corporation shall not of itself create contract rights.

Section 4.3 Powers and Duties of the Chief Executive Officer . The President shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation unless the Board of Directors designates the Chairman of the Board as Chief Executive Officer. Subject to the control of the Board of Directors and the executive committee (if any), the Chief Executive Officer shall have general executive charge, management and control of the properties, business and operations of the Corporation with all such powers as may be reasonably incident to such responsibilities; he or she may employ and discharge employees and agents of the Corporation, except such as shall be appointed by the Board of Directors, and he or she may delegate these powers; he or she may agree upon and execute all leases, contracts, evidences of indebtedness and other obligations in the name of the Corporation; and shall have such other powers and duties as designated in accordance with these Bylaws and as from time to time may be assigned to him or her by the Board of Directors.

 

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Section 4.4 Powers and Duties of the President . Unless the Board of Directors otherwise determines, the President shall have the authority to agree upon and execute all leases, contracts, evidences of indebtedness and other obligations in the name of the Corporation; and, unless the Board of Directors otherwise determines, shall, in the absence of the Chairman of the Board or if there be no Chairman of the Board, preside at all meetings of the stockholders and (should he or she be a director) of the Board of Directors; and he or she shall have such other powers and duties as designated in accordance with these Bylaws and as from time to time may be assigned to him or her by the Board of Directors.

Section 4.5 Vice Presidents . In the absence of the President, or in the event of his or her inability or refusal to act, a Vice President designated by the Board of Directors shall perform the duties of the President, and when so acting shall have all the powers of and be subject to all the restrictions upon the President. In the absence of a designation by the Board of Directors of a Vice President to perform the duties of the President, or in the event of his or her absence or inability or refusal to act, the Vice President who is present and who is senior in terms of time as a Vice President of the Corporation shall so act. The Vice Presidents shall perform such other duties and have such other powers as the Board of Directors may from time to time prescribe. Unless otherwise provided by the Board of Directors, each Vice President will have authority to act within his or her respective areas and to sign contracts relating thereto.

Section 4.6 Treasurer . If elected, the Treasurer shall have responsibility for the custody and control of all the funds and securities of the Corporation, and shall have such other powers and duties as designated in these Bylaws and as from time to time may be assigned to the Treasurer by the Board of Directors. The Treasurer shall perform all acts incident to the position of Treasurer, subject to the control of the Chief Executive Officer and the Board of Directors; and shall, if required by the Board of Directors, give such bond for the faithful discharge of his or her duties in such form as the Board of Directors may require.

Section 4.7 Assistant Treasurers . Each Assistant Treasurer shall have the usual powers and duties pertaining to his or her office, together with such other powers and duties as designated in these Bylaws and as from time to time may be assigned to him or her by the Chief Executive Officer or the Board of Directors. The Assistant Treasurers shall exercise the powers of the Treasurer during that officer’s absence or inability or refusal to act.

Section 4.8 Secretary . The Secretary shall issue all authorized notices for, and shall keep minutes of, all meetings of the stockholders and the Board of Directors. He or she shall have charge of the corporate books and shall perform such other duties as the Board of Directors may from time to time prescribe.

Section 4.9 Assistant Secretaries . In the absence or inability to act of the Secretary, any Assistant Secretary may perform all the duties and exercise all the powers of the Secretary. The performance of any such duty shall, in respect of any other person dealing with the Corporation, be conclusive evidence of his or her power to act. An Assistant Secretary shall also perform such other duties as the Secretary or the Board of Directors may assign to him or her.

Section 4.10 Delegation of Authority . The Board of Directors may from time to time delegate the powers or duties of any officer to any other officers or agents, notwithstanding any provision hereof.

 

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Section 4.11 Action with Respect to Securities of Other Entities . Unless otherwise directed by the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer, the President, the General Counsel (provided the General Counsel is also an officer of the Corporation), the Chief Financial Officer, the Treasurer or any officer of the Corporation authorized by the Chief Executive Officer shall have power to vote and otherwise act on behalf of the Corporation, in person or by proxy, at any meeting of security holders of or with respect to any action of security holders of any other entity in which this Corporation may hold securities and otherwise to exercise any and all rights and powers which this Corporation may possess by reason of its ownership of securities in such other entity.

ARTICLE V

STOCK

Section 5.1 Form and Issuance of Stock . Shares of stock of the Corporation may be certificated or uncertificated, as provided under the Delaware General Corporation Law. Each holder of stock represented by certificates, if any, shall be entitled to a certificate signed by, or in the name of the Corporation by, the Chairman of the Board or Vice Chairman of the Board, the President or a Vice President, and by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary, or the Treasurer or an Assistant Treasurer, certifying the number of shares owned by him or her. Any or all of the signatures on the certificate, if any, may be by facsimile.

