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) December 14, 2017
C&J Energy Services, Inc.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)
Delaware | 001-38023 | 81-4808566 | ||
(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation) |
(Commission
File Number) |
(IRS Employer
Identification No.) |
3990 Rogerdale Rd.
Houston, Texas 77042
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
Registrants telephone number, including area code: (713) 325-6000
N/A
(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 (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)) |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).
Emerging growth company ☐
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Item 5.02 | Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers. |
Appointment of Mr. Vic Joyce as President, Well Construction and Intervention Services
On December 14, 2017, the board of directors (the Board) of C&J Energy Services, Inc. (the Company) appointed Mr. Vic Joyce to the role of President, Well Construction and Intervention Services. Mr. Joyce, 68, joined C&J in November 2015 as Vice President and General Manager of Cementing Services. Mr. Joyce has over 42 years of oil field service experience. Mr. Joyce spent nearly 38 years at Schlumberger in numerous operational and management positions of increasing responsibility, most recently having served as Global Account Director from 2004 to April 2012. Mr. Joyce served as Chief Executive Officer of Allied Oil & Gas Services LLC, a cementing and acidizing services business, from April 2012 to April 2014. From April 2014 to October 2015, Mr. Joyce served as an Operating Partner with Intervale Capital, a private equity firm focused primarily on oilfield manufacturing and service companies. There is no arrangement or understanding between Mr. Joyce and any other person(s) pursuant to which he was selected to be an officer of the Company, and Mr. Joyce does not have any family relationships with any of the Companys executive officers or directors.
Employment Agreement of Mr. Joyce
In connection with Mr. Joyces appointment as President, Well Construction and Intervention Services, the Company and Mr. Joyce entered into an employment agreement (the Joyce Employment Agreement), effective as of December 14, 2017.
Under the Joyce Employment Agreement, Mr. Joyce will serve as President, Well Construction and Intervention Services for an initial term of three years from the effective date, with a yearly extension of the term to occur each year unless or until Mr. Joyces employment terminates in accordance with the terms of the Joyce Employment Agreement.
The Joyce Employment Agreement provides that Mr. Joyce will receive an annual base salary of $325,000 during the term of his employment, which amount is subject to annual review and may be increased. Mr. Joyce will be eligible to receive an annual (i) short-term incentive cash bonus at a target level of 65 percent of his annual base salary for each full calendar year beginning on or after January 1, 2018 that he is employed by the Company in which the Company achieves certain targets as set forth by the Compensation Committee of the Board, and (ii) long-term equity compensation awards at a target award level of 200% of Mr. Joyces then effective base salary, in each case in an amount and subject to the terms and conditions determined by the Compensation Committee in its sole discretion. In addition, Mr. Joyce is eligible to receive employee benefits for him and his eligible family members that the Company ordinarily provides to similarly situated employees.
The Joyce Employment Agreement provides for the following severance payment and benefits:
| If Mr. Joyce is terminated without cause (not in connection with a death or permanent disability) (each term as defined in the Joyce Employment Agreement), in each case, outside of the Protected Period (which, with respect to Mr. Joyce, is the period beginning three months prior to the effective date of a change of control and ending on the one year anniversary of the effective date of such change of control), then he will be eligible to receive: (i) accrued but unpaid base salary and vacation (the Accrued Obligations), unreimbursed expenses, and earned but unpaid bonuses for the year prior to the year in which the termination occurs, and (ii) subject to Mr. Joyces execution of a release and compliance with certain restrictive covenants specified in the Joyce Employment Agreement (including a noncompetition restriction that will exist for a period of two years following the termination event) (a) lump sum payment of an amount equal to one times the sum of (1) his annualized base salary in effect on the date of termination and (2) his target annual bonus for the calendar year in which the date of termination occurs and (b) a lump sum payment of an amount equal to all COBRA premiums that would be payable for the 18 month period beginning on the date of termination, assuming that Mr. Joyce and his eligible dependents elected COBRA coverage (without regard to whether actual coverage was elected or would be applicable for the entire 18 month period). |
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If Mr. Joyce is terminated by the Company without cause during the Protected Period, then Mr. Joyce will be eligible to receive (in lieu of the ordinary severance payments and benefits described above): |
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(i) the Accrued Obligations, unreimbursed expenses, and earned but unpaid bonuses for the year prior to the year in which the termination occurs and (ii) subject to Mr. Joyces execution of a release and compliance with certain restrictive covenants specified in the Joyce Employment Agreement (including a noncompetition restriction that will exist for a period of one year following the termination event), (a) lump sum payment of an amount equal to one times the sum of (1) his annualized base salary in effect on the date of termination and (2) his target annual bonus for the calendar year in which the date of termination occurs and (b) a lump sum payment of an amount equal to all COBRA premiums that would be payable for the three year period beginning on the date of termination, assuming that Mr. Joyce and his eligible dependents elected COBRA coverage (without regard to whether actual coverage was elected or would be applicable for the entire three year period). |
| If Mr. Joyce is terminated by reason of death or permanent disability, then he will be eligible to receive: (i) the Accrued Obligations, unreimbursed expenses, and earned but unpaid bonuses for the year prior to the year in which the termination occurs, and (ii) timely payment or provision of any and all benefit obligations provided under Section 3.4 of the Joyce Employment Agreement (which includes, but is not limited to, employee benefits, sick-leave benefits, disability insurance and paid vacation), which under their terms are payable in the event of his death or permanent disability. |
The foregoing description of the Joyce Employment Agreement is not complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the complete text of such agreement, a copy of which is filed as Exhibit 10.1 hereto, respectively, and incorporated herein by reference.
Item 5.05 | Amendments to the Registrants Code of Ethics, or Waiver of a Provision of the Code of Ethics. |
On December 14, 2017, the Board approved certain amendments to (i) the Companys Corporate Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and (ii) the Companys Financial Code of Ethics (together, the Codes) as part of the Boards normal periodic review of the Companys corporate policies and practices. The changes to the Codes bolster the Companys strong corporate governance platform, reflecting the Companys commitment to having sound corporate governance policies and practices, with enhancements that strengthen the Companys prior Codes and provide additional detail regarding the Companys expectations with respect to the ethical and legally compliant conduct of its employees, officers and directors. The Codes, as amended, also contain certain administrative and non-substantive changes, including with respect to readability.
The foregoing description of the Codes are not complete and are qualified in their entirety by reference to the complete text of the amended Corporate Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and the amended Financial Code of Ethics, copies of which are filed as Exhibit 14.1 and Exhibit 14.2 hereto, respectively, and incorporated herein by reference. The full text of the Codes are also available in the Compliance and Ethics section of the Companys website at www.cjenergy.com .
Item 9.01 | Financial Statements and Exhibits. |
(d) Exhibits.
Exhibit No. |
Description of Exhibit |
|
10.1 | Employment Agreement by and between C&J Energy Services, Inc. and Vice Joyce. | |
14.1 | Corporate Code of Business Conduct and Ethics | |
14.2 | Financial Code of Ethics |
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Exchange Act, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
December 18, 2017
C&J ENERGY SERVICES, INC. | ||
By: |
/s/ Danielle Hunter |
|
Name: | Danielle Hunter | |
Title: | Executive Vice President, General Counsel, Chief Risk and Compliance Officer and Corporate Secretary |
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Exhibit 10.1
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
This Employment Agreement (this Agreement ) is entered into as of December 14, 2017 (the Effective Date ) by and between C&J Energy Services, Inc., a Delaware company (the Company ), and Vic Joyce ( Executive ), and is effective as of the Effective Date.
RECITALS
WHEREAS, the Company desires to retain the experience, abilities and service of Executive in a new position; and
WHEREAS, Executive wishes to continue to be employed by the Company under the conditions of employment specified in this Agreement; and
WHEREAS, both the Company and Executive have read and understood the terms of this Agreement, and have been afforded a reasonable opportunity to review this Agreement with their respective legal counsel.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises and covenants contained in this Agreement, the parties hereto agree as follows, effective as of the Effective Date:
AGREEMENT
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS
1.1 Certain Definitions . For purposes of this Agreement, the following terms shall have the meanings specified or referred to in this Section 1.1 :
(a) Accrued Obligation shall mean the sum of (i) Executives Base Salary earned through the Date of Termination and (ii) to the extent permitted by the Companys vacation policies as may exist from time to time, any accrued, unused vacation pay earned by Executive, in both cases, to the extent not theretofore paid.
(b) Applicable Anti-Corruption Laws shall mean all anti-corruption and anti-bribery laws and legislation that are or may become applicable to Executive or to the Company or its Subsidiaries, whether as a result of the location of citizenship, incorporation or registration, or business operations, including but not limited to the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended, the UK Bribery Act 2010, and the principles set out in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development Convention Combating Bribery of Foreign Public Officials in International Business Transactions.
(c) Board shall mean the Board of Directors of the Company.
(d) Business shall mean (i) any business in which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is engaged during the Term and for which Executive has (or has had) responsibilities or about which Executive has Confidential Information and (ii) as of the end of the Term, any other business in which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries has undertaken material, substantive steps to engage within the twelve (12) month period prior to such time and for which Executive has had material
responsibility with regard to, or Confidential Information about, such steps. Without limiting the foregoing, Business shall be deemed to include, without limitation, the well completion and servicing business (including but not limited to hydraulic fracturing, coiled tubing, pressure pumping, cased-hole wireline, pressure testing, pump-down, perforating, pipe recovery and other complementary services); petroleum engineering services (including but not limited to services in connection with hydraulic fracture stimulation and reservoir engineering); the chemicals and fluids procurement and sales business; cementing; workover rigs and related offerings; storage and disposal; logging, downhole and drilling tools; and data control systems.
(e) Cause shall mean Executives (i) willful and continued failure to substantially perform, without proper legal justification the duties required hereunder or any other written agreement between Executive and the Company or any affiliate of the Company or as otherwise reasonably required by the Board in the course of his duties; (ii) conviction, admission or plea of guilty or nolo contendere to a charge of felony, or conviction of or plea of guilty or nolo contendere to any dishonest conduct; (iii) any material breach of any of the terms of, or failure to perform any of, his covenants contained herein or in any other written agreement between Executive and the Company or any affiliate of the Company; or (iv) material violation or failure to abide by lawful and material instructions, policies or workplace rules established by the Company or any affiliate of the Company.
(f) Change of Control shall mean any of the following:
(i) any person or group shall become, directly or indirectly, the beneficial owner (each quoted term as defined within the meaning of Sections 13(d) and 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act or the regulations thereunder), by way of merger, consolidation, recapitalization, reorganization or otherwise, of 50% or more of the voting power of the Board; or
(ii) the sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of its assets of the Company in one or more transactions to any Person other than an Affiliate.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the parties acknowledge and agree that the restructuring transactions (specifically including the change in ownership and Board composition) contemplated by the Plan of Reorganization arising under the Companys (including certain of its subsidiaries) voluntary petitions for reorganization filed on July 20, 2016 seeking relief under the provisions of Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas, Houston Division under the caption In re: CJ Holding Co., et al., Case No. 16-33590 , including the emergence from bankruptcy as contemplated thereby, shall not constitute a Change of Control for purpose of this Agreement.
(g) Code shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
(h) Company Group shall mean, collectively, C&J Energy Services, Inc. and its direct and indirect subsidiaries.
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(i) Date of Termination shall mean the effective date of termination of Executives employment hereunder, as specified in the applicable Notice of Termination.
(j) Exchange Act means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and applicable administrative guidance issued thereunder.
(k) Government Official shall mean any agent, representative, official, officer, director, or employee of any government or any department, agency, or instrumentality thereof (including but not limited to any officer, director, or employee of a state-owned, operated or controlled entity) or of a public international organization, or any person acting in an official capacity for or on behalf of any such government, department, agency, instrumentality, or public international organization.
(l) Permanent Disability shall mean a sickness or disability that renders Executive incapable of performing his duties hereunder for a period in excess of six (6) months during any consecutive twelve (12) month period.
(m) Permitted Holder shall mean (i) any trustee or other fiduciary holding securities of the Company under an employee benefit plan of the Company or any of its affiliates, (ii) any subsidiary of the Company that is at least 80% owned by the Company and (iii) any corporation, partnership, limited liability company or other entity owned, directly or indirectly, by the shareholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of securities of the Company.
(n) Protected Period shall mean the period beginning three (3) months prior to the effective date of a Change of Control, and ending on the one (1) year anniversary of the effective date of such Change of Control.
(o) Release Expiration Date shall mean the date that is twenty-one (21) days following the date upon which the Company timely delivers to Executive the Release (which shall occur no later than seven (7) days after the Date of Termination), or in the event that such termination of employment is in connection with an exit incentive or other employment termination program (as such phrase is defined in the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended), the date that is forty-five (45) days following such delivery date.
(p) Restricted Area shall mean those geographic areas where the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company conducts the Business during the Term and for which Executive has or had material responsibilities. Without limiting the foregoing, the Restricted Area shall include those countries, states, parishes, counties and other areas specified on Exhibit A , and any additional areas in which the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company has taken material, substantive steps, with Executives assistance, in preparation of conducting the Business.
