NORTHERN OIL & GAS, INC. false 0001104485 0001104485 2022-10-11 2022-10-11

 

 

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): October 11, 2022

 

 

NORTHERN OIL AND GAS, INC.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   001-33999   95-3848122

(State or other jurisdiction

of incorporation)

 

(Commission

File Number)

 

(IRS Employer

Identification No.)

 

4350 Baker Road, Suite 400

Minnetonka, Minnesota

  55343
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code (952) 476-9800

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of each class

 

Trading
Symbol(s)

 

Name of each exchange
on which registered

Common Stock, par value $0.001   NOG   New York Stock Exchange

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (17 CFR §230.405) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (17 CFR §240.12b-2).

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 1.01.

Entry Into a Material Definitive Agreement.

Purchase Agreement

On October 11, 2022, Northern Oil and Gas, Inc. (the “Company”) entered into a purchase agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) with Citigroup Global Markets Inc., as representative of the several other initial purchasers named therein (collectively, the “Initial Purchasers”), to issue and sell $435,000,000 million aggregate principal amount of 3.625% Convertible Senior Notes due 2029 (the “Notes”) in a private placement to qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). The Company granted the Initial Purchasers a 13-day option to purchase up to an additional $65,000,000 million aggregate principal amount of the Notes on the same terms and conditions, if any. The Initial Purchasers exercised their option in full on October 12, 2022, and $500,000,000 million aggregate principal amount of Notes was issued on October 14, 2022.

The Purchase Agreement includes customary representations, warranties and covenants by the Company and customary closing conditions. Under the terms of the Purchase Agreement, the Company has agreed to indemnify the Initial Purchasers against certain liabilities.

The above description of the Purchase Agreement is a summary and is not complete. A copy of the Purchase Agreement is filed as Exhibit 10.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K, and the above summary is qualified by reference to the terms of the Purchase Agreement set forth in such exhibit.

Indenture and Notes

On October 14, 2022, the Company entered into an indenture (the “Indenture”), between the Company and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as trustee (the “Trustee”) pursuant to which the Company issued $500,000,000 principal amount of the Notes.

The Notes will be the Company’s senior, unsecured obligations and will be (i) equal in right of payment with the Company’s existing and future senior, unsecured indebtedness; (ii) senior in right of payment to the Company’s future indebtedness that is expressly subordinated to the Notes; (iii) effectively subordinated to the Company’s existing and future secured indebtedness, to the extent of the value of the collateral securing that indebtedness; and (iv) structurally subordinated to all future indebtedness and other liabilities, including trade payables, and (to the extent the Company is not a holder thereof) preferred equity, if any, of any subsidiaries that the Company may form or acquire in the future.

The Notes will accrue interest at a rate of 3.625% per annum, payable semi-annually in arrears on April 15 and October 15 of each year, beginning on April 15, 2023. The Notes will mature on April 15, 2029, unless earlier repurchased, redeemed or converted. Before October 16, 2028, noteholders will have the right to convert their Notes only upon the occurrence of certain events. From and after October 16, 2028, noteholders may convert their Notes at any time at their election until the close of business on the second scheduled trading day immediately before the maturity date. The Company will have the right to elect to settle conversions either entirely in cash or in a combination of cash and shares of its common stock. However, upon conversion of any Notes, the conversion value, which will be determined over a period of 40 trading days, will be paid in cash up to at least the principal amount of the Notes being converted. The initial conversion rate is 26.3104 shares of common stock per $1,000 principal amount of Notes, which represents an initial conversion price of approximately $38.01 per share of common stock. The conversion rate and conversion price will be subject to customary adjustments upon the occurrence of certain events. In addition, if certain corporate events that constitute a “Make-Whole Fundamental Change” (as defined in the Indenture) occur, then the conversion rate will, in certain circumstances, be increased for a specified period of time.

The Notes will be redeemable, in whole or in part (subject to certain limitations), at the Company’s option at any time, and from time to time, on or after April 15, 2026 and on or before the 40th scheduled trading day immediately before the maturity date, at a cash redemption price equal to the principal amount of the Notes to be redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the redemption date, but only if the last reported sale price per share of the Company’s common stock exceeds 130% of the conversion price on (i) each of at least 20 trading days, whether or not consecutive, during the 30 consecutive trading days ending on, and including, the trading day immediately before the date the Company


sends the related redemption notice; and (ii) the trading day immediately before the date the Company sends such notice. In addition, calling any Note for redemption will constitute a Make-Whole Fundamental Change with respect to that Note, in which case the conversion rate applicable to the conversion of that Note will be increased in certain circumstances if it is converted after it is called for redemption.