Section 5.2 Transfers of Stock . Transfers of stock shall be made only upon the transfer books of the Corporation kept at an office of the Corporation or by transfer agents designated to transfer shares of the stock of the Corporation. Except where a certificate, if any, is issued in accordance with Section 5.4 of these Bylaws, an outstanding certificate, if any, for the number of shares involved shall be surrendered for cancellation before a new certificate, or evidence of the issuance of uncertified shares, is issued therefor. Upon the receipt of proper transfer instructions from the registered owner of uncertificated shares, if any, such uncertificated shares shall be cancelled, issuance of new equivalent uncertificated shares or certificated shares shall be made to the person entitled thereto and the transaction shall be recorded upon the books of the Corporation.

Section 5.3 Record Date . In order that the Corporation may determine the stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at any meeting of stockholders, or to receive payment of any dividend or other distribution or allotment of any rights or to exercise any rights in respect of any change, conversion or exchange of stock or for the purpose of any other lawful action, the Board of Directors may, except as otherwise required by law, fix a record date, which record date shall not precede the date on which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted and which record date shall not be more than sixty (60) nor less than ten (10) days before the date of any meeting of stockholders, nor more than sixty (60) days prior to the time for such other action as hereinbefore described; provided, however , that if no record date is fixed by the Board of Directors, the record date for determining stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of stockholders shall be at the close of business on the day next preceding the day on which notice is given or, if notice is waived, at the close of business on the day next preceding the day on which the meeting is held, and, for determining stockholders entitled to receive payment of any dividend or other distribution or allotment of rights or to exercise any rights of change, conversion or exchange of stock or for any other purpose, the record date shall be at the close of business on the day on which the Board of Directors adopts a resolution relating thereto.

 

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A determination of stockholders of record entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of stockholders shall apply to any adjournment of the meeting; provided, however , that the Board of Directors may fix a new record date for the adjourned meeting.

Section 5.4 Lost, Stolen or Destroyed Certificates . In the event of the loss, theft or destruction of any certificate of stock, a new certificate or uncertificated shares may be issued in its place pursuant to such regulations as the Board of Directors may establish concerning proof of such loss, theft or destruction and concerning the giving of a satisfactory bond or bonds of indemnity.

Section 5.5 Regulations . The issue, transfer, conversion and registration of shares of stock of the Corporation or the replacement of certificates in the case of certificated shares of stock of the Corporation shall be governed by such other regulations as the Board of Directors may establish.

ARTICLE VI

NOTICES

Section 6.1 Notices . If mailed, notice to stockholders shall be deemed given when deposited in the mail, postage prepaid, directed to the stockholder at such stockholder’s address as it appears on the records of the Corporation. Without limiting the manner by which notice otherwise may be given effectively to stockholders, any notice to stockholders may be given by electronic transmission in the manner provided in Section 232 of the GCL.

Section 6.2 Waivers . A written waiver of any notice, signed by a stockholder or director, or waiver by electronic transmission by such person, whether given before or after the time of the event for which notice is to be given, shall be deemed equivalent to the notice required to be given to such person. Neither the business nor the purpose of any meeting need be specified in such a waiver. Attendance at any meeting shall constitute waiver of notice except if the person attends a meeting for the express purpose of objecting at the beginning of the meeting to the transaction of any business at the meeting because it has not been lawfully called or convened.

ARTICLE VII

MISCELLANEOUS

Section 7.1 Facsimile Signatures . In addition to the provisions for use of facsimile signatures elsewhere specifically authorized in these Bylaws, facsimile signatures of any officer or officers of the Corporation may be used whenever and as authorized by the Board of Directors or a committee thereof.

Section 7.2 Corporate Seal . The Board of Directors may provide a suitable seal, containing the name of the Corporation, which seal shall be in the charge of the Secretary. If and when so directed by the Board of Directors or a committee thereof, duplicates of the seal may be kept and used by the Treasurer or by an Assistant Secretary or Assistant Treasurer.

 

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Section 7.3 Reliance upon Books, Reports and Records . Each director, each member of any committee designated by the Board of Directors, and each officer of the Corporation shall, in the performance of his or her duties, be fully protected in relying in good faith upon the books of account or other records of the Corporation and upon such information, opinions, reports or statements presented to the Corporation by any of its officers or employees, or committees of the Board of Directors so designated, or by any other person as to matters which such director or committee member reasonably believes are within such other person’s professional or expert competence and who has been selected with reasonable care by or on behalf of the Corporation.