(q) Section 409A shall mean Section 409A of the Code and the final Department of Treasury regulations and other interpretive guidance issued thereunder.
(r) Subsidiary shall mean any business entity with respect to which the Company owns or controls, directly or indirectly, not less than a majority of the equity securities of such entity, or otherwise possesses, with by virtue of security ownership or contract, the power to elect a majority of the board of directors or other governing body or officers thereof.
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ARTICLE II
DUTIES
2.1 Duties . During the Term (as defined below), Executive shall serve the Company as President Well Construction and Intervention Services, or in such other capacity as the Board, Chief Executive Officer or Chief Operating Officer of the Company shall determine. Executive shall comply with the policies of the Company as may be in effect from time to time for executive officers, including, without limitation, the Companys policies regarding confidentiality, ownership of intellectual property, drug testing, discrimination and harassment, and ethical conduct. Executive shall have such duties, authorities and responsibilities as the Board, Chief Executive Officer or Chief Operating Officer of the Company shall designate that are consistent with Executives position.
2.2 Extent of Duties . Subject to the use of vacation, holiday and other approved leave time, Executive shall devote substantially all of his business time, energy and efforts to the affairs of the Company as the Company, acting through its Board, shall reasonably deem necessary in the discharge of Executives duties hereunder. Executive shall not engage, directly or indirectly, in any other business or businesses, whether or not similar to that of the Company, except with the consent of the Chairman of the Board or as otherwise permitted by this Section 2.2 . Executive agrees to serve in the positions referred to in Section 2.1 and to perform diligently and to the best of his abilities the duties and services appertaining to such offices, as well as such additional duties and services appropriate to such offices which the parties mutually may agree upon from time to time. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing herein shall prevent Executive from participating in social, civic, charitable, religious, business, educational or professional associations, or the passive management of Executives personal investments, so long as such activities do not materially detract from Executives ability to perform his duties under this Agreement or otherwise violate the provisions of this Agreement. Without limiting the foregoing, in the event that Executive desires to participate personally in any business opportunity that is reasonably related to the Companys or any of its Subsidiaries business, Executive shall not participate in such opportunity without first making full disclosure to the Board of such opportunity and the scope of Executives proposed involvement.
ARTICLE III
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT
3.1 Employment Period . Unless sooner terminated pursuant to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, Executives employment pursuant to this Agreement shall commence on the Effective Date and end on the third anniversary of the Effective Date (the Initial Period ); provided , however , that on the third anniversary of the Effective Date and on each subsequent anniversary date (each such date, an Extension Date ), if Executives employment under this Agreement has not been terminated pursuant to Article IV, the Term of this Agreement shall automatically extend for an additional year unless on or before the date that is ninety (90) days prior to an Extension Date, the Company or Executive provides the other party hereto written notice (a Notice of Non-Renewal ) that the Term will not be so extended. The Initial Period and any automatic extension of this Agreement pursuant to this Section 3.1 is collectively referred to herein as the Term .
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3.2 Annualized Base Compensation . As compensation for services rendered under this Agreement, Executive shall be entitled to receive from the Company a minimum annualized base salary (before tax withholdings and other deductions) of $325,000.00 ( Base Salary ). Executives Base Salary shall be reviewed by the Board on an annual basis and, in the Boards discretion, may be increased. Executives Base Salary shall be payable in arrears at regular intervals (but no less frequently than monthly) in accordance with the prevailing practice and policies of the Company as may exist from time to time.
3.3 Bonuses .
(a) Annual Bonus . Executive shall be eligible to receive an annual bonus ( Annual Bonus ) for each full calendar year beginning on or after January 1, 2018 that he is employed with the Company during the Term (each such calendar year, a Bonus Year ) in which the Company achieves certain targets as set forth by the Compensation Committee of the Board (the Compensation Committee ), and the target amount of such bonus shall (assuming all performance targets are met or exceeded) be 65% of Executives Base Salary for the applicable Bonus Year; provided that Executive shall not be entitled to an Annual Bonus for any Bonus Year, unless the Compensation Committee determines otherwise, in which the Company does not achieve such targets, as determined by the Compensation Committee; and provided further , that Executive shall not be entitled to any Annual Bonus if Executives employment is terminated by the Company for Cause prior to the date of payment of such Annual Bonus and, subject to the exceptions set forth in Sections 4.3(b)(ii) , 4.3(c)(ii) , and 4.3(d)(iii) Executive shall not be entitled to any Annual Bonus if Executive is not employed by the Company on the date the Compensation Committee determines annual bonuses for executive officers of the Company. The Compensation Committee may, in its sole discretion, determine that up to 50% of the value of any Annual Bonus shall be paid in stock of the Company (as determined by the Compensation Committee) and the remainder of such Annual Bonus shall be paid in cash. Each Bonus Year during the Term, the Compensation Committee will review the structure of the targets provided by it for the preceding Bonus Year and establish the targets for the Bonus Year as it deems appropriate.
3.4 Benefits . The Company agrees to provide Executive and Executives eligible family members with the employment benefits that the Company ordinarily provides to similarly situated employees, subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable benefit programs and plans. Executive and Executives family members shall be eligible to participate in any and all employee benefit plans (including, but not limited to, medical and dental insurance, retirement plans, disability insurance and life insurance) implemented by the Company from time to time for its executive employees and their families. Such employment benefits shall be governed by the applicable plan documents, insurance policies, and/or employment policies, and may be modified, suspended, or revoked in accordance with the terms of the applicable documents or policies. In addition to such benefits, the Company agrees to provide, or cause to be provided, the following benefits upon satisfaction by Executive of any eligibility requirements, subject to the following limitations:
(a) Sick-Leave Benefits and Disability Insurance . To the extent made available to other employees of the Company, and unless Executives employment under this Agreement is terminated pursuant to Article IV , Executive shall be paid sick leave benefits at his then prevailing Base Salary rate during his absence due to illness or other incapacity; provided , however , that any sick-leave benefits will be
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reduced by the amount, if any, of workers compensation, Social Security entitlement, and/or disability benefits, if any, paid or provided to Executive in connection with such illness or incapacity.
(b) Vacations . The Company shall provide Executive with vacation consistent with Company policy, but not less than twenty (20) business days paid vacation per calendar year during his employment under this Agreement ( Vacation Days ), which Vacation Days shall accrue and be used pursuant to the Companys vacation policies as may exist from time to time.
3.5 Equity Incentives . As a long-term incentive, Executive shall be eligible to receive long-term equity compensation awards as determined by the Compensation Committee. The amount of such equity compensation award shall be determined by the Compensation Committee and shall equal a target of 200% of Executives then effective Base Salary, subject to the sole discretion of the Compensation Committee. All such equity compensation awards, if any, shall be subject to the terms and conditions determined by the Compensation Committee and the award agreements pursuant to which they are granted, as modified by this Agreement.
3.6 Other Benefits .
(a) Perquisites . During the Term, Executive shall be entitled to fringe benefits and perquisites as determined from time to time by the Company, which shall include provision for an automobile (or, if applicable, automobile allowance) for Executives business and personal use, and related insurance coverage, which is commensurate with Executives position, title and duties with the Company, as determined by the Company from time to time and subject to all applicable benefit and insurance policies, terms and conditions.
(b) Reimbursement of Business Expenses . Executive is authorized to incur ordinary, necessary, and reasonable business expenses in connection with the performance of his duties, responsibilities, and authorities under this Agreement and for the promotion of the Companys business and activities during this Agreement, including but not limited to expenses for necessary travel and entertainment and other items of expense required in the normal and routine course of Executives employment under this Agreement. The Company will reimburse Executive from time to time for all such business expenses actually incurred pursuant to and in conformity with this paragraph and the policies and practices of the Company then in effect relative to the reimbursement of business expenses.
ARTICLE IV
TERMINATION
4.1 Termination of Employment .
(a) Termination by the Company for Cause . The Company may terminate Executives employment under this Agreement at any time, without any further liability to Executive, for Cause. If the Company believes Cause exists for terminating Executives employment under this Agreement pursuant to this paragraph, it shall give Executive written notice of the acts or omissions constituting Cause in its Notice of Termination and Executives employment under this
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Agreement shall terminate immediately upon provision of such notice; provided , however , that if such acts or omissions are of the type described in Section 1.1(e)(i) , (iii) or (iv) , no termination of Executives employment under this Agreement for Cause shall be effective unless and until Executive fails to cure such acts or omissions, if curable (as determined by the Company in its reasonable discretion), within thirty (30) days after receiving such notice.
(b) Termination by the Company without Cause or by Executive . The Company may terminate Executives employment under this Agreement without Cause, and Executive may terminate Executives employment under this Agreement for any reason, or no reason whatsoever. Any termination of Executives employment by Executive shall be made by the provision of at least thirty (30) days prior written notice to the Company in accordance with Section 4.2 . Any termination of Executives employment by the Company without Cause shall be made by the provision of at least fourteen (14) days prior written notice to Executive in accordance with Section 4.2 .
(c) Change of Control Termination . A termination of Executives employment by the Company without Cause in any case during a Protected Period following a Change of Control, will entitle Executive to the benefits specified in Section 4.3(c) .
(d) Termination on Death or Permanent Disability . Executives employment under this Agreement shall automatically terminate on Executives death or upon the provision to Executive of notice of the Companys determination of his Permanent Disability.
4.2 Notice of Termination . Any termination of Executives employment by the Company or Executive pursuant to Section 4.1 (other than upon his death) shall be communicated by a Notice of Termination to the other party hereto.
4.3 Obligations of the Company Upon Termination .
(a) Termination by the Company for Cause or by Executive. If the Company terminates Executives employment for Cause or if Executive resigns his employment for any reason, or no reason whatsoever, Executive shall be entitled only to the payment of (i) the Accrued Obligation and (ii) unreimbursed business expenses.
(b) Termination by the Company without Cause (Not in Connection with a Death or Permanent Disability) . If, at any time other than during a Protected Period, the Company terminates Executives employment during the Term without Cause, and such termination is not due to Executives death or Permanent Disability, then Executive shall be entitled to receive (i) payment of the Accrued Obligation and any unreimbursed business expenses and (ii) subject to the satisfaction of any applicable performance targets, as described in Section 3.3 , any of Executives earned but unpaid Bonuses with respect to a previous calendar year completed prior to the Date of Termination (without regard to any requirement that Executive remain employed through the date of determination of such Bonuses). In addition, subject to Executives (x) delivery to the Company by the Release Expiration Date (and non-revocation in any time provided to do so) of an executed release of claims against the Company and its affiliates in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit B
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(the Release ) and (y) compliance with Articles V , VI , and VII , Executive shall also be entitled to receive:
(1) a lump sum payment of an amount equal to one (1) times the sum of (A) the annualized rate of Executives Base Salary as in effect on the Date of Termination and (B) Executives target Annual Bonus for the calendar year in which the Date of Termination occurs; and
(2) a lump sum payment of an amount equal to all Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, as amended ( COBRA ), premiums that would be payable during the period beginning on the Date of Termination and ending on the date that is 18 months after the Date of Termination, assuming Executive and his dependents who were enrolled in the Companys group health plans as of the Date of Termination elected continuation coverage under the Companys group health plans as in effect, and at the applicable COBRA rates, as of the Date of Termination, without regard to whether Executive and his dependents actually elected such coverage or whether actual COBRA coverage is applicable for the above-referenced time period.
(c) Change of Control Termination . If, during a Protected Period, the Company terminates Executives employment during the Term without Cause, then Executive shall be entitled to receive (i) payment of the Accrued Obligation and any unreimbursed business expenses and (ii) subject to the satisfaction of any applicable performance targets, as described in Section 3.3 , any of Executives earned but unpaid Bonuses with respect to a previous calendar year completed prior to the Date of Termination (without regard to any requirement that Executive remain employed through the date of determination of such Bonuses). In addition, subject to Executives (x) delivery to the Company by the Release Expiration Date (and non-revocation in any time provided to do so) of an executed Release and (y) compliance with Articles V , VI , and VII , Executive shall also be entitled to receive:
(1) a lump sum payment of an amount equal to one (1) times the sum of (A) the annualized rate of Executives Base Salary as in effect on the Date of Termination and (B) Executives target Annual Bonus for the calendar year in which the Date of Termination occurs; and
(2) a lump sum payment of an amount equal to all COBRA premiums that would be payable during the period beginning on the Date of Termination and ending on the date that is three (3) years after the Date of Termination, assuming Executive and his dependents who were enrolled in the Companys group health plans as of the Date of Termination elected continuation coverage under the Companys group health plans as in effect, and at the applicable COBRA rates, as of the Date of Termination, without regard to whether Executive and his dependents actually elected such coverage or whether actual COBRA coverage is applicable for the above-referenced time period.