If certain corporate events that constitute a “Fundamental Change” (as defined in the Indenture) occur, then, subject to a limited exception for certain cash mergers, noteholders may require the Company to repurchase their Notes at a cash repurchase price equal to the principal amount of the Notes to be repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the fundamental change repurchase date. The definition of Fundamental Change includes certain business combination transactions involving the Company and certain de-listing events with respect to the Company’s common stock.

The Notes have customary provisions relating to the occurrence of “Events of Default” (as defined in the Indenture), which include the following: (i) certain payment defaults on the Notes (which, in the case of a default in the payment of interest on the Notes, will be subject to a 30-day cure period); (ii) the Company’s failure to send certain notices under the Indenture within specified periods of time; (iii) the Company’s failure to comply with certain covenants in the Indenture relating to the Company’s ability to consolidate with or merge with or into, or sell, lease or otherwise transfer, in one transaction or a series of transactions, all or substantially all of the assets of the Company and any subsidiaries that the Company may form or acquire in the future, taken as a whole, to another person; (iv) a default by the Company in certain of its other obligations or agreements under the Indenture or the Notes if such default is not cured or waived within 60 days after notice is given in accordance with the Indenture; (v) certain defaults by the Company or any subsidiaries that the Company may form or acquire in the future with respect to indebtedness for borrowed money of at least $50,000,000; (vi) the rendering of certain judgments against the Company or any of its subsidiaries for the payment of at least $50,000,000, where such judgments are not paid, discharged or stayed within 60 days after the date on which the right to appeal has expired or on which all rights to appeal have been extinguished; and (vii) certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency and reorganization involving the Company or any of the Company’s significant subsidiaries that the Company may form or acquire in the future.

If an Event of Default involving bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization events with respect to the Company (and not solely with respect to any significant subsidiary that the Company may form or acquire in the future) occurs, then the principal amount of, and all accrued and unpaid interest on, all of the Notes then outstanding will immediately become due and payable without any further action or notice by any person. If any other Event of Default occurs and is continuing, then, the Trustee, by notice to the Company, or noteholders of at least 25% of the aggregate principal amount of Notes then outstanding, by notice to the Company and the Trustee, may declare the principal amount of, and all accrued and unpaid interest on, all of the Notes then outstanding to become due and payable immediately. However, notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company may elect, at its option, that the sole remedy for an Event of Default relating to certain failures by the Company to comply with certain reporting covenants in the Indenture consists exclusively of the right of the noteholders to receive special interest on the Notes for up to 365 days at a specified rate per annum not exceeding 0.25% on the principal amount of the Notes for the first 180 days and, thereafter, at a specified rate per annum not exceeding 0.50% on the principal amount of the Notes.

The above description of the Indenture and the Notes is a summary and is not complete. A copy of the Indenture (including the form of Note) is filed as Exhibit 4.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K, and the above summary is qualified by reference to the terms of the Indenture and the Notes set forth in such exhibit.

Capped Call Transactions

On October 11, 2022, in connection with the pricing of the Notes, and on October 12, 2022, in connection with the Initial Purchasers’ exercise in full of their option to purchase additional Notes, the Company entered into privately negotiated capped call transactions (the “Capped Call Transactions”) with certain of the Initial Purchasers and/or their respective affiliates and/or other financial institutions (the “Option Counterparties”). The Capped Call Transactions cover, subject to anti-dilution adjustments substantially similar to those applicable to the conversion rate of the Notes, the number of shares of common stock initially underlying the Notes. The Capped Call Transactions are expected generally to reduce potential dilution to the common stock upon any conversion of Notes and/or offset any potential cash payments the Company is required to make in excess of the principal amount of such converted Notes, as the case may be, with such reduction and/or offset subject to a cap. The cap price of the Capped Call Transactions will initially be approximately $52.17 per share of common stock, which represents a premium of 75% over the last reported sale price of the common stock of $29.81 per share on October 11, 2022, and is subject to certain customary adjustments under the terms of the Capped Call Transactions.