Section 7.4 Fiscal Year . The fiscal year of the Corporation shall be the calendar year unless otherwise fixed by the Board of Directors.

Section 7.5 Time Periods . In applying any provision of these Bylaws which requires that an act be done or not be done a specified number of days prior to an event or that an act be done during a period of a specified number of days prior to an event, calendar days shall be used, the day of the doing of the act shall be excluded, and the day of the event shall be included.

ARTICLE VIII

INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS

Section 8.1 Mandatory Indemnification of Directors and Officers . The Corporation shall indemnify and hold harmless to the full extent permitted by the laws of the State of Delaware as from time to time in effect any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to, or is otherwise involved in, any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (whether or not an action by or in the right of the Corporation) (hereinafter a “ proceeding ”), by reason of the fact that he or she is or was a director or officer of the Corporation, or, while serving as a director or officer of the Corporation, is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise (hereinafter an “ indemnitee ”), or by reason of any action alleged to have been taken or omitted in such capacity against all expense, liability and loss (including attorneys’ fees, judgments, fines, ERISA excise taxes or penalties and amounts paid in settlement) reasonably incurred or suffered by such indemnitee in connection therewith; provided, however, that, except as provided in Section 8.2 with respect to proceedings to enforce rights to indemnification, the Corporation shall indemnify any such indemnitee in connection with a proceeding (or part thereof) initiated by such indemnitee only if such proceeding (or part thereof) was authorized by the Board of Directors of the Corporation. The right to indemnification conferred by this Section 8.1 also shall include the right of such persons described in this Section 8.1 to be paid in advance by the Corporation for their expenses (including attorneys’ fees) incurred in defending any such proceeding in advance of its final disposition (hereinafter an “ advancement of expenses ”) to the full extent permitted by the laws of the State of Delaware, as from time to time in effect; provided, however , that, if the GCL requires, an advancement of expenses incurred by an indemnitee in his or her capacity as a director or officer (and not in any other capacity in which service was or is rendered by such indemnitee) shall be made only upon delivery to the Corporation of an undertaking (hereinafter an “ undertaking ”), by or on behalf of such indemnitee, to repay all amounts so advanced if it shall ultimately be determined by final judicial decision from which there is no further right to appeal (hereinafter a “ final adjudication ”) that such indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified for such expenses under this Section 8.1 or otherwise. The right to indemnification conferred on such persons by this Section 8.1 shall be a contract right.

 

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Section 8.2 Right of Indemnitee to Bring Suit . If a claim under Section 8.1 of these Bylaws is not paid in full by the Corporation within sixty (60) days after a written claim has been received by the Corporation, except in the case of a claim for an advancement of expenses, in which case the applicable period shall be twenty (20) days, the indemnitee may at any time thereafter bring suit against the Corporation to recover the unpaid amount of the claim. If successful in whole or in part in any such suit, or in a suit brought by the Corporation to recover an advancement of expenses pursuant to the terms of an undertaking, the indemnitee shall be entitled to be paid also the expense of prosecuting or defending such suit. In (i) any suit brought by the indemnitee to enforce a right to indemnification hereunder (but not in a suit brought by the indemnitee to enforce a right to an advancement of expenses) it shall be a defense that, and (ii) in any suit brought by the Corporation to recover an advancement of expenses pursuant to the terms of an undertaking, the Corporation shall be entitled to recover such expenses upon a final adjudication that, the indemnitee has not met any applicable standard for indemnification set forth in the GCL. Neither the failure of the Corporation (including its directors who are not parties to such action, a committee of such directors, independent legal counsel, or its stockholders) to have made a determination prior to the commencement of such suit that indemnification of the indemnitee is proper in the circumstances because the indemnitee has met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in the GCL, nor an actual determination by the Corporation (including its directors who are not parties to such action, a committee of such directors, independent legal counsel, or its stockholders) that the indemnitee has not met such applicable standard of conduct, shall create a presumption that the indemnitee has not met the applicable standard of conduct or, in the case of such a suit brought by the indemnitee, be a defense to such suit. In any suit brought by the indemnitee to enforce a right to indemnification or to an advancement of expenses hereunder, or brought by the Corporation to recover an advancement of expenses pursuant to the terms of an undertaking, the burden of proving that the indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified, or to such advancement of expenses, under this Article VIII or otherwise shall be on the Corporation.