(d) Termination on Death or Permanent Disability . If Executives employment is terminated by reason of Executives death or Permanent Disability during the Term, the Company shall have no further obligations to Executive, other
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than for (i) payment of the Accrued Obligation, (ii) payment of any unreimbursed business expenses; (iii) subject to the satisfaction of any applicable performance targets, as described in Section 3.3 , any of Executives earned but unpaid Bonuses with respect to a previous calendar year completed prior to the Date of Termination (without regard to any requirement that Executive remain employed through the date of determination of such Bonuses), and (iv) the timely payment or provision of any and all benefit obligations provided under Section 3.4 , which under their terms are available in the event of Executives death or Permanent Disability.
4.4 Payment Timing . Except as otherwise provided in Section 10.13 , the Company shall pay Executive the amounts specified in Sections 4.3(a) , 4.3(b)(i) , 4.3(c)(i) and (ii) , and 4.3(d)(i) and (ii) , in each case, within forty-five (45) days after the Date of Termination. In addition, subject to Executives timely execution and non-revocation of the Release and compliance with Articles V , VI and VII , the Company shall pay Executive the amounts specified in Sections 4.3(b)(ii) , 4.3(b)(ii)(1) , 4.3(b)(ii)(2) , 4.3(c)(ii) , 4.3(c)(ii)(1) , 4.3(c)(ii)(2) , 4.3(e)(iii) or 4.3(e)(v) , as applicable, on the date that is sixty (60) days after the Date of Termination, subject in each case to Section 10.13(g) , as applicable.
4.5 Limitations on Severance Payment and Other Payments or Benefits .
(a) Limitation on Payments . Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement, if any portion of the payments or benefits under this Agreement, or under any other agreement with Executive or plan of the Company or its affiliates (in the aggregate, Total Payments ), would constitute an excess parachute payment and would, but for this Section 4.5 , result in the imposition on Executive of an excise tax under Section 4999 of the Code (the Excise Tax ), then the Total Payments to be made to Executive shall either be (i) delivered in full, or (ii) delivered in such reduced amount in the manner determined in accordance with Section 4.5(b) so that no portion of such Total Payments would be subject to the Excise Tax, whichever of the foregoing results in the receipt by Executive of the greatest benefit on an after-tax basis (taking into account the applicable federal, state and local income taxes and the Excise Tax).
(b) Determination of Limit . Within forty (40) days following a Date of Termination or notice by one party to the other of its belief that there is a payment or benefit due Executive that would result in an excess parachute payment, Executive and the Company, at the Companys expense, shall obtain the opinion (which need not be unqualified) of a nationally recognized accounting firm or tax counsel (the National Advisor ) selected by the Company (which may be regular accounting firm or outside counsel to the Company), which opinion sets forth (i) the amount of the Base Period Income (as defined below), (ii) the amount and present value of the Total Payments, (iii) the amount and present value of any excess parachute payments determined without regard to any reduction of Total Payments pursuant to Section 4.3(a) , and (iv) the net after-tax proceeds to Executive, taking into account applicable federal, state and local income taxes and the Excise Tax if (x) the Total Payments were reduced in accordance with Section 4.5(a) and (y) the Total Payments were not so reduced. The opinion of the National Advisor shall be addressed to the Company and Executive and shall be binding upon the Company and Executive. If such National Advisors opinion determines that Section 4.5(a)(ii) applies, then the Agreement Benefits (as defined below) hereunder or any other payment or benefit determined by such counsel to be includable in Total Payments shall be reduced or
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eliminated so that, under the bases of calculations set forth in such opinion, there will be no excess parachute payment. In such event, payments or benefits included in the Total Payments shall be reduced or eliminated by applying the following principles, in order: (1) the payment or benefit with the higher ratio of the parachute payment value to present economic value (determined using reasonable actuarial assumptions) shall be reduced or eliminated before a payment or benefit with a lower ratio; (2) the payment or benefit with the later possible payment date shall be reduced or eliminated before a payment or benefit with an earlier payment date; and (3) cash payments shall be reduced prior to non-cash benefits; provided that if the foregoing order of reduction or elimination would violate Section 409A, then the reduction shall be made pro rata among the payments or benefits included in the Total Payments (on the basis of the relative present value of the parachute payments).
(c) Definitions and Assumptions . For purposes of this Agreement: (i) the terms excess parachute payment and parachute payments shall have the meanings assigned to them in Section 280G of the Code, and such parachute payments shall be valued as provided therein; (ii) present value shall be calculated in accordance with Section 280G(d)(4) of the Code; (iii) the term Base Period Income means an amount equal to Executives annualized includible compensation for the base period as defined in Section 280G(d)(1) of the Code; (iv) Agreement Benefits shall mean the payments and benefits to be paid or provided pursuant to this Agreement; (v) for purposes of the opinion of the National Advisor, the value of any noncash benefits or any deferred payment or benefit shall be determined by the Companys independent auditors in accordance with the principles of Sections 280G(d)(3) and (4) of the Code, which determination shall be evidenced in a certificate of such auditors addressed to the Company and Executive; and (vi) Executive shall be deemed to pay federal income tax and employment taxes at the highest marginal rate of federal income and employment taxation, and state and local income taxes at the highest marginal rate of taxation in the state or locality of Executives domicile (determined in both cases in the calendar year in which the Date of Termination occurs or the notice described in Section 4.5(b) above is given, whichever is earlier), net of the maximum reduction in federal income taxes that may be obtained from the deduction of such state and local taxes.
(d) Reasonableness of Compensation . The Company agrees that it shall instruct the National Advisor to take into account the value of any reasonable compensation for services to be rendered by the Executive in connection with making determinations with respect to Section 280G and/or Section 4999 of the Code, including the non-competition provisions applicable to Executive under Article VII and any other non-competition provisions that may apply to Executive. The Company agrees to fully cooperate in the valuation of any such services, including any non-competition provisions, and agrees to retain, at the Companys expense, a recognized valuation firm to make a determination of the value of the non-competition provisions. If the National Advisor so requests in connection with the opinion required by this Section 4.5 , Executive and the Company shall obtain, at the Companys expense, and the National Advisor may rely on, the advice of a firm of recognized executive compensation consultants as to the reasonableness of any item of compensation to be received by Executive solely with respect to its status under Section 280G of the Code.
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(e) Changes to Sections of the Code . This Section 4.5 shall be amended to comply with any amendment or successor provision to Sections 280G or 4999 of the Code. If such provisions are repealed without successor, then this Section 4.5 shall be cancelled without further effect.
4.6 Resignation Upon Termination . Upon any termination of Executives employment with the Company, and without further action on the part of Executive, Executive shall be deemed to have resigned from each directorship and other office or position of authority Executive may hold with the Company or any of its direct or indirect subsidiary business entities.
ARTICLE V
CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION AND NONCOMPETITION
5.1 Confidential Information . The Company promises and Executive acknowledges that Executive will receive new confidential information in Executives new position with Company. For the purposes of Articles V , VI, VII , VIII and IX , the Company shall be deemed to include the Company and each of its Subsidiaries.
5.2 Scope of Confidential Information . Executive acknowledges that the Company has developed, and will during the term of Executives employment continue to develop, substantial, confidential, competitively valuable information and other intangible or intellectual property in connection with its business, some or all of which is proprietary to the Company or another member of the Company Group (collectively, the Confidential Information ). Without limiting the generality of the preceding sentence, Executive expressly recognizes and agrees that, subject to the remainder of this Section 5.2 , the following items, and all copies, summaries, extracts or derivative works thereof, are entitled to trade secret protection and constitute Confidential Information under this Agreement, whether developed prior to the date hereof or thereafter, and whether with the assistance of Executive or otherwise: (i) the Companys proprietary computer software, databases and lists of customers, prospects, candidates, and employees; employee applications; skills inventory sheets and similar summaries of employee qualifications, as well as employee compensation; customer ordering habits, billing rates, buying preferences, and short term needs; sales reports and analysis; (ii) employee reports and analysis; customer job orders and profit margin data; businesses processes, methods of operation and sales techniques; (iii) statistical information regarding the Company; (iv) financial information of the Company and its customers that is not publicly available; (v) specially negotiated terms and pricing with vendors and customers; (vi) research and development, business projects, strategic business plans, and strategies; products and solution services offered to customers; and (vii) any other non-public information of the Company that gives the Company a competitive advantage by virtue of it not being generally known. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Confidential Information shall not include (a) any information which is or becomes publicly available, other than as a result of the wrongful action of Executive or his agents; (b) any information independently developed by Executive subsequent to the Date of Termination; (c) any information made available to Executive following the termination of Executives employment from a third party not known by Executive to be under binder of confidentiality to the Company with regard thereto or (d) any information as to which the Company specifically waives its rights hereunder pursuant to an instrument in writing.
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5.3 Agreement to Provide Confidential Information to Executive . The Company promises to provide some or all of the Confidential Information described above to Executive, without regard to the duration of his continued employment with the Company. Executive agrees that the Confidential Information belongs to the Company, is subject to the terms of this Agreement, and is not his property.
5.4 Works Made for Hire . Executive recognizes and agrees that all original works of authorship, and all inventions, discoveries, improvements and other results of creative thinking or discovery by Executive during the term of Executives employment, whether the result of individual efforts or in acts in concert with others, arising in the scope of Executives employment, utilizing in any way any of the Confidential Information or Company property, or otherwise relating to the Companys business, are and shall be works made for hire within the meaning of the United States copyright laws, to the extent applicable thereto, and in all events shall be the sole and exclusive property of the Company (collectively, the Created Works ). Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Created Works shall include all computer software, written materials, business processes, compilations, programs, improvements, inventions, notes, copyrightable works made, fixed, conceived, or acquired by Executive in the scope of Executives employment, utilizing in any way any of the Confidential Information, or otherwise relating to the Companys business. No part of the definition of Created Works is intended to exclude the Created Works from being included among the items constituting Confidential Information.
5.5 Agreement to Return Confidential Information and Company Property . At any time during employment, upon demand by the Company, and within five (5) days of the termination of Executives employment for any reason, regardless of which party initiates such termination, Executive shall return all property of the Company to the Company, including but not limited to all computer files and other electronically stored information and all copies of all or any part of the Confidential Information or any summaries, extracts or derivative works thereof, in good condition. Such property includes but is not limited to any Confidential Information, including but not limited to Created Works constituting Confidential Information, and any of the Companys tools of trade.
5.6 Assignment of Created Works . Executive hereby fully assigns to the Company all of his right, title and interest in and to the Created Works and all aspects thereof, including without limitation all rights to renewals, extensions, causes of action, reproduce, prepare derivative works, distribute, display, perform, transfer, make, use and sell. Executive will, from time to time during the term of this Agreement and thereafter, and at any time upon the request of the Company, execute and deliver any documents, agreements, certificates or other instruments affirming, giving effect to or otherwise perfecting the Companys rights in the Created Works and will provide such cooperation as the Company shall reasonably request in connection with the protection, exploitation or perfection of its rights therein anywhere in the world.
5.7 Power of Attorney . If the Company is unable, after reasonable effort, to secure Executives signature on any application for patent, copyright, trademark or other analogous registration or other documents regarding any legal protection relating to a Created Work, whether because of Executives physical or mental incapacity or for any other reason whatsoever, Executive hereby irrevocably designates and appoints the Company and its duly authorized officers and agents as his or her agent and attorney-in-fact, to act for and in Executives behalf and stead to execute and file any such application or applications or other documents and to do all other lawfully permitted acts to further the prosecution and issuance of patent, copyright or trademark registrations or any other legal protection thereon with the same legal force and effect as if executed by Executive.
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5.8 Disclosure of Inventions . Executive will promptly and without reservation fully disclose any Created Works to the Company both during the term of employment and thereafter.
ARTICLE VI
NON-DISCLOSURE
6.1 Non-Disclosure .
(a) General Duty . Executive agrees that he will not directly or indirectly use any Confidential Information, including without limitation the Companys proprietary information, trade secrets or the Created Works, for his own benefit or for the benefit of any third party or for any purpose other than the benefit of the Company. Except as permitted pursuant to Section 6.1(b) hereof, Executive agrees that he will not directly or indirectly disclose any Confidential Information, including, without limitation, the Companys proprietary information, trade secrets, or the Created Works, to any person or entity who is not an employee of the Company unless previously authorized to do so by the Company. Employee shall follow all Company Group policies and protocols regarding the physical and digital security of all documents and other material containing Confidential Information (regardless of the medium on which such Confidential Information is stored). The covenants Executive makes in this Section 6.1(b) shall apply to all Confidential Information, whether now known or later to become known to Executive during the period that Executive is employed or affiliated with the Company or any other member of the Company Group
(b) Special Exceptions, Permitted Disclosures . Nothing herein shall be construed to prevent disclosure of Confidential Information as may be required by applicable law, regulation, or order of a court of competent jurisdiction or an authorized government agency, provided that the disclosure does not exceed the extent of disclosure required by such law, regulation, or order. Further, nothing herein shall prevent Executive from making a good faith report of possible violations of applicable law to any governmental agency or entity or making disclosures that are protected under the whistleblower provisions of applicable law, and Executive shall not be held criminally or civilly liable under any federal or state trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret that is: (A) made (x) in confidence to a federal, state or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney, and (y) solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law; (B) made in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if such filing is made under seal; or (C) protected under the whistleblower provisions of applicable law. In the event Executive files a lawsuit for retaliation by the Company or another member of the Company Group for Executives reporting of a suspected violation of law, Executive may (i) disclose a trade secret to Executives attorney and (ii) use the trade secret information in the court proceeding related to such lawsuit, in each case, if Executive (A) files any document containing such trade secret under seal; and (B) does not otherwise disclose such trade secret, except pursuant to court order. For the avoidance of doubt, nothing herein or any other agreement between Executive and any member of the Company Group shall prevent Executive from lawfully, and without obtaining prior authorization from the Company or any other member of the Company Group: (i) initiating communications directly with, cooperating with, providing information to, causing information to be provided to, or otherwise
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assisting in an investigation by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) or any other governmental or regulatory agency, entity, or official(s) (collectively, Governmental Authorities) regarding a possible violation of any law; (ii) responding to any inquiry or legal process directed to an employee individually from any Governmental Authority; (iii) testifying, participating or otherwise assisting in an action or proceeding by any Governmental Authorities relating to a possible violation of law, including providing documents or other confidential information to Governmental Authorities; or (iv) receiving an award for information provided to the SEC or any other Governmental Authority. This Agreement shall not be construed or applied to require Employee to obtain prior authorization from the Company or any other member of the Company Group before engaging in any of the foregoing conduct referenced in this Section 6.1(b), or to notify the Company or any other member of the Company Group of having engaged in any such conduct.