The Capped Call Transactions are separate transactions entered into by the Company with each Option Counterparty, and are not part of the terms of the Notes and will not affect any noteholder’s rights under the Notes. Noteholders will not have any rights with respect to the Capped Call Transactions.

The Option Counterparties and their respective affiliates are full service financial institutions engaged in various activities, which may include sales and trading, commercial and investment banking, advisory, investment management, investment research, principal investment, hedging, market making, brokerage and other financial and non-financial activities and services. Certain of the Option Counterparties and their respective affiliates have provided certain commercial banking, financial advisory, investment banking and other services for the Company and its affiliates in the ordinary course of their business in the past and may do so in the future, for which they have received and may continue to receive customary fees and commissions. Certain of the Option Counterparties or their respective affiliates are parties to the Purchase Agreement.

The foregoing description of the Capped Call Transactions is not complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Form of Capped Call Confirmation, which is filed herewith as Exhibit 10.2 and is incorporated into this Item 1.01 by reference.

In connection with the offering of the Notes, the Company obtained a waiver under its revolving credit facility waiving the automatic reduction of the borrowing base that would otherwise occur upon the consummation of the offering.

 

Item 2.03.

Creation of a Direct Financial Obligation or an Obligation under an Off-Balance Sheet Arrangement.

The disclosure set forth in Item 1.01 above is incorporated by reference into this Item 2.03.

 

Item 3.02.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities.

The disclosure set forth in Item 1.01 above is incorporated by reference into this Item 3.02. The Notes were issued to the Initial Purchasers in reliance upon Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act in transactions not involving any public offering. The Notes were resold by the Initial Purchasers to persons whom the Initial Purchasers reasonably believe are “qualified institutional buyers,” as defined in, and in accordance with, Rule 144A under the Securities Act. Any shares of the Company’s common stock that may be issued upon conversion of the Notes will be issued in reliance upon Section 3(a)(9) of the Securities Act as involving an exchange by the Company exclusively with its security holders. Initially, a maximum of 16,772,850 shares of the Company’s common stock may be issued upon conversion of the Notes, based on the initial maximum conversion rate of 33.5457 shares of common stock per $1,000 principal amount of Notes, which is subject to customary anti-dilution adjustment provisions.

 

Item 9.01.

Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(d) Exhibits.

 

Exhibit
No.

  

Description

4.1    Indenture, dated October 14, 2022, between Northern Oil and Gas, Inc. and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as trustee (including Form of 3.625% Convertible Senior Note due 2029).
10.1    Purchase Agreement, dated October 11, 2022, by and between Northern Oil and Gas, Inc. and Citigroup Global Markets Inc., as representative of the several other initial purchasers named in Schedule 1 thereto.
10.2    Form of Capped Call Confirmation.
104    The cover page from this Current Report on Form 8-K, formatted in inline XBRL


SIGNATURES

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

 

Date: October 17, 2022   NORTHERN OIL AND GAS, INC.
    By  

  /s/ Erik J. Romslo

        Erik J. Romslo
        Chief Legal Officer and Secretary

Exhibit 4.1

EXECUTION VERSION

 

 

 

 

 

 

NORTHERN OIL AND GAS, INC.

and

WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION

as Trustee

 

 

INDENTURE

Dated as of October 14, 2022

 

 

3.625% Convertible Senior Notes due 2029

 

 

 

 

 

 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

          Page  

Article 1. Definitions; Rules of Construction

     1  

Section 1.01.

   Definitions      1  

Section 1.02.

   Other Definitions      12  

Section 1.03.

   Rules of Construction      13  

Article 2. The Notes

     14  

Section 2.01.

   Form, Dating and Denominations      14  

Section 2.02.

   Execution, Authentication and Delivery      14  

Section 2.03.

   Initial Notes and Additional Notes      15  

Section 2.04.

   Method of Payment      15  

Section 2.05.

   Accrual of Interest; Defaulted Amounts; When Payment Date is Not a Business Day      16  

Section 2.06.

   Registrar, Paying Agent and Conversion Agent      17  

Section 2.07.

   Paying Agent and Conversion Agent to Hold Property in Trust      18  

Section 2.08.

   Holder Lists      18  

Section 2.09.