Section 8.3 Permissive Indemnification of Non-Officer Employees and Agents . The Corporation may indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (whether or not an action by or in the right of the Corporation) by reason of the fact that the person is or was an employee (other than an officer) or agent of the Corporation, or, while serving as an employee (other than an officer) or agent of the Corporation, is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, to the extent (i) permitted by the laws of the State of Delaware as from time to time in effect, and (ii) authorized in the sole discretion of the Chief Executive Officer and at least one other of the following officers: the President, the Chief Financial Officer, or the General Counsel of the Corporation (the Chief Executive Officer and any of such other officers so authorizing such indemnification, the “ Authorizing Officers ”). The Corporation may, to the extent permitted by Delaware law and authorized in the sole discretion of the Authorizing Officers, pay expenses (including attorneys’ fees) reasonably incurred by any such employee or agent in defending any civil, criminal,

 

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administrative or investigative action, suit or proceeding in advance of the final disposition of such action, suit or proceeding, upon such terms and conditions as the Authorizing Officers authorizing such expense advancement determine in their sole discretion. The provisions of this Section 8.3 shall not constitute a contract right for any such employee or agent.

Section 8.4 General Provisions . The rights and authority conferred in any of the Sections of this Article VIII shall not be exclusive of any other right which any person seeking indemnification or advancement of expenses may have or hereafter acquire under any statute, provision of the Restated Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested Directors or otherwise, both as to action in his or her official capacity and as to action in another capacity while holding such office and shall continue as to a person who has ceased to be a Director, officer, employee or agent and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors and administrators of such a person. Neither the amendment or repeal of this Article VIII or any of the Sections thereof nor the adoption of any provision of the Restated Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws or of any statute inconsistent with this Article VIII or any of the Sections thereof shall eliminate or reduce the effect of this Article VIII or any of the Sections thereof in respect of any acts or omissions occurring prior to such amendment, repeal or adoption or an inconsistent provision.

ARTICLE IX

AMENDMENTS

In furtherance and not in limitation of the powers conferred by law, the Board of Directors is expressly authorized to adopt, amend and repeal these Bylaws by the approval of a majority of the Whole Board, subject to the power of the holders of capital stock of the Corporation to adopt, amend or repeal the Bylaws; provided, however , that, with respect to the power of holders of capital stock to adopt, amend and repeal Bylaws of the Corporation, in addition to any affirmative vote of the holders of any particular class or series of the capital stock of the Corporation required by law or the Restated Certificate of Incorporation, the affirmative vote of the holders of 66 2 / 3 % of the voting power of all of the then outstanding shares entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, voting together as a single class, shall be required to adopt, amend or repeal any provision of these Bylaws.

 

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Exhibit 10.1

INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT

THIS AGREEMENT is effective as of March 27, 2017, between Concho Resources Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Corporation”), and the undersigned director or officer of the Corporation (“Indemnitee”).

WHEREAS, the Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation (as the same may be amended from time to time, the “Certificate of Incorporation”) provides for indemnification of the Corporation’s directors and officers; and

WHEREAS, the Corporation has adopted Amended and Restated Bylaws (as the same may be amended from time to time, the “Bylaws”) providing for indemnification of the Corporation’s directors and officers; and

WHEREAS, the Bylaws and the Delaware General Corporation Law (the “DGCL”) contemplate that contracts and insurance policies may be entered into with respect to indemnification of directors and officers; and

WHEREAS, there are questions concerning the adequacy and reliability of the protection which might be afforded to directors and officers from acquisition of policies of Directors and Officers Liability Insurance (“D&O Insurance”), covering certain liabilities which might be incurred by directors and officers in the performance of their services to the Corporation; and

WHEREAS, it is reasonable, prudent and necessary for the Corporation to obligate itself contractually to indemnify Indemnitee so that he will serve or continue to serve the Corporation free from undue concern that he will not be adequately protected.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the covenants contained herein, the Corporation and Indemnitee do hereby covenant and agree as follows:

1. Definitions . As used in this Agreement:

(a) The term “Proceeding” shall include any threatened, pending or completed action, suit, claim, inquiry or proceeding, whether brought by or in the right of the Corporation or otherwise and whether of a civil, criminal, administrative, arbitrative or investigative nature, in which Indemnitee is or is reasonably expected to be involved as a party, as a witness or otherwise, by reason of the fact that Indemnitee is or was a director or officer of the Corporation, by reason of any action taken by him or of any inaction on his part while acting as a director or officer of the Corporation or by reason of the fact that he is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, trustee, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, limited liability company or other enterprise; in each case whether or not he is acting or serving in any such capacity at the time any liability or expense is incurred for which indemnification or reimbursement can be provided under this Agreement; provided that any such action, suit, claim, inquiry or proceeding which is brought by Indemnitee against the Corporation or directors or officers of the Corporation, other than an action brought by Indemnitee to enforce his rights under this Agreement, shall not be deemed a Proceeding without prior approval by a majority of the Board of Directors of the Corporation.