6.2 Nature of Business.
(a) Acknowledgment of Competitive Business . Executive acknowledges and agrees that the Company is engaged in a highly competitive industry and must protect its Confidential Information against unauthorized use or disclosure that would irreparably harm the Companys interests. Executive recognizes that the disclosure by the Company to Executive of certain of its Confidential Information will be necessary and useful to Executive in the performance of his job duties for the Company under this Agreement. As a result, Executive will have access to Confidential Information that could be used by the Companys competitors in a manner which would irreparably harm the Companys competitive position in the marketplace.
(b) Acknowledgment of Need for Protection . Executive further acknowledges and agrees that it would be virtually impossible for Executive to ignore all knowledge of the Companys Confidential Information if he were to engage in competition with the Company. It is, therefore, reasonable and proper for the Company to protect against the intentional or inadvertent use of such Confidential Information. Accordingly, Executive agrees that restrictions on competition and soliciting the Companys customers or employees during his employment under this Agreement and for a reasonable period of time thereafter are appropriate and necessary for the protection of the Companys Confidential Information, goodwill, and other legitimate business interests.
ARTICLE VII
NON-SOLICITATION AND NON-COMPETITION
7.1 Non-Solicitation and Non-Competition . Ancillary to the agreements to provide Executive with the Confidential Information as set forth above, and in order to aid in the enforcement of those agreements, Executive agrees that, during the Term and for a period of two (2) years after the termination of Executives employment with the Company (or, in the event Executive is entitled to the payments and benefits described in Section 4.3(c) for a period of one (1) year after termination of Executives employment with the Company) (as applicable, the Prohibited Period ), he will:
(a) refrain from carrying on or engaging in the Business in the Restricted Area. Executive agrees and covenants that, because the following conduct would effectively constitute carrying on or engaging in the Business, he will not, and he will
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cause his affiliates not to, in the Restricted Area during the Prohibited Period: directly or indirectly, own, manage, operate, join, become an employee of, control or participate in or be connected with any business, individual, partnership, firm, corporation or other entity which engages in the Business;
(b) refrain from, and cause his affiliates to refrain from, soliciting or causing to be solicited any customer of the Company that was a customer of the Company in the Restricted Area during the period when Executive was employed by the Company; and
(c) refrain from, and cause his affiliates to refrain from, engaging or employing or soliciting or contacting with a view to the engagement or employment of, any person who is an officer or employee of the Company.
7.2 Exception for Equity Ownership . Notwithstanding the restrictions contained in Section 7.1 , Executive or any of his affiliates may own (i) less than five percent (5%) of any equity security registered under the Exchange Act, in any entity engaged in the Business, provided that neither Executive nor his affiliates has the power, directly or indirectly, to control or direct the management or affairs of any such entity and is not involved in the management of such entity, and (ii) those equity investments owned by Executive as of the date of this Agreement as previously disclosed to and agreed by the Board.
7.3 Exception Within Oklahoma . Notwithstanding the restrictions contained in Section 7.1 , within those areas of the State of Oklahoma that are within the Restricted Area (the Oklahoma Restricted Area ), Executive shall be permitted to engage in the Business after his employment with the Company has ended but before the Prohibited Period has expired; provided , however , that at no point during the Prohibited Period shall Executive, within the Oklahoma Restricted Area, solicit the goods, services or a combination of goods and services from any established customer of the Company.
ARTICLE VIII
SURVIVAL OF COVENANTS, ENFORCEMENT OF COVENANTS AND REMEDIES
8.1 Survival of Covenants . Executive acknowledges and agrees that his covenants in Articles V , VI and VII , and those provisions necessary to interpret and enforce them, shall survive the termination of this Agreement, and the existence of any claim or cause of action of Executive against the Company whether predicated on this Agreement or otherwise shall not constitute a defense to the enforcement by the Company of those covenants.
8.2 Enforcement of Covenants . Executive acknowledges and agrees that his covenants in Articles V , VI and VII are, among other things, ancillary to the otherwise enforceable agreements to provide Executive with Confidential Information and are supported by independent, valuable consideration. Executive further acknowledges and agrees that the limitations as to time, geographical area, and scope of activity to be restrained by those covenants are reasonable and acceptable to Executive in all respects and do not impose any greater restraint than is reasonably necessary to protect the Companys goodwill and other legitimate business interests. Executive further agrees that if, at some later date, a court of competent jurisdiction determines that any of the covenants in Articles V , VI or VII are unreasonable, any such covenants shall be reformed by the court and enforced to the maximum extent permitted under the law.
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8.3 Remedies . In the event of actual or threatened breach by Executive of any of his covenants in Articles V , VI , and VII , the Company shall be entitled to equitable relief by temporary restraining order, temporary injunction, or permanent injunction or otherwise, in addition to all other legal and equitable relief to which it may be entitled, including but not limited to any and all monetary damages that the Company may incur as a result of said breach, violation, or threatened breach or violation. For the avoidance of doubt, nothing shall restrict the Company from pursuing any relief otherwise provided for by this Agreement. The Company may pursue any remedy available to it concurrently or consecutively in any order as to any breach, violation, or threatened breach or violation, and the pursuit of one of such remedies at any time will not be deemed an election of remedies or waiver of the right to pursue any other of such remedies as to such breach, violation, or threatened breach or violation, or as to any other breach, violation, or threatened breach or violation. In addition to the above, in the event that a final judicial determination concludes that Executive has materially breached any of his covenants in Articles V , VI or VII , the Company will be entitled to reimbursement by Executive of all cash severance payments paid by the Company under Section 4.3(b)(ii)(1) , Section 4.3(b)(ii)(2) , Section 4.3(c)(ii)(1) , or Section 4.3(c)(ii)(2) , as applicable, of this Agreement during the period of any such breach. In the event of an alleged actual material breach by Executive of any of his covenants in Articles V , VI or VII , as determined in good faith by the Board, the Company may suspend the payments of cash severance then owing to Executive under Section 4.3(b)(ii)(1) , Section 4.3(b)(ii)(2) , Section 4.3(c)(ii)(1) , or Section 4.3(c)(ii)(2) , as applicable, of this Agreement without resort to judicial intervention until such breach is cured (if curable); provided , however , that if it is later determined, whether judicially or otherwise by the Board, that Executive was not in material breach of such covenants, the Company shall promptly pay to Executive all such suspended payments and benefits, as well as reimbursement of all reasonable costs and expenses (including but not limited to reasonable attorneys fees) incurred by Executive in defending any such claim or action in accordance with Section 10.11 ; and provided further , however, that any cure and payments upon cure and any payments upon a judicial determination that no breach occurred will be made no later than the deadline under Section 409A that is applicable to disputed payments and refusals to pay.
8.4 Indemnification . In any situation where, under applicable law, the Company has the power to indemnify, advance expenses to and defend Executive in respect of any judgments, fines, settlements, loss, cost or expense (including but not limited to attorneys fees) arising from bona fide claims of any nature related to or arising out of Executives activities as an agent, employee, officer or director of the Company or in any other capacity on behalf of or at the request of the Company, then the Company shall promptly on written request, indemnify Executive, advance expenses (including but not limited to reasonable attorneys fees) to Executive and defend Executive to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, including but not limited to making such findings and determinations and taking any and all such actions as the Company may, under applicable law, be permitted to have the discretion to take so as to effectuate such indemnification, advancement or defense. Such agreement by the Company shall not be deemed to impair any other obligation of the Company respecting Executives indemnification or defense otherwise arising out of this or any other agreement or promise of the Company under any statute.
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ARTICLE IX
ANTI-CORRUPTION COMPLIANCE
9.1 Compliance with Applicable Anti-Corruption Laws . Executive acknowledges and agrees that he understands and will comply with all Applicable Anti-Corruption Laws, and will not, directly or indirectly, pay, offer, authorize or promise to pay or provide anything of value to any Government Official, political party, political party official or political candidate, or to any other person or entity in order to influence an official act, omission or decision that will assist the Company or any other person or entity in obtaining or retaining business or in directing business to any other person or entity for any purpose that violates the Applicable Anti-Corruption Laws or would cause the Company to be in violation of Applicable Anti-Corruption Laws.
9.2 Compliance with Company Anti-Corruption Program . Executive acknowledges and agrees that he will comply with the Companys Anti-Corruption Compliance Program and Manual and Code of Business Conduct, including the Companys annual anti-corruption training requirement, and further agrees to execute a compliance certification, as periodically may be requested by the Company.
ARTICLE X
MISCELLANEOUS
10.1 Entire Agreement . This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties concerning this Agreements subject matter and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, both written and oral, between the parties with respect to its subject matter.
10.2 Modification; Amendment . This Agreement may not be modified or amended in any respect except by an instrument in writing signed by the party against whom such modification or amendment is sought to be enforced. No modification or amendment may be enforced against the Company unless such modification or amendment is in writing and authorized by the Board.
10.3 No Waiver . The waiver by either party of a breach of any term of this Agreement shall not operate or be construed as a waiver of a subsequent breach of the same provision by either party or of the breach of any other term or provision of this Agreement.
10.4 Remedies; Governing Law; Jurisdiction . This Agreement and performance under it, and the exclusive venue for all proceedings that may ensue from its breach, shall be in state or federal court, as applicable, in Harris County, Texas, and this Agreement shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Texas. In the event of a breach or threatened breach by either Executive or the Company of any provision of this Agreement, the non-breaching party shall be entitled to a temporary restraining order and an injunction restraining the breaching party from the commission or threatened commission of such breach. Nothing in this Agreement, however, precludes the Company from seeking to remove a civil action from any state court to federal court. Nothing herein shall be construed as prohibiting either Executive or the Company from pursuing any other remedies available to it for such breach or threatened breach, including but not limited to the recovery of money damages.
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10.5 Executives Representations . Executive represents and warrants that he is free to enter into this Agreement and to perform each of the terms and covenants of it. Executive represents and warrants that he is not restricted or prohibited, contractually or otherwise, from entering into and performing this Agreement, and that his execution and performance of this Agreement is not a violation or breach of any other agreement between Executive and any other person or entity. Executive acknowledges and agrees that (a) he is not relying upon any determination by the Company, its Subsidiaries or affiliates, or any of their respective employees, directors, officers, attorneys or agents (collectively, the Company Parties ) regarding the tax effects associated with Executives execution of this Agreement and (b) in deciding to enter into this Agreement, Executive is relying on his own judgment and the judgment of the professionals of his choice with whom he has consulted. Executive hereby releases, acquits and forever discharges the Company Parties from all actions, causes of action, suits, debts, obligations, liabilities, claims, damages, losses, costs and expenses of any nature whatsoever, whether known or unknown, on account of or arising out of, or in any way related to the tax effects associated with Executives execution of this Agreement.
10.6 The Companys Representations . The Company represents and warrants that it is free to enter into this Agreement and to perform each of the terms and covenants of it. The Company represents and warrants that it is not restricted or prohibited, contractually or otherwise, from entering into and performing this Agreement, and that its execution and performance of this Agreement is not a violation or breach of any other agreement between the Company and any other person or entity. The Company represents and warrants that this Agreement is a legal, valid and binding agreement of the Company, enforceable in accordance with its terms.
10.7 Notices . All notices and other communications under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be given in person or by either personal delivery, facsimile with confirmation of receipt, overnight delivery, or first class mail, certified or registered with return receipt requested, with postal or delivery charges prepaid, and shall be deemed to have been duly given when delivered personally, or three days after mailing first class, certified or registered with return receipt requested, (i) if to the Company, to the Companys headquarters, attention to the Executive Vice President, General Counsel & Corporate Secretary of the Company, and (ii) if to Executive, to Executives address on file in the Companys records.
10.8 Tax Withholding . The Company may withhold from any amounts payable under this Agreement such federal, state or local taxes as shall be required to be withheld pursuant to any applicable law or regulation.