   Legends      18  

Section 2.10.

   Transfers and Exchanges; Certain Transfer Restrictions      19  

Section 2.11.

   Exchange and Cancellation of Notes to Be Converted or to Be Repurchased Pursuant to a Repurchase Upon Fundamental Change or Redemption      24  

Section 2.12.

   Removal of Transfer Restrictions      25  

Section 2.13.

   Replacement Notes      26  

Section 2.14.

   Registered Holders; Certain Rights with Respect to Global Notes      26  

Section 2.15.

   Cancellation      26  

Section 2.16.

   Notes Held by the Company or its Affiliates      26  

Section 2.17.

   Temporary Notes      27  

Section 2.18.

   Outstanding Notes      27  

Section 2.19.

   Repurchases by the Company      28  

Section 2.20.

   CUSIP and ISIN Numbers      28  

Article 3. Covenants

     28  

Section 3.01.

   Payment on Notes      28  

Section 3.02.

   Exchange Act Reports      28  

Section 3.03.

   Rule 144A Information      29  

Section 3.04.

   Additional Interest      29  

Section 3.05.

   Compliance and Default Certificates      30  

Section 3.06.

   Stay, Extension and Usury Laws      30  

Section 3.07.

   Organizational Existence      31  

Section 3.08.

   Acquisition of Notes by the Company and its Affiliates      31  

Section 3.09.

   Further Instruments and Acts      31  

 

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Article 4. Repurchase and Redemption

     31  

Section 4.01.

   No Sinking Fund      31  

Section 4.02.

   Right of Holders to Require the Company to Repurchase Notes Upon a Fundamental Change      31  

Section 4.03.

   Right of the Company to Redeem the Notes      36  

Article 5. Conversion

     39  

Section 5.01.

   Right to Convert      39  

Section 5.02.

   Conversion Procedures      43  

Section 5.03.

   Settlement Upon Conversion      44  

Section 5.04.

   Reserve and Status of Common Stock Issued Upon Conversion      47  

Section 5.05.

   Adjustments to the Conversion Rate      48  

Section 5.06.

   Voluntary Adjustments      58  

Section 5.07.

   Adjustments to the Conversion Rate in Connection with a Make-Whole Fundamental Change      59  

Section 5.08.

   Exchange in Lieu of Conversion      60  

Section 5.09.

   Effect of Common Stock Change Event      61  

Section 5.10.

   Responsibility of Trustee      63  

Article 6. Successors

     63  

Section 6.01.

   When the Company May Merge, Etc.      63  

Section 6.02.

   Successor Entity Substituted      64  

Section 6.03.

   Exclusion for Asset Transfers with Wholly Owned Subsidiaries      64  

Article 7. Defaults and Remedies

     64  

Section 7.01.

   Events of Default      64  

Section 7.02.

   Acceleration      66  

Section 7.03.

   Sole Remedy for a Failure to Report      67  

Section 7.04.

   Other Remedies      68  

Section 7.05.

   Waiver of Past Defaults      68  

Section 7.06.

   Control by Majority      68  

Section 7.07.

   Limitation on Suits      69  

Section 7.08.

   Absolute Right of Holders to Institute Suit for the Enforcement of the Right to Receive Payment and Conversion Consideration      69  

Section 7.09.

   Collection Suit by Trustee      69  

Section 7.10.

   Trustee May File Proofs of Claim      70  

Section 7.11.

   Priorities      70  

Section 7.12.

   Undertaking for Costs      71  

Article 8. Amendments, Supplements and Waivers

     71  

Section 8.01.

   Without the Consent of Holders      71  

Section 8.02.

   With the Consent of Holders      72  

Section 8.03.

   Notice of Amendments, Supplements and Waivers      73  

Section 8.04.

   Revocation, Effect and Solicitation of Consents; Special Record Dates; Etc.      73  

Section 8.05.

   Notations and Exchanges      74  

Section 8.06.

   Trustee to Execute Supplemental Indentures      74  

 

- ii -


Article 9. Satisfaction and Discharge

     74  

Section 9.01.

   Termination of Company’s Obligations      74  

Section 9.02.

   Repayment to Company      75  

Section 9.03.

   Reinstatement      75  

Article 10. Trustee

     76  

Section 10.01.

   Duties of the Trustee      76  

Section 10.02.