(b) The term “Expenses” shall include, without limitation, any judgments, fines and penalties against Indemnitee in connection with a Proceeding; amounts paid by Indemnitee in settlement of a Proceeding pursuant to this Agreement; and all attorneys’ fees and disbursements, accountants’ fees, private investigation fees and disbursements, retainers, court costs, transcript costs, fees of experts, fees and expenses of witnesses, travel expenses, duplicating costs, printing and binding costs, telephone charges, postage, delivery service fees, and all other disbursements, or expenses, reasonably incurred by or for Indemnitee in connection with prosecuting, defending, preparing to prosecute or defend, investigating, being or preparing to be a witness in a Proceeding or establishing Indemnitee’s right of entitlement to indemnification for any of the foregoing.

(c) References to Indemnitee’s being or acting as “a director or officer of the Corporation” or “serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, trustee, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, limited liability company or other enterprise” shall include in each case service to or actions taken while a director, officer, trustee, employee or agent of any subsidiary of the Corporation or while serving as a member of a committee of the Board of Directors of the Corporation.

(d) References to “other enterprise” shall include employee benefit plans; references to “fines” shall include any excise tax assessed with respect to any employee benefit plan; references to “serving at the request of the Corporation” shall include any service as a director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation which imposes duties on, or involves services by, such director, officer, trustee, employee or agent with respect to an employee benefit plan, its participants or beneficiaries; and a person who acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in the interests of the participants and beneficiaries of an employee benefit plan shall be deemed to have acted in a manner “not opposed to the best interest of the Corporation” as referred to in this Agreement.

(e) The term “substantiating documentation” shall mean copies of bills or invoices for costs incurred by or for Indemnitee, or copies of court or agency orders or decrees or settlement agreements, as the case may be, accompanied by a sworn statement from Indemnitee that such bills, invoices, court or agency orders or decrees or settlement agreements, represent costs or liabilities meeting the definition of “Expenses” herein.

(f) The terms “he,” “him” and “his” have been used for convenience and mean “she” and “her” if Indemnitee is a female.

2. Indemnity of Director or Officer. The Corporation hereby agrees to hold harmless and indemnify Indemnitee against Expenses to the fullest extent authorized or permitted by law (including the applicable provisions of the DGCL). The phrase “to the fullest extent permitted by law” shall include, but not be limited to (a) to the fullest extent permitted by any provision of the DGCL that authorizes or permits additional indemnification by agreement, or the corresponding provision of any amendment to or replacement of the DGCL and (b) to the fullest extent authorized or permitted by any amendments to or replacements of the DGCL

 

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adopted after the date of this Agreement that increase the extent to which a corporation may indemnify its officers and directors. Any amendment, alteration or repeal of the DGCL that adversely affects any right of Indemnitee shall be prospective only and shall not limit or eliminate any such right with respect to any Proceeding involving any occurrence or alleged occurrence of any action or omission to act that took place prior to such amendment or repeal.

3. Additional Indemnity. The Corporation hereby further agrees to hold harmless and indemnify Indemnitee against Expenses incurred by reason of the fact that Indemnitee is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, trustee, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, limited liability company or other enterprise, but only if Indemnitee acted in good faith and, in the case of conduct in his official capacity, in a manner he reasonably believed to be in the best interests of the Corporation and, in all other cases, not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation. Additionally, in the case of a criminal proceeding, Indemnitee must have had no reasonable cause to believe that his conduct was unlawful. The termination of any Proceeding by judgment, order of the court, settlement, conviction or upon a plea of nolo contendere, or its equivalent, shall not, of itself, create a presumption that Indemnitee did not act in good faith and in a manner which he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interest of the Corporation, and with respect to any criminal Proceeding, that Indemnitee had reasonable cause to believe that his conduct was unlawful.