10.9 Severability . If any provision of this Agreement is held to be illegal, invalid, or unenforceable, (a) this Agreement shall be considered divisible, (b) such provision shall be deemed inoperative to the extent it is deemed illegal, invalid, or unenforceable, and (c) in all other respects this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.
10.10 Assignment . The rights and obligations of the parties under this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of their respective successors, assigns, executors, administrators and heirs; provided , however , that neither the Company nor Executive may assign any duties under this Agreement without the prior written consent of the other. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the parties acknowledge that it is anticipated that Executive will be employed by a subsidiary of the Company, and the Company may assign
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(in whole or in part) its rights and obligations under this Agreement to such entity without prior written consent of Executive; provided , however , that the Company shall remain liable for all compensation obligations to Executive under this Agreement.
10.11 Attorneys Fees and Other Costs . If either party breaches this Agreement, or if a dispute arises between the parties based on or involving this Agreement, the party that prevails in the resolution of such dispute is entitled to recover from the other party its reasonable attorneys fees, court costs, and expenses incurred in enforcing such rights or resolving such dispute. For purposes of this Section 10.11 , the finder of fact shall be requested to answer affirmatively as to whether a party prevailed in order to recoup attorneys fees and other costs pursuant to this Section 10.11 .
10.12 Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute but one and the same instrument.
10.13 Section 409A .
(a) General . Any compensation or benefits made to Executive under the terms of this Agreement may constitute nonqualified deferred compensation for purposes of Section 409A. Accordingly, notwithstanding any provision contained herein, this Agreement shall be interpreted in a manner that is consistent with Section 409A. In the event that any provision of this Agreement conflicts with Section 409A, such provision is to that extent superseded by the applicable Section 409A standards for nonqualified deferred compensation plans to satisfy the requirements of Section 409A.
(b) General Suspension of Payments . Notwithstanding any contrary provisions in this Agreement, if Executive is a specified employee, as such term is defined within the meaning of Section 409A, as determined by policies established by the Board, any payments or benefits which are classified as nonqualified deferred compensation for purposes of Section 409A and are payable or provided as a result of Executives termination of employment that would otherwise be paid or provided within six (6) months and one (1) day of such termination (other than due to death or disability, as such term is defined within the meaning of Section 409A) shall instead be paid or provided on the earlier of (i) six (6) months and two (2) days following Executives termination, (ii) the date of Executives death, or (iii) any date that otherwise complies with Section 409A. In the event that Executive is entitled to receive payments during the suspension period provided under this Section 10.13(b) , Executive shall receive the accumulated benefits that would have been paid or provided under this Agreement within the six (6) month and one (1) day suspension period on the earliest day that would be permitted under Section 409A.
(c) Separation from Service . For all purposes of this Agreement, Executives employment with the Company shall be considered to have terminated when Executive incurs a separation from service with the Company within the meaning of Section 409A; provided , however , that whether such a separation from service has occurred shall be determined based upon a reasonably anticipated permanent reduction in the level of bona fide services to be performed to no more than twenty percent (20%) of the average level of bona fide services provided in the immediately preceding thirty-six (36) months.
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(d) Reimbursement Payments . The following rules shall apply to payments of any amounts under this Agreement that are treated as reimbursement payments under Section 409A, including, but not limited to, any payments provided under Section 4.3 : (i) the amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement in one calendar year shall not limit the available reimbursements for any other calendar year; (ii) Executive shall file a claim for all reimbursement payments not later than thirty (30) days following the end of the calendar year during which the expenses were incurred, (iii) the Company shall make such reimbursement payments within thirty (30) days following the date Executive delivers written notice of the expenses to the Company; and (iv) Executives right to such reimbursement payments shall not be subject to liquidation or exchange for any other payment or benefit.
(e) Separate Payments . For purposes of Section 409A, any right to a series of installment payments under this Agreement shall be treated as a right to a series of separate payments so that each payment is designated as a separate payment for purposes of Section 409A, and any rights and benefits under this Agreement shall be treated as rights to separate payments for purposes of Section 409A.
(f) Amendment . In the event that the Company determines that any amounts payable hereunder will be taxable to Executive under Section 409A prior to payment to Executive, then the Company may (i) adopt amendments to this Agreement, including but not limited to amendments with retroactive effect, that the Company determines necessary or appropriate to preserve the intended tax treatment of the benefits provided hereunder and/or (ii) take such other actions as the Company determines necessary or appropriate to avoid the imposition of tax under Section 409A.
(g) Coordination with Prior Employment Agreement . Notwithstanding any provision hereof to the contrary, with respect to payments to Executive pursuant to Sections 4.3(b)(ii)(1) or 4.3(c)(ii)(1) , the amount of any such payments that would have been paid in the form of installment payments pursuant to the employment agreement in effect between Executive and the Companys predecessor immediately prior to the Effective Date shall instead be paid in installments over the same period specified in such agreement to the extent necessary to comply with Section 409A, and the remaining amount of such payments shall be paid on the date that is sixty (60) days after the Date of Termination, subject to Executives compliance with Articles V , VI and VII and timely execution and non-revocation of the Release.
10.14 Prior Employment Agreement Superseded . Upon the Effective Date, any and all prior employment agreements between the Company, its predecessors or any Subsidiary and Executive, shall be of no further force or effect, and this Agreement shall supersede all such prior agreements.
10.15 Limitation . Subject to the termination provisions contained herein, this Agreement shall not confer any right or impose any obligation on the Company or its Subsidiaries to continue the employment of Executive in any capacity or limit the right of the Company, its Subsidiaries, or Executive to terminate Executives employment.
10.16 Third-Party Beneficiaries . Each Subsidiary shall be a third-party beneficiary of Executives obligations under Articles V , VI , VII , VIII and IX , and shall be entitled to enforce such obligations as if a party hereto.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the parties have executed this Agreement effective as of the day and year indicated above.
COMPANY: |
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C&J ENERGY SERVICES, INC. |
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/s/ Danielle E. Hunter |
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Name: |
Danielle E. Hunter |
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Title: |
Executive Vice President, General Counsel, | |
Chief Risk and Compliance Officer and | ||
Corporate Secretary | ||
EXECUTIVE: |
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/s/ Vic Joyce |
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Name: |
Vic Joyce |
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EXHIBIT A
RESTRICTED AREA
Within the United States :
State of Arkansas
State of California
State of Colorado
State of Idaho
State of Kansas
Louisiana Parishes of:
Bienville
Bossier
Caddo
Caldwell
Claiborne
DeSoto
Harrison
Jackson
Lincoln
Natchitoches
Red River
Sabine
St. Helena
Webster
Winn
State of Mississippi
State of Montana
State of New Mexco
State of New York
State of North Dakota
State of Ohio
State of Oklahoma
State of Pennsylvania
State of Texas
State of Utah
State of West Virginia
State of Wyoming
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EXHIBIT B
WAIVER AND RELEASE
Pursuant to the terms of the Employment Agreement between me and C&J Energy Service, Inc., dated [December 14], 2017 (the Agreement ), and in exchange for the benefits provided in the Agreement to which I acknowledge I would not otherwise be fully entitled (the Separation Benefits ), I hereby waive all claims against and release (i) C&J Energy Service, Inc. and its directors, officers, employees, agents, insurers, predecessors, successors and assigns (collectively referred to as the Company ), (ii) all of the affiliates (including all parent companies and all wholly or partially owned subsidiaries) of the Company and their directors, officers, employees, agents, insurers, predecessors, successors and assigns (collectively referred to as the Affiliates ), (iii) the Companys and its Affiliates employee benefit and incentive plans and the fiduciaries and agents of said plans (collectively referred to as the Benefit Plans ); and (iv) the Companys and its Affiliates equity incentive and equity investment plans and the fiduciaries and agents of said plans (collectively referred to as the Equity Plans ) from any and all claims, demands, actions, liabilities and damages arising out of or relating in any way to my employment with or separation from employment with the Company and its Affiliates other than benefits due pursuant to the Agreement and rights and benefits I am entitled to under the Benefit Plans or Equity Plans. (The Company, its Affiliates, the Benefit Plans and the Equity Plans are sometimes hereinafter collectively referred to as the Released Parties .)
I understand that signing this Waiver and Release is an important legal act. I acknowledge that I have been advised in writing to consult an attorney before signing this Waiver and Release. I understand that, in order to be eligible for the Separation Benefits, I must sign (and return to the Company) this Waiver and Release before I will receive the Separation Benefits. I acknowledge that I have been given at least twenty-one (21) days to consider whether to accept the Separation Benefits and whether to execute this Waiver and Release.
In exchange for the Separation Benefits, (1) I agree not to sue in any local, state and/or federal court regarding or relating in any way to my employment with or separation from employment with the Company and its Affiliates, and (2) I knowingly and voluntarily waive all claims and release the Released Parties from any and all claims, demands, actions, liabilities, and damages, whether known or unknown, arising out of or relating in any way to my employment with or separation from employment with the Company and its Affiliates, except to the extent that my rights are vested under the terms of any employee benefit plans sponsored by the Company and its Affiliates and except with respect to such rights or claims as may arise after the date this Waiver and Release is executed. This Waiver and Release includes, but is not limited to, claims and causes of action under: Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended, including the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act of 1990; the Civil Rights Act of 1866, as amended; the Civil Rights Act of 1991; the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990; the Workers Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act of 1988; the Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978; the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended; the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, as amended; the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993; the Fair Labor Standards Act; the Occupational Safety and Health Act; the Texas Labor Code §21.001 et. seq.; the Texas Labor Code; claims in connection with workers compensation, retaliation
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or whistle blower statutes; and/or contract, tort, defamation, slander, wrongful termination or any other state or federal regulatory, statutory or common law. Further, I expressly represent that no promise or agreement which is not expressed in this Waiver and Release has been made to me in executing this Waiver and Release, and that I am relying on my own judgment in executing this Waiver and Release, and that I am not relying on any statement or representation of the Company or its Affiliates or any of their agents. I agree that this Waiver and Release is valid, fair, adequate and reasonable, is with my full knowledge and consent, was not procured through fraud, duress or mistake and has not had the effect of misleading, misinforming or failing to inform me. I acknowledge and agree that the Company will withhold the minimum amount of any taxes required by federal or state law from the Separation Benefits otherwise payable to me.
This Waiver and Release does not apply to any claims for unemployment compensation or any other claims or rights which, by law, cannot be waived, including the right to file an administrative charge or participate in an administrative investigation or proceeding; provided , however , that I disclaim and waive any right to share or participate in any monetary award resulting from the prosecution of such charge or investigation or proceeding.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Waiver and Release, I do not release and expressly retain (a) all rights to indemnity, contribution, and a defense, and directors and officers and other liability coverage that I may have under any statute, the bylaws of the Company or by other agreement; (b) the right to receive the Separation Benefits; and (c) the right to any, unpaid reasonable business expenses and any accrued benefits payable under any Company welfare plan or tax-qualified plan or other Benefit Plans.
I acknowledge that the Companys provision of the Separation Benefits is not an admission by any one or more of the Released Parties that they engaged in any wrongful or unlawful act or that they violated any federal or state law or regulation. I acknowledge that neither the Company nor its Affiliates have promised me continued employment or represented to me that I will be rehired in the future. I acknowledge that my employer and I contemplate an unequivocal, complete and final dissolution of my employment relationship. I acknowledge that this Waiver and Release does not create any right on my part to be rehired by the Company or its Affiliates, and I hereby waive any right to future employment by the Company or its Affiliates.
I understand that for a period of seven (7) calendar days following the date that I sign this Waiver and Release, I may revoke my acceptance of this Waiver and Release, provided that my written statement of revocation is received on or before that seventh (7th) day by the Companys General Counsel, in which case the Waiver and Release will not become effective. If I timely revoke my acceptance of this Waiver and Release, the Company shall have no obligation to provide the Separation Benefits to me. I understand that failure to revoke my acceptance of the offer within seven (7) calendar days from the date I sign this Waiver and Release will result in this Waiver and Release being permanent and irrevocable.
Should any of the provisions set forth in this Waiver and Release be determined to be invalid by a court, agency or other tribunal of competent jurisdiction, it is agreed that such determination shall not affect the enforceability of other provisions of this Waiver and Release. I acknowledge that this Waiver and Release sets forth the entire understanding and agreement between me and the Company and its Affiliates concerning the
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subject matter of this Waiver and Release and supersedes any prior or contemporaneous oral and/or written agreements or representations, if any, between me and the Company or its Affiliates.
I acknowledge that I have read this Waiver and Release, have had an opportunity to ask questions and have it explained to me and that I understand that this Waiver and Release will have the effect of knowingly and voluntarily waiving any action I might pursue, including but not limited to breach of contract, personal injury, retaliation, discrimination on the basis of race, age, sex, national origin, or disability and any other claims arising prior to the date of this Waiver and Release. By execution of this document, I do not waive or release or otherwise relinquish any legal rights I may have which are attributable to or arise out of acts, omissions, or events of the Company or its Affiliates which occur after the date of the execution of this Waiver and Release.
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Exhibit 14.1
C&J ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
CORPORATE CODE OF BUSINESS CONDUCT AND ETHICS
(Amended and Adopted as of December 14, 2017)
The Board of Directors (the Board ) of C&J Energy Services, Inc. (collectively including its subsidiaries and affiliates, the Company or C&J ) has adopted this Corporate Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (this Code of Conduct ), which provides basic principles and guidelines to assist directors, officers, employees, contractors, agents and other representatives (collectively, Stakeholders ) of the Company in complying with the legal and ethical requirements governing the Companys business conduct.
This Code of Conduct covers a wide range of business practices and procedures, but does not cover every issue that may arise. Stakeholders must also comply with the Companys other corporate codes, policies and procedures and ethical standards (as may be amended or supplemented from time to time, collectively, the Compliance Policies ), as well as with the laws, rules and regulations that govern C&Js business.
The Company reserves the right to add to, modify and rescind this Code of Conduct or any portion of it at any time. This Code of Conduct governs in the event of any conflict or inconsistency between this Code of Conduct and any other materials distributed by the Company. However, if a law conflicts with a policy in this Code of Conduct, you must comply with the law.
I. | Statement of Principles |
A. | Basic Standards |
The Companys fundamental policy is to conduct its business with honesty and integrity in accordance with the highest legal and ethical standards. The Company and its Stakeholders must comply with the laws, rules and regulations that govern C&Js business, including all applicable legal requirements of the State of Delaware, the United States and each state and country in which the Company conducts business.
B. | Individual Responsibility and Compliance |
This Code of Conduct provides guidance for specific situations that may arise. However, each Stakeholder has the responsibility to exercise good judgment so as to act in a manner that will reflect favorably upon the Company and such Stakeholder, particularly in his or her capacity on behalf of the Company.
All Stakeholders must comply with the spirit as well as the letter of this Code of Conduct; they must not attempt to achieve indirectly, for example through the use of intermediaries, what is prohibited directly by this Code of Conduct.
Please see Annex A for specific compliance procedures, as well as the Companys Complaint Reporting Policy and Procedures included as Annex B .
II. | Implementation |
A. | Condition of Employment |
Each officer and employee of the Company, regardless of level, must become familiar with and agree to comply with this Code of Conduct as a condition of such persons employment. All officers and employees must be provided with a copy of this Code of Conduct at the time their employment commences with the Company; provided , however , that individuals already employed by the Company at the time of the adoption of this Code of Conduct must be provided with a copy of this Code of Conduct shortly after its adoption. All supervisors are responsible both for overseeing the compliance of all employees under their supervision, regardless of level, with this Code of Conduct and for ensuring that such employees are familiar with and understand their responsibility to fully comply with this Code of Conduct.
B. | Condition of Director Appointment/Election |
Each member of the Companys Board of Directors must become familiar with and agree to comply with this Code of Conduct. All directors must be provided with a copy of this Code of Conduct at the time of their appointment or election to serve on the Board.
C. | Association with Unaffiliated Enterprises |
The Companys employees associated with enterprises not controlled by the Company (including vendors, suppliers, contractors, and advisors) must be guided in their conduct by this Code of Conducts provisions. Such persons must attempt to influence those enterprises to conduct their activities in conformity with all applicable laws and this Code of Conduct and must promptly report actual or suspected violations of this Code of Conduct by those enterprises to the Companys General Counsel.
D. | Letter to Vendors, Suppliers and Contractors |
The Company may periodically, as it deems necessary and appropriate, send to its significant vendors, suppliers and contractors a letter that reiterates C&Js requirements for its business partners to conduct their activities ethically and in compliance with all applicable laws and this Code of Conduct, and that:
| Advises that it is against the Companys policy for directors, officers or other employees to accept gifts or entertainment of more than nominal value from any entity that does, or is seeking to do, business with the Company; |
| States that the provision of any gifts and/or entertainment is not, and will not become, a condition of doing business with the Company; and |
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CODE OF BUSINESS CONDUCT AND ETHICS
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| Requests the recipient to identify any director, officer or other employee or representative of the Company who pressures or solicits the recipient for gifts, entertainment or other special favors. |
E. | Interpretation Questions |
Any questions on how to proceed or interpret this Code of Conduct may be directed to the Companys General Counsel or another member of the Companys Legal Department.
Please see Annex A for specific reporting procedures, as well as the Companys Compliance Reporting Policy and Procedures included as Annex B .
F. | Violation of Policy |
All Stakeholders are required to strictly adhere to the principles of this Code of Conduct and the other Compliance Policies. Violations of this Code of Conduct or the other Compliance Policies will result in disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal of any Stakeholder.
III. | Conflicts of Interest |
A. | General |
A conflict of interest occurs when an individuals private interest interferes in any way with the interests of the Company as a whole. This situation can arise when a Stakeholder takes actions or has interests that may make it difficult to perform his or her work objectively and effectively. Conflicts of interest also arise when a Stakeholder, or a member of such persons family or household, receives improper personal benefits as a result of the Stakeholders position with the Company. A conflict of interest is deemed to exist whenever, as a result of the nature or responsibilities of his or her relationship with the Company, a Stakeholder is in a position to further any personal financial interest or the financial interest of any member of such persons family.
No Stakeholder is permitted to engage in any business or conduct or enter into any agreement or arrangement that would give rise to actual or potential conflicts of interest. Stakeholders should not permit themselves to be placed in a position that might give rise to the appearance that a conflict of interest has arisen.
While it is not possible to describe all circumstances where a conflict of interest involving a Stakeholder exists or may exist, the following situations may involve actual or potential conflicts of interest:
| An interest in, or position with, any supplier, customer or competitor of the Company (except for an investment in publicly traded securities as described below). |
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CODE OF BUSINESS CONDUCT AND ETHICS
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| The acceptance of gifts or favors of more than nominal value (including by a member of a Stakeholders immediate family) from an actual or prospective customer, supplier or competitor of the Company or any governmental official or other employee. This does not preclude the acceptance by a director, officer or employee of reasonable business entertainment (such as a lunch or dinner or events involving normal sales promotion, advertising or publicity). |
| The disclosure or use of confidential information gained by reason of employment with the Company (or, in the case of a director, election or appointment to the Board) for profit or advantage by a director, officer or other employee or anyone else. |
| Competition with the Company in the acquisition or disposition of rights or property or other business opportunities. |
The following situations likely do not give rise to conflicts of interest:
| Ownership of publicly traded securities of a supplier, customer or competitor of the Company that do not confer upon the holder any ability to influence or direct the policies or management of the supplier, customer or competitor. |
| A transaction with one of the Companys banks, where the transaction is customary and conducted on standard commercially available terms (such as a home mortgage or bank loan). |
| A transaction or relationship disclosed in accordance with this Code of Conduct and determined by the Companys General Counsel, if involving a non-officer employee, or Audit Committee, if involving a director or officer, not to be a prohibited conflict of interest. |
These examples are given only to guide Stakeholders in making judgments about conflicts of interest. If any Stakeholder finds himself or herself in a situation where a conflict of interest exists or may exist, he or she should immediately report the matter as provided below.
B. | Reporting Conflicts of Interest Involving Non-Officer Employees |
Actual or potential conflicts of interest involving a non-officer employee, or a member of such persons immediate family, must be reported in writing by the affected person (or by others having knowledge of the existence of the actual or potential conflicts of interest) to the employees immediate supervisor and the Companys General Counsel ( compliance@cjes.com ). The General Counsel will determine whether the possible conflict of interest indeed constitutes a conflict of interest and whether adequate measures can be taken to neutralize the adverse effect of the conflict of interest reported, if such measures are available or appropriate under the circumstances. The General Counsels approval will be required prior to the consummation of any proposed transaction or arrangement that is determined by the General Counsel to constitute a conflict of interest.
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The General Counsel is responsible for reviewing the specific facts and circumstances to This procedure will be applied so as to minimize its effect on the personal affairs of employees consistent with the protection of the Companys interests. The matter may also be referred to the Board for consideration.
C. | Reporting Conflicts of Interest Involving Directors or Officers |
An actual or potential conflict of interest involving a director or officer, or a member of such persons immediate family, must be reported by the affected person (or by others having knowledge of the existence of the actual or potential conflict of interest) to the Companys General Counsel, who shall promptly disclose the possible conflict of interest to the Audit Committee Chairman at the earliest time practicable under the circumstances. In accordance with the Companys Related Persons Transaction Policy, the Audit Committee will determine whether the possible conflict of interest indeed constitutes a conflict of interest. The Boards approval will be required prior to the consummation of any proposed transaction or arrangement that is determined by the Audit Committee to constitute a conflict of interest.
Any member of the Board or any officer having a possible conflict of interest, whether directly or indirectly, in any proposed transaction or arrangement is not permitted to vote (in the case of a member of the Board) or use his or her personal influence on the matter being considered by the Board. Any member of the Board or any officer having a possible conflict of interest, whether directly or indirectly, must be excused from any meeting of the Board during discussion (subject to the exception set forth in the paragraph below) and vote on the particular matter (in the case of an interested director). The proposed transaction or arrangement is considered approved if it receives the affirmative vote of a majority of the disinterested members of the Board (even though the disinterested members are less than a quorum).
The foregoing requirements do not prohibit the interested director or officer from briefly stating his or her position on the matter or from answering pertinent questions of the disinterested members of the Board, as the interested directors knowledge may be of assistance to the other Board members in their consideration of the matter.
IV. | Recordkeeping |
A. | Company Books and Records |
1. | Books and Records . The Company requires honest and accurate recording and reporting of information in order to make responsible business decisions. As such, the Companys books, records, disclosures and accounts must accurately and fairly reflect the Companys transactions in reasonable detail and in accordance with the Companys accounting practices and policies. The following examples are given for purposes of illustration and are not intended to limit the generality of the foregoing in any way: |
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CODE OF BUSINESS CONDUCT AND ETHICS
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| No false or deliberately inaccurate entries (such as overbilling or advance billing) are permitted. Discounts, rebates, credits and allowances do not constitute overbilling when lawfully granted. The reasons for the grant should generally be set forth in the Companys records, including the party requesting the treatment. |
| No payment shall be made with the intention or understanding that all or any part of it is to be used for any person other than that described by the documents supporting the payment. |
| No undisclosed, unrecorded or off-book funds or assets are permitted. |
| No false or misleading statements, written or oral, shall be intentionally made to any internal accountant or auditor or the Companys independent registered public accounting firm with respect to the Companys financial statements or documents to be filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC ) or other governmental or regulatory authority. |
2. | Internal Accounting and Disclosure Controls. The Companys principal executive officer and principal financial officer are responsible for implementing and maintaining a system of internal accounting and disclosure controls sufficient to provide reasonable assurances that: |
| Transactions are executed in accordance with managements general or specific authorization; |
| Transactions are recorded as necessary to: (a) permit the preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles or any other applicable criteria and (b) maintain accountability for assets; |
| Access to assets is permitted only in accordance with managements general or specific authorization; |
| The recorded accountability of assets is compared with the existing assets at reasonable intervals and appropriate action is taken with respect to any differences; and |
| The Companys public disclosures timely and accurately reflect known material matters required to be disclosed by applicable regulations and guidance. |
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CODE OF BUSINESS CONDUCT AND ETHICS
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3. | Ethical Conduct . No Stakeholder is permitted to willfully, directly or indirectly: |
| Falsify, or cause to be falsified, any book, record, disclosure or account of the Company; |
| Make, or cause to be made, any materially false or misleading statement or omit to state, or cause another person to omit to state, any material fact necessary in order to make statements made, in light of the circumstances under which the statements were made, not misleading to an accountant in connection with (a) any audit or examination of the Companys financial statements or (b) the preparation or filing of any document or report required to be filed by the Company with the SEC or other governmental agency; or |
| Take any action to fraudulently influence, coerce, manipulate or mislead the Companys independent registered public accounting firm. |
Stakeholders must exercise reasonable due diligence in order to avoid the events described above. If a Stakeholder believes that the Companys books, records, or disclosures are not being properly maintained or disclosed in accordance with these requirements, the Stakeholder should follow the procedures outlined in the Companys Compliance Reporting Policy and Procedures attached hereto as Annex B .
4. | Compliance Reporting Procedures . The Company proactively promotes ethical behavior and is committed to achieving compliance with all applicable laws, rules, regulations, standards and policies, including securities laws and regulations, accounting standards, accounting controls and audit practices. Enforcement of sound ethical standards is the responsibility of every Stakeholder, and each Stakeholder is obligated to promptly report any unethical conduct or violations of applicable laws, rules and regulations, this Code of Conduct or any other C&J compliance and ethics policies to appropriate personnel, as set out in the Companys Compliance Reporting Policy and Procedures. |
Please see Annex A for specific reporting procedures, as well as the Companys Complaint Policy and Procedures included as Annex B , which specifically addresses and establishes procedures for (i) the receipt, retention and treatment of complaints received by the Company regarding (a) financial reporting, accounting, disclosure controls and procedures and internal controls over financial reporting, or auditing matters, (b) potential violations of the laws, rules and regulations that govern C&Js business or of the Companys codes, standards, policies and procedures, and (c) any other activities which otherwise may amount to
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CODE OF BUSINESS CONDUCT AND ETHICS
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unethical or improper conduct, and (ii) the confidential and anonymous submission by Stakeholders (including customers and suppliers) of concerns regarding the above listed matters.