4. Contribution. If the indemnification provided under Section 2 or Section 3 is unavailable by reason of a court decision finding that Indemnitee is not eligible to receive indemnification for Expenses incurred by Indemnitee under this Agreement, based on grounds other than any of those set forth in Section 15, then, in respect of any Proceeding in which the Corporation is jointly liable with Indemnitee (or would be if joined in such Proceeding), the Corporation shall contribute to the amount of Expenses actually and reasonably incurred and paid or payable by Indemnitee in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect (i) the relative benefits received by the Corporation on one hand and Indemnitee on the other from the transaction from which such Proceeding arose and (ii) the relative fault of the Corporation on the one hand and of Indemnitee on the other in connection with the events that resulted in such Expenses as well as any other relevant equitable considerations. The relative fault of the Corporation on the one hand and of Indemnitee on the other shall be determined by reference to, among other things, the parties’ relative intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent the circumstances resulting in such Expenses. The Corporation agrees that it would not be just and equitable if contribution pursuant to this Section 4 were determined by pro rata allocation or any other method of allocation that does not take into account of the foregoing equitable considerations.

5. Choice of Counsel. Each Indemnitee that is an Outside Director, Chase Director or Other Indemnitee, together with the other Indemnitees who are designated in the same group, shall be entitled to employ, and be reimbursed for the fees and disbursements of, separate counsel to represent the Outside Directors, the Chase Directors or the Other Indemnitees, as the case may be, in connection with any Proceeding. For purposes of this Agreement, an Indemnitee shall be designated as (i) an “Outside Director” if such Indemnitee is a director and not an officer of the Corporation and is not a Chase Director, (ii) a “Chase Director” if such Indemnitee is G.

 

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Carl Everett, Larry V. Kalas, John A. Knorr, Bradley D. Bartek or Robert C. Chase, and (iii) an “Other Indemnitee” if such Indemnitee is not an Outside Director or a Chase Director. The principal counsel for Outside Directors (“Outside Director Counsel”) shall be determined by majority vote of the Outside Directors, the principal counsel for Chase Directors (“Chase Counsel”) shall be determined by majority vote of the Chase Directors, and the Principal Counsel for the Other Indemnitees (“Other Indemnitee Counsel”) shall be determined by majority vote of the Other Indemnitees, in each case subject to the consent of the Corporation (not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed). The obligation of the Corporation to reimburse Indemnitee for the fees and disbursements of counsel hereunder shall not extend to the fees and disbursements of any counsel employed by Indemnitee other than Outside Director Counsel, Chase Counsel or Other Indemnitee Counsel, as the case may be, unless Indemnitee has interests that are different from those of the other Indemnitees or defenses available to him that are in addition to or different from those of the other Indemnitees such that Outside Director Counsel, Chase Counsel or Other Indemnitee Counsel, as the case may be, would have an actual, apparent or potential conflict of interest in representing Indemnitee.

6. Advances of Expenses. Expenses (other than judgments, penalties, fines and settlements) incurred by Indemnitee shall be paid by the Corporation, in advance of the final disposition of the Proceeding, within 20 calendar days after receipt of Indemnitee’s written request accompanied by substantiating documentation and Indemnitee’s written affirmation that he has met the standard of conduct for indemnification and a written undertaking to repay such amount to the extent it is ultimately determined that indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification. No objections based on or involving the question whether such charges meet the definition of “Expenses,” including any question regarding the reasonableness of such Expenses, shall be grounds for failure to advance such amount to Indemnitee, or to reimburse such Indemnitee for, the amount claimed within such 20-day period, and the undertaking of Indemnitee set forth in Section 8 hereof to repay any such amount to the extent it is ultimately determined that Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification shall be deemed to include an undertaking to repay any such amounts determined not to have met such definition.

7. Right of Indemnitee to Indemnification Upon Application; Procedure Upon Application. Any indemnification under this Agreement, other than advances pursuant to Section 6 hereof, shall be made no later than 60 days after receipt by the Corporation of the written request of Indemnitee, accompanied by substantiating documentation, unless a determination is made within said 60-day period by (a) the Board of Directors by a majority vote of a quorum consisting of directors who are not or were not parties to such Proceeding, (b) a committee of the Board of Directors designated by majority vote of the Board of Directors, even though less than a quorum, (c) if there are no such directors, or if such directors so direct, independent legal counsel in a written opinion or (d) the stockholders, that Indemnitee has not met the relevant standards for indemnification set forth in Section 3 hereof.

The right to indemnification or advances as provided by this Agreement shall be enforceable by Indemnitee in any court of competent jurisdiction. The burden of proving that indemnification is not appropriate shall be on the Corporation. Neither the failure of the Corporation (including its Board of Directors, any committee thereof, independent legal counsel or its stockholders) to have made a determination prior to the commencement of such action that indemnification is proper in the circumstances because Indemnitee has met the applicable

 

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standards of conduct, nor an actual determination by the Corporation (including its Board of Directors, any committee thereof, independent legal counsel or its stockholders) that Indemnitee has not met such applicable standard of conduct, shall be a defense to the action or create a presumption that Indemnitee has not met the applicable standard of conduct.