B. | Payments of Amounts Due to Customers, Agents or Distributors |
1. | Payments for Third Party Services. All commission, distributor or agency arrangements shall be in writing and provide for the services to be performed and for a fee that is reasonable in amount and reasonably related to the services to be rendered. |
2. | Manner of Payment. All payments for commissions, discounts or rebates should be made by the Companys check or draft (not by cashiers check or in currency) in the name of the agent, distributor or customer and should be (a) personally delivered to the payee in the country in which the business was transacted or (b) sent to the payees business address or designated bank in the country in which the business was transacted. |
3. | Payments Outside the United States. When the payee represents in writing or presents a written opinion from a reputable local counsel that a payment outside the country in which the business was transacted does not violate any law of that country, that payment may be permitted upon approval from the Companys principal financial officer or other applicable officer. |
4. | Accounting Records. All payments or discounts, rebates and commissions shall be disclosed in the Companys accounting records. Proper documentation of contracts and agreements shall be maintained. |
C. | International Business Requirements, Foreign Payments |
The U.S. government maintains a complex set of laws and regulations administered by several different agencies that govern the conduct of international business transactions by U.S. companies like C&J. The Company has issued the accompanying policies and procedures to provide additional guidance in this very important compliance area:
| Compliance Policy on Trade Restrictions, Sanctions & Anti-Money Laundering Requirements and related Compliance Procedures, to ensure compliance with trade sanctions maintained by the U.S. government against targeted foreign countries, as well as terrorists and international drug traffickers, according to U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives. |
|
Export Compliance Policy and related Compliance Procedures, to ensure compliance with U.S. laws and regulations governing the export of goods, technologies and services from the U.S., the |
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CODE OF BUSINESS CONDUCT AND ETHICS
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release of sensitive technologies to foreign persons in the U.S., and the retransfer of U.S.-origin goods and technologies abroad; and |
| Anti-Corruption Policy and related Compliance Procedures, to ensure compliance with the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, which makes it illegal for U.S. companies to win, retain or direct business by offering, paying or approving payments to foreign government workers, political parties or their officials. |
For additional information about these policies, please contact the Companys General Counsel (compliance@cjes.com).
V. | Use of Company Property and Resources |
A. | Protection and Proper Use of Company Assets |
The use of any Company funds or assets for any unlawful or improper purpose is prohibited. All employees should endeavor to protect the Companys assets and ensure their efficient use. Theft, carelessness and waste have a direct impact on the Companys profitability. Any suspected incident of fraud or theft should be reported immediately for investigation. Company equipment should not be used for non-business-related purposes, though incidental personal use may be permitted (such as occasional use of the Companys stationery, supplies, copying facilities or telephone when the cost to the Company is insignificant).
The obligation of employees to protect the Companys assets includes an obligation to protect the Companys proprietary information. Proprietary information includes intellectual property such as trade secrets, patents, trademarks and copyrights, as well as business, marketing and service plans, databases, records, salary information and any unpublished financial data and reports. Unauthorized use or distribution of this information violates Company policy and could also be illegal and result in civil or criminal penalties.
B. | Questionable or Improper Payments and Gifts |
1. | Payments or Gifts Made. No payments or gifts from the Companys funds or assets shall be made to or for the benefit of a representative of any domestic or foreign government (or subdivision thereof), including any government-controlled entity, labor union or any current or prospective customer or supplier for the purpose of obtaining a desired government action or any sale, purchase, contract or other commercial benefit. This prohibition applies to direct or indirect payments made through third parties and employees and is also intended to prevent bribes, kickbacks or any other form of payoff. |
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2. | Payments or Gifts Received. Directors, officers and other employees of the Company shall not accept payments or gifts of the kinds described in this Section V. |
3. | Gifts to Government Personnel. Nothing of value (for example, gifts or entertainment) may be provided to government personnel unless permitted by law and any applicable regulation. Commercial business entertainment and transportation that is reasonable in nature, frequency and cost may be permitted, subject to the Companys Anti-Corruption Policy and related Compliance Procedures. Reasonable business entertainment or transportation may generally include, without limitation, a lunch, dinner or occasional athletic or cultural event; gifts of nominal value (approximately $100 or less per year); entertainment at the Companys facilities or other authorized facilities; or authorized and reasonable transportation in the Companys vehicles. In addition, reasonable business entertainment cover traditional promotional events sponsored by the Company. |
4. | Proper Documentation. All arrangements with third parties (such as distributors or agents) should be evidenced or memorialized in a written contract, order or other document that describes the goods or services that are in fact to be performed or provided and should be for reasonable fees or costs. |
5. | Extension of Credit by the Company. No director, officer or employee may seek or accept from the Company credit, an extension of credit or the arrangement of an extension of credit in the form of a personal loan. Any personal loan existing at the time of adoption of this Code of Conduct shall not be materially modified, extended or renewed. |
C. | Corporate Opportunities |
Subject to the Companys Certificate of Incorporation, without the written consent of the Board, Stakeholders are prohibited from taking for themselves an opportunity that is (1) a potential transaction or matter that may be an investment or business opportunity or prospective economic or competitive advantage in which the Company could reasonably have an interest or expectancy or (2) discovered through the use of Company property, information or position. In addition, subject to the Companys Certificate of Incorporation, directors, officers and other employees are prohibited from using Company property, information or position for personal gain and competing with the Company directly or indirectly. Subject to the Companys Certificate of Incorporation, all Stakeholders owe a primary duty to the Company to advance its legitimate interests when the opportunity to do so arises.
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VI. | Business and Trade Practices |
A. | Compliance with Laws, Rules and Regulations |
(Including Insider Trading Laws) |
1. | Compliance with Laws . Obeying the law, both in letter and in spirit, is the foundation upon which the Companys ethical standards are built. All Stakeholders must respect and obey the laws of the cities, states and countries in which the Company operates. Although Stakeholders may not know every law that is applicable to the Company, it is important that they know enough to ask questions and seek advice from supervisors, managers, lawyers or other appropriate personnel if they have any doubt regarding the legality of an action taken, or not taken, on behalf of the Company or compliance with this Code of Conduct. |
2. | Insider Trading . Purchasing or selling, whether directly or indirectly, the Companys securities while in possession of material non-public information is both unethical and illegal. Stakeholders also are prohibited by law from disclosing material non-public information to others who might use the information to directly or indirectly place trades in the Companys securities. Violation of the insider trading regulations may lead to significant civil and criminal penalties against individuals and the Company. Material non-public information includes any information that has not been widely publicly disseminated and which may affect the investment decision of a reasonable investor. Stakeholders also may not recommend the purchase or sale of the Companys securities. Please see the Companys Insider Trading Policy and Short Swing Trading and Reporting Policy for additional information. |
3. | Section 16 Reporting . Pursuant to Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, most purchases or sales of the Companys securities by directors, executive officers and 10% shareholders must be disclosed within two business days of the transaction. Please see the Companys Short Swing Trading and Reporting Policy for more information. |
B. | Fair Dealing |
All Stakeholders should endeavor to deal fairly with the Companys customers, suppliers, competitors and employees. No Stakeholder should take unfair advantage of anyone through manipulation, concealment, abuse of privileged information, misrepresentation of material facts or any other practice involving unfair dealing.
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C. | Confidentiality |
All Stakeholders must maintain the confidentiality of information entrusted to them by the Company or its customers, suppliers, or employees except when disclosure is authorized or legally mandated. Confidential information includes all non-public information that, if disclosed, might be of use to competitors or harmful to the Company or its customers. Confidential information also includes written material provided and information discussed at all meetings of the Board or any committee thereof and all information that is learned about the Companys suppliers and customers that is not in the public domain. The obligation to preserve confidential information continues even after employment or agency with the Company ends. Any documents, papers, records, or other tangible items that contain trade secrets or proprietary information are the Companys property.
D. | Health, Safety and Environmental Policy |
The Company is committed to conducting its business in compliance with applicable health, safety and environmental laws, rules and regulations in a manner that has the highest regard for the health and safety of human life and the environment. Each employee has the responsibility for maintaining a healthy, safe and environmentally-friendly workplace by following health, safety and environmental laws, rules and regulations and reporting accidents, injuries and unsafe equipment, practices or conditions.
Applicable health, safety and environmental laws may provide for significant civil and criminal penalties against individuals and the Company for the failure to comply with applicable requirements. Accordingly, each Stakeholder must comply with all applicable health, safety and environmental laws, rules and regulations, including occupational safety and health standards.
Employees should report to work in a condition allowing them to perform their duties safely and adequately, which includes being free from the influence of drugs, alcohol or other controlled substances. The use of illegal drugs in the workplace will not be tolerated.
Violence, harassment, and threatening behavior are not permitted.
E. | Retention of Documents and Records |
It is the Companys policy to cooperate with all governmental investigative authorities. Each Stakeholder shall retain any record, document or tangible object of the Company that is known to be the subject of an investigation or litigation.
It is a violation of this Code of Conduct for any Stakeholder to knowingly alter, destroy, mutilate, conceal, cover up, falsify or make a false entry in any record, document or tangible object with the intent to impede, obstruct or influence the investigation or proper administration of any matter within the jurisdiction of any state, federal department or agency or any bankruptcy, or in relation to or contemplation of any such matter or case.
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F. | Permitted Disclosures and Activities |
Nothing in this Code of Conduct (including Section VI.C, above and Annex A , attached) or the other Compliance Policies will prevent any Stakeholder from: (i) making a good faith report of possible violations of applicable law to any governmental agency or entity; or (ii) making disclosures that are protected under the whistleblower provisions of applicable law. Nothing herein shall prevent any Stakeholder from making a disclosure of a trade secret that: (A) is made (i) in confidence to a federal, state or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney; and (ii) solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law; or (B) is made in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if such filing is made under seal. Further, an individual who files a lawsuit for retaliation by an employer of reporting a suspected violation of law may disclose the trade secret to the attorney of the individual and use the trade secret information in the court proceeding, if the individual (X) files any document containing the trade secret under seal; and (Y) does not disclose the trade secret, except pursuant to court order.
Further, the Company does not prohibit or restrict Stakeholders from lawfully initiating communications directly with, cooperating with, providing information to, causing information to be provided to, or otherwise assisting in an investigation by the SEC or any other governmental or regulatory agency, entity, or official(s) (collectively, Governmental Authorities ) regarding a possible violation of any law; (ii) responding to any inquiry or legal process directed to employee Stakeholder individually from any Governmental Authorities; (iii) testifying, participating or otherwise assisting in an action or proceeding by any Governmental Authorities relating to a possible violation of law, including providing documents or other confidential information to Governmental Authorities; or (v) receiving an award for information provided to the SEC or another Governmental Authority. Stakeholders are not required to obtain prior authorization from the Company before engaging in any of the foregoing conduct, or to notify the Company of having engaged in any such conduct.
VII. | Preparation and Certification of 1934 Act Reports |
A. | Internal Control Report |
The Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K shall contain an internal control report that (1) states the responsibility of management for establishing and maintaining an adequate internal control structure and procedures for financial reporting; (2) contains an assessment, as of the end of the Companys most recent fiscal year, of the effectiveness of the Companys internal control structure and procedures for financial reporting; (3) includes a statement that the Companys independent registered public accounting firm has issued a report on the Companys internal controls and procedures for financial
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reporting; (4) includes the report of the Companys independent registered public accounting firm; and (5) otherwise complies with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the rules promulgated thereunder by the SEC.
B. | Disclosure Controls |
It is the Companys policy to promote full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable disclosure in reports and documents that the Company files with, or submits to, the SEC and in other public communications made by the Company.
C. | Certifications |
The Companys principal executive officer and principal financial officer shall make the certifications required by Section 302 and Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the text of which are set forth in Item 601(b)(31) and (32) of Regulation S-K promulgated by the SEC.
VIII. | Employment Practices and Work Environment |
A. | Employee Relations |
All Stakeholders, regardless of position, shall do their best to work together to meet the following objectives:
| Respect each employee, worker and representative of customers, suppliers and contractors as an individual, showing courtesy and consideration and fostering personal dignity; |
| Make a commitment to and demonstrate equal treatment of all employees, workers, customers, suppliers and contractors of the Company without regard to race, color, gender, religion, age, national origin, citizenship status, military service or reserve or veteran status, sexual orientation or disability, or any other legally protected status; |
| Provide a workplace free of harassment or discrimination of any kind, including on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, age, national origin, citizenship status, military service or reserve or veteran status, sexual orientation or disability, or any other legally protected status; |
| Provide and maintain a safe, healthy and orderly workplace; and |
| Assure uniformly fair compensation and benefit practices that will attract, reward and retain quality employees. |
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In addition to the objectives set forth above, members of the management team are expected to:
| Use good judgment and exercise appropriate use of their influence and authority in their interactions with employees, customers, suppliers, contractors and partners of the Company; and |
| Keep other employees generally informed of the Companys policies, plans and progress through regular communications. |
B. | Non-Discrimination Policy |
The Company values the diversity of its employees and is committed to providing an equal opportunity in all aspects of employment to all employees without regard to race, color, gender, religion, age, national origin, citizenship status, military service or reserve or veteran status, sexual orientation or disability, or any other legally protected status. Stakeholders should use reasonable efforts to seek business partners for the Company that do not discriminate in hiring or in their employment practices, and who make decisions about hiring, salary, benefits, training opportunities, work assignments, advancement, discipline, termination and retirement solely on the basis of a persons ability to perform the tasks required by their position.
C. | Freedom of Association |
The Company recognizes and respects the right of employees to exercise their lawful rights of free association, including joining or electing not to join any association. The Company expects its business partners to also adhere to these principles.
D. | Disciplinary Practices |
The Company does not condone any type of harassment, abuse or retaliation, whether corporal, mental or physical, of an employee by a director, officer or other employee or any partner, customer or supplier of the Company.
IX. | Political Contributions |
A. | Federal Elections |
The Company encourages the personal and financial participation of its directors, officers and other employees in federal, state and local elective processes. Federal law prohibits the Company from making any direct contribution or expenditure to a candidate or candidates campaign in any federal election. Although there are exceptions, most states also prohibit the use of Company treasury funds to influence state elections.
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B. | Political Contributions in U.S. Elections |
It is the Companys policy not to make direct or indirect political contributions in support of any party or candidate in any U.S. election, whether federal, state or local, except as otherwise stated herein. For the purposes of this policy, the purchase of tickets for dinners, advertising in political program booklets, use of the Companys duplicating facilities, compensated employee activity, employee contributions reimbursed through expense accounts and similar donations in kind are considered political contributions. These are merely examples of political contributions, and the preceding list is not intended to be exhaustive.
C. | Political Contributions in State and Local Elections |
The Company may on occasion contribute to state and local office candidate committees and to state and local initiatives or referendum campaigns where the Companys interests are directly involved and where permitted by state and local law. Proposed political contributions require a brief description of the purpose of the proposed contribution and a written legal opinion that confirms that the proposed contribution is lawful under all applicable laws. The documentation for proposed contributions shall be approved in advance by the Companys General Counsel to ensure full compliance with applicable state and local regulations and reporting requirements.
D. | Political Action Committees |
To the extent permitted by law, the Companys resources may be used to establish and administer a political action committee or separate segregated fund. All proposed activities shall be submitted for review and approval by the Board prior to their implementation.
E. | Foreign Elections |
In countries where political contributions from companies are permitted by law and encouraged by local custom, contributions may be appropriate and are permitted where approved by the proper Company officer and the Board.
X. | Reporting Violations |
The Company proactively promotes ethical behavior and is committed to achieving compliance with all applicable laws, rules, regulations, standards and policies, including securities laws and regulations, accounting standards, accounting controls and audit practices.
Stakeholders should report any known or suspected unethical conduct or violations of applicable laws, rules and regulations (including, without limitation, the listing requirements of the New York Stock Exchange ( NYSE )), this Code of Conduct or any of the other Compliance Policies (including, without limitation, the Companys Financial Code of Ethics) to appropriate personnel. Any employee of the Company may submit a good faith complaint regarding a violation to the Companys management without fear of dismissal or retaliation of any kind.
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Please see Annex B for the Companys Compliance Reporting Policy and Procedures for specific compliance reporting procedures.
Directors, officers and other employees are expected to cooperate in internal investigations of misconduct.
XI. | Waivers of this Code of Conduct |
Any waiver of a provision of this Code of Conduct may be made only by the Board or a committee thereof and will be promptly disclosed if and as required by law and the listing requirements of the NYSE, as applicable.
XII. | Amendments to this Code of Conduct |
Any amendment to this Code of Conduct shall be made only by the Board. If an amendment to this Code of Conduct is made, appropriate disclosure will be made within two business days after the amendment has been made in accordance with legal requirements and the listing requirements of the NYSE, as applicable.
XIII. | Posting Requirement |
The Company shall post this Code of Conduct on the Companys website as required by applicable rules and regulations. In addition, the Company shall disclose in its proxy statement for its annual meeting of shareholders or, if the Company does not file a proxy statement, in its Annual Report on Form 10-K, that a copy of this Code of Conduct is available in print to any shareholder who requests it as well as on the Companys website and provide the website address.
* * *
This document states a policy of C&J Energy Services, Inc. and is not intended to be regarded as the rendering of legal advice.
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ANNEX A
CODE OF BUSINESS CONDUCT AND ETHICS
REPORTING PROCEDURES
C&J Energy Services, Inc. is committed to maintaining the highest ethical and legal standards. We strive to comply with both the letter and spirit of applicable laws and regulations. We conduct our day-to-day business with our employees, customers, representatives, suppliers, competitors, governments, and the public in an honest and ethical manner. Trust, integrity and accountability are critical elements of our culture as an organization.
We understand that there may be times when you personally experience or witness an activity or course of conduct that may not be compliant with C&Js policies or procedures or applicable law. Since not every situation that will arise can be anticipated, it is important to have a way to approach a new question or problem. When considering these situations, you should:
1. | Consider what you specifically are being asked to do and whether it seems unethical or improper . This will enable you to focus on the specific question and the alternatives you have. If something seems unethical or improper, it probably is. |
2. | Discuss the problem with a supervisor . In many cases, supervisors will be more knowledgeable about the question and will appreciate being brought into the decision-making process. Remember that it is the responsibility of supervisors to help solve problems and ensure that the Company complies with the legal and ethical requirements governing C&Js business conduct. |
3. | Seek help from Company resources . Generally, you should consider your direct management team (immediate chain of command) and the Companys Human Resources Department as your first source of communication for questions or complaints regarding most matters because, in most cases, they are in the best position to address your concerns. If that is not appropriate or if a satisfactory resolution is not obtained, you can contact any member of the Companys Legal Department (including via email at LegalTeam@cjes.com). |
Questions or concerns regarding compliance, legal and ethical matters can also be submitted directly to C&Js General Counsel at Compliance@cjes.com
4. | Report violations without fear of retaliation . If the situation so requires, anonymity will be protected whenever possible. The Company does not permit retaliation of any kind for good faith reports of violations. You will not be retaliated against for reporting information, in good faith, that you reasonably believe relates to possible misconduct, unethical acts and/or securities law or accounting violations. Retaliatory conduct includes discharge, demotion, suspension, threats, harassment, and any other manner of discrimination in the terms and conditions of employment because of any lawful act you may have performed in connection with such reporting. The Company takes claims of retaliation seriously and will investigate allegations of retaliation. Anyone found responsible for retaliating against an employee who made a good faith report will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment and possible legal action. |
A-1
5. | Always ask first, act later . When unsure of what to do in any situation, you should seek guidance and ask questions before the action in question is taken. |
6. | Report early; you do not need to have all the facts to report. If you are unsure whether to report or not, you should report out of an abundance of caution. You do not need to have all the facts to report; it is the Companys responsibility to investigate the information you report. |
A-2
Exhibit 14.2
C&J ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
FINANCIAL CODE OF ETHICS
(Amended and Adopted as of December 14, 2017)
This Financial Code of Ethics (this Financial Code ) of C&J Energy Services, Inc. (collectively including its subsidiaries and affiliates, the Company ) contains the ethical principles by which the Companys Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer (or other principal financial officer), Chief Accounting Officer (or other principal accounting officer), Controllers and other senior financial officers (collectively, the Senior Officers ) are expected to conduct themselves when carrying out their duties and responsibilities. Senior Officers must also comply with the Companys legal and regulatory requirements, ethical standards and other corporate policies, procedures and practices (as may be amended or supplemented from time to time, and specifically including the Companys Corporate Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (collectively, the Compliance Policies )).
I. | Ethical Principles |
In carrying out his or her duties to and responsibilities for the Company, each Senior Officer should:
| Act ethically with honesty and integrity, including the ethical handling of actual or apparent conflicts of interest between personal and professional relationships; |
| Provide full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable disclosure in reports and documents that the Company files with, or submits to, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) and in other public communications made by the Company; |
| Comply with applicable laws, rules and regulations of national, state, provincial and local governments and private and public regulatory agencies (including the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), as applicable) having jurisdiction over the Company; |
| Act in good faith, responsibly, with due care, competence and diligence, without misrepresenting material facts or allowing his or her independent judgment on behalf of the Company to be subordinated to other interests; |
| Promote honest and ethical behavior by others in the work environment; |
| Respect the confidentiality of information acquired in the course of his or her work except when authorized or otherwise legally obligated to disclose such information. Such confidential information must not be used for the personal advantage of any Senior Officer or parties related to the Senior Officer; |
| Responsibly use and maintain all assets and resources employed or entrusted to the Senior Officer; |
| Promptly report actual or potential violations of this Financial Code, and concerns regarding financial reporting, accounting, disclosure controls and procedures and internal controls over financial reporting, or auditing matters to the Chairperson of the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors (the Audit Committee) and to the Companys General Counsel; and |
| Accept accountability for adherence to this Financial Code. |
II. | Waivers |
Consents obtained pursuant to this Financial Code, or waivers of any provision of this Financial Code, shall be made only by the Companys Board of Directors or a committee thereof. Persons seeking a waiver should be prepared to disclose all pertinent facts and circumstances, respond to inquiries for additional information, explain why the waiver is necessary, appropriate, or in the best interest of the Company, and be willing to comply with any procedures that may be required to protect the Company in connection with a waiver. If a waiver of this Financial Code is granted for any Senior Officer, appropriate disclosure will be made promptly in accordance with the rules and regulations of the SEC and, if applicable the listing requirements of the NYSE (or other applicable national exchange).
III. | Compliance Reporting Procedures |
The Company proactively promotes ethical behavior and is committed to achieving compliance with all applicable laws, rules, regulations and the highest standards of ethical and legal business conduct, including securities laws and regulations, financial reporting and accounting standards, accounting controls and audit practices. Enforcement of sound ethical standards and legal business conduct is the responsibility of every director, officer and employee of the Company.
Directors, officers and other employees must promptly report any known or suspected unethical conduct or violation of the laws, rules and regulations that govern C&Js business, or any Compliance Policy to the Companys General Counsel, as set out in the Companys Compliance Reporting Policy and Procedures.
Actual or potential violations of this Financial Code, and concerns regarding financial reporting, accounting, disclosure controls and procedures and internal controls over financial reporting, or auditing matters must be promptly reported to the Chairperson of the Audit Committee and (as appropriate) to the Companys General Counsel via the following methods:
| Mail: |
C&J Energy Services, Inc.
3990 Rogerdale Road
Houston, Texas 77042
Attention: Audit Committee Chairman
| Email: Compliance@cjes.com |
| Compliance Reporting Whistleblower Hotline: anonymous, confidential, independent service that is available 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. Concerns may be reported online through www.cjenergy.ethicspoint.com or by calling (U.S. & Canada (Toll Free)) 1-844-472-2438 (international phone lines are also available). |
The reporting person should make full disclosure of all pertinent facts and circumstances, taking care to distinguish between matters that are certain and matters that are suspicions, worries or
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speculation. If the situation so requires, anonymity will be protected whenever possible. The Company does not permit retaliation of any kind for good faith reports of compliance violations. You will not be retaliated against for reporting information, in good faith, that you reasonably believe relates to possible misconduct, unethical acts and/or securities law or accounting violations. Retaliatory conduct includes discharge, demotion, suspension, threats, harassment, and any other manner of discrimination in the terms and conditions of employment because of any lawful act you may have performed in connection with such reporting. The Company takes claims of retaliation seriously and will investigate allegations of retaliation. Anyone found responsible for retaliating against an employee who made a good faith report will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment and possible legal action. Persons that knowingly make a report that is false or that willfully disregard its truth or accuracy, or engage in any other bad faith use of the reporting system, will be deemed to be in violation of the Companys Compliance Policies.
IV. | Violations |
Each person is accountable for his or her compliance with this Financial Code. Violations of this Financial Code may result in disciplinary action against the violator, including dismissal from employment when deemed appropriate. Each case will be judged by the Chairman of the Audit Committee on its own merits considering the duties of the person and the significance of the circumstances involved.
V. | Amendment |
Any amendment to this Financial Code shall be made only by the Companys Board of Directors or an appropriate committee thereof. If an amendment to this Financial Code is made, appropriate disclosure will be made promptly in accordance with the rules and regulations of the SEC and, if applicable the listing requirements of the NYSE (or other applicable national exchange).
VI. | Posting Requirement |
The Company shall post this Financial Code on the Companys website as required by applicable rules and regulations. In addition, the Company shall disclose in its Annual Report on Form 10-K or the proxy statement for its annual meeting of shareholders (as applicable) that a copy of this Financial Code is available on the Companys website and in print to any shareholder who requests a copy.
**********
It is the intent of the Company that this Financial Code be its written code of ethics under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, complying with the standards set forth in Item 406 of Regulation S-K promulgated by the SEC.
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