8. Undertaking by Indemnitee. Indemnitee hereby undertakes to repay to the Corporation (a) any advances of Expenses pursuant to Section 6 hereof and (b) any judgments, penalties, fines and settlements paid to or on behalf of Indemnitee hereunder, in each case to the extent that it is ultimately determined that Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification. As a condition to the advancement of such Expenses or the payment of such judgments, penalties, fines and settlements, Indemnitee shall, at the request of the Corporation, execute an acknowledgment that such Expenses or such judgments, penalties, fines and settlements, as the case may be, are delivered pursuant and are subject to the provisions of this Agreement.

9. Indemnification Hereunder Not Exclusive. The indemnification and advancement of expenses provided by this Agreement shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which Indemnitee may be entitled under the Certificate of Incorporation, the Bylaws, the DGCL, any D&O Insurance, any agreement, or otherwise, both as to action in his official capacity and as to action in another capacity while holding such office of the Corporation; provided, however, that this Agreement supersedes all prior written indemnification agreements between the Corporation (or any predecessor thereof) and Indemnitee with respect to the subject matter hereof. However, Indemnitee shall reimburse the Corporation for amounts paid to him pursuant to such other rights to the extent such payments duplicate any payments received pursuant to this Agreement.

10. Continuation of Indemnity. All agreements and obligations of the Corporation contained herein shall continue during the period Indemnitee is a director or officer of the Corporation (or is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, limited liability company or other enterprise) and shall continue thereafter so long as Indemnitee shall be subject to any possible Proceeding (notwithstanding the fact that Indemnitee has ceased to serve the Corporation).

11. Partial Indemnification. If Indemnitee is entitled under any provision of this Agreement to indemnification by the Corporation for a portion of Expenses, but not, however, for the total amount thereof, the Corporation shall nevertheless indemnify Indemnitee for the portion of such Expenses to which Indemnitee is entitled.

12. Settlement of Claims. The Corporation shall not be liable to indemnify Indemnitee under this Agreement for any amounts paid in settlement of any Proceeding effected without the Corporation’s prior written consent. The Corporation shall not settle any Proceeding in any manner which would impose any penalty or limitation on Indemnitee without Indemnitee’s prior written consent. Neither the Corporation nor Indemnitee will unreasonably withhold or delay their consent to any proposed settlement. The Corporation shall not be liable to indemnify Indemnitee under this Agreement with regard to any judicial award if the Corporation was not given a reasonable and timely opportunity, at its expense, to participate in the defense of such action.

 

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13. Acknowledgements.

(a) Corporation Acknowledgement . The Corporation expressly confirms and agrees that it has entered into this Agreement and assumed the obligations imposed on the Corporation hereby in order to induce Indemnitee to serve or to continue to serve as a director or officer of the Corporation, and acknowledges that Indemnitee is relying upon this Agreement in agreeing to serve or in continuing to serve as a director or officer of the Corporation.

(b) Mutual Acknowledgment . Both the Corporation and Indemnitee acknowledge that in certain instances, Federal law or public policy may override applicable state law and prohibit the Corporation from indemnifying its directors and officers under this Agreement or otherwise. For example, the Corporation and Indemnitee acknowledge that the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) has taken the position that indemnification is not permissible for liabilities arising under certain federal securities laws, and federal legislation prohibits indemnification for certain ERISA violations. Indemnitee understands and acknowledges that the Corporation has undertaken or may be required in the future to undertake with the SEC to submit the question of indemnification to a court in certain circumstances for a determination of the Corporation’s right under public policy to indemnify Indemnitee.

14. Enforcement. In the event Indemnitee is required to bring any action or other proceeding to enforce rights or to collect moneys due under this Agreement and is successful in such action, the Corporation shall reimburse Indemnitee for all of Indemnitee’s Expenses in bringing and pursuing such action.

15. Exceptions . Any other provision herein to the contrary notwithstanding, the Corporation shall not be obligated pursuant to the terms of this Agreement:

(a) No Entitlement to Indemnification . To indemnify Indemnitee for any expenses incurred by Indemnitee with respect to any proceeding instituted by Indemnitee to enforce or interpret this Agreement, if a court of competent jurisdiction determines that Indemnitee was not entitled to indemnification hereunder;

(b) Insured Claims . To indemnify Indemnitee for Expenses or liabilities of any type whatsoever (including, but not limited to, judgments, fines, ERISA excise taxes or penalties, and amounts paid in settlement) to the extent such Expenses or liabilities have been paid directly to Indemnitee by an insurance carrier under a D&O Insurance policy maintained by the Corporation;

(c) Remuneration in Violation of Law . To indemnify Indemnitee in respect of remuneration paid to Indemnitee if it shall be determined by a final judgment or other final adjudication that such remuneration was in violation of law;

(d) Indemnification Unlawful . To indemnify Indemnitee if a final decision by a court having jurisdiction in the matter shall determine that such indemnification is not lawful;

(e) Misconduct, Etc . To indemnify Indemnitee on account of Indemnitee’s conduct which is finally adjudged to have been knowingly fraudulent or deliberately dishonest or to constitute intentional misconduct, a knowing violation of law, a violation of Section 174 of the DGCL or a transaction from which Indemnitee derived an improper personal benefit;

 

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(f) Breach of Duty . To indemnify Indemnitee on account of Indemnitee’s conduct which is the subject of any Proceeding brought by the Corporation and approved by a majority of the Board of Directors which alleges willful misappropriation of corporate assets by Indemnitee, disclosure of confidential information in violation of Indemnitee’s fiduciary or contractual obligations to the Corporation, or any other willful and deliberate breach in bad faith of Indemnitee’s duty to the Corporation or its stockholders; or

(g) Claims Under Section 16(b) . To indemnify Indemnitee for expenses or the payment of profits arising from the purchase and sale by Indemnitee of securities in violation of Section 16(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or any similar successor statute.

16. Severability. If any provision of this Agreement shall be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable (a) the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Agreement shall not be in any way affected or impaired thereby, and (b) to the fullest extent possible, the provisions of this Agreement shall be construed so as to give effect to the intent manifested by the provision held invalid, illegal or unenforceable. Each section of this Agreement is a separate and independent portion of this Agreement. If the indemnification to which Indemnitee is entitled with respect to any aspect of any claim varies between two or more sections of this Agreement, that section providing the most comprehensive indemnification shall apply.

17. Miscellaneous.

(a) Governing Law . This Agreement and all acts and transactions pursuant hereto and the rights and obligations of the parties hereto shall be governed, construed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to principles of conflict of law.

(b) Entire Agreement; Enforcement of Rights . This Agreement sets forth the entire agreement and understanding of the parties relating to the subject matter herein and merges all prior discussions between them. No modification of or amendment to this Agreement, nor any waiver of any rights under this Agreement, shall be effective unless in writing signed by the parties to this Agreement. The failure by either party to enforce any rights under this Agreement shall not be construed as a waiver of any rights of such party.

(c) Construction . This Agreement is the result of negotiations between and has been reviewed by each of the parties hereto and their respective counsel, if any; accordingly, this Agreement shall be deemed to be the product of all of the parties hereto, and no ambiguity shall be construed in favor of or against any one of the parties hereto.

(d) Notices . All notices, demands or other communications to be given or delivered under or by reason of the provisions of this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been given (i) when delivered personally to the recipient, (ii) when sent to the recipient by telecopy (receipt electronically confirmed by sender’s telecopy machine) if during normal

 

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business hours of the recipient, otherwise on the next business day, (iii) one business day after the date when sent to the recipient by reputable overnight courier service (charges prepaid), or (iv) five business days after the date when mailed to the recipient by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested and postage prepaid. Such notices, demands and other communications shall be sent to the parties at the addresses indicated on the signature page hereto, or to such other address as any party hereto may, from time to time, designate in writing delivered pursuant to the terms of this Section 17(d).

(e) Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original and all of which together shall constitute one instrument.

(f) Successors and Assigns . This Agreement shall be binding upon the Corporation and its successors and assigns and shall inure to the benefit of Indemnitee and Indemnitee’s heirs, legal representatives and assigns.

(g) Subrogation . In the event of payment under this Agreement, the Corporation shall be subrogated to the extent of such payment to all of the rights of recovery of Indemnitee, who shall execute all documents required and shall do all acts that may be necessary to secure such rights and to enable the Corporation to effectively bring suit to enforce such rights.

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the day and year first above written.

 

CONCHO RESOURCES INC.
By:    
  C. William Giraud, Executive Vice President
  Address:  

One Concho Center

600 W. Illinois Ave.

Midland, Texas 79701

Facsimile: (432) 683-7441

 

INDEMNITEE:
   
  Susan J. Helms
  Address:  

One Concho Center

600 W. Illinois Ave.

Midland, Texas 79701

Facsimile: (432) 683-7441