   Rights of the Trustee      77  

Section 10.03.

   Individual Rights of the Trustee      78  

Section 10.04.

   Trustee’s Disclaimer      78  

Section 10.05.

   Notice of Defaults      78  

Section 10.06.

   Compensation and Indemnity      78  

Section 10.07.

   Replacement of the Trustee      79  

Section 10.08.

   Successor Trustee by Merger, Etc.      80  

Section 10.09.

   Eligibility; Disqualification      80  

Article 11. Miscellaneous

     81  

Section 11.01.

   Notices      81  

Section 11.02.

   Delivery of Officer’s Certificate and Opinion of Counsel as to Conditions Precedent      82  

Section 11.03.

   Statements Required in Officer’s Certificate and Opinion of Counsel      83  

Section 11.04.

   Rules by the Trustee, the Registrar and the Paying Agent      83  

Section 11.05.

   No Personal Liability of Directors, Officers, Employees and Stockholders      83  

Section 11.06.

   Governing Law; Waiver of Jury Trial      83  

Section 11.07.

   Submission to Jurisdiction      84  

Section 11.08.

   No Adverse Interpretation of Other Agreements      84  

Section 11.09.

   Successors      84  

Section 11.10.

   Force Majeure      84  

Section 11.11.

   U.S.A. PATRIOT Act      84  

Section 11.12.

   Calculations      84  

Section 11.13.

   Severability      85  

Section 11.14.

   Counterparts; Electronic Signature      85  

Section 11.15.

   Table of Contents, Headings, Etc.      85  

Section 11.16.

   Withholding Taxes      86  

Exhibits

  

Exhibit A: Form of Note

     A-1  

Exhibit B-1: Form of Restricted Note Legend

     B1-1  

Exhibit B-2: Form of Global Note Legend

     B2-1  

Exhibit B-3: Form of Non-Affiliate Legend

     B3-1  

 

- iii -


INDENTURE, dated as of October 14, 2022, between Northern Oil and Gas, Inc., a Delaware corporation, as issuer (the “Company”), and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as trustee (the “Trustee”).

Each party to this Indenture (as defined below) agrees as follows for the benefit of the other party and for the equal and ratable benefit of the Holders (as defined below) of the Company’s 3.625% Convertible Senior Notes due 2029 (the “Notes”).

Article 1. DEFINITIONS; RULES OF CONSTRUCTION

Section 1.01. DEFINITIONS.

Additional Interest” means any interest that accrues on any Note pursuant to Section 3.04.

Affiliate” has the meaning set forth in Rule 144 as in effect on the Issue Date.

Authorized Denomination” means, with respect to a Note, a principal amount thereof equal to $1,000 or any integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof.

Bankruptcy Law” means Title 11, United States Code, or any similar U.S. federal or state or non-U.S. law for the relief of debtors.

Bid Solicitation Agent” means the Person who is required to obtain bids for the Trading Price in accordance with Section 5.01(C)(i)(2) and the definition of “Trading Price.” The initial Bid Solicitation Agent on the Issue Date will be the Company; provided, however, that the Company may appoint any other Person (including any of the Company’s Subsidiaries) to be the Bid Solicitation Agent at any time after the Issue Date without prior notice.

Board of Directors” means the board of directors of the Company or a committee of such board duly authorized to act on behalf of such board.

Business Day” means any day other than a Saturday, a Sunday or any day on which the Federal Reserve Bank of New York is authorized or required by law or executive order to close or be closed.

Capital Stock” of any Person means any and all shares of, interests in, rights to purchase, warrants or options for, participations in, or other equivalents of, in each case however designated, the equity of such Person, but excluding any debt securities convertible into such equity.

Close of Business” means 5:00 p.m., New York City time.

Common Stock” means the common stock, $0.001 par value per share, of the Company, subject to Section 5.09.

Company” means the Person named as such in the first paragraph of this Indenture and, subject to Article 6, its successors and assigns.

 

- 1 -


Company Order” means a written request or order signed on behalf of the Company by one (1) of its Officers and delivered to the Trustee.

Conversion Date” means, with respect to a Note, the first Business Day on which the requirements set forth in Section 5.02(A) to convert such Note are satisfied.

Conversion Price” means, as of any time, an amount equal to (A) one thousand dollars ($1,000) divided by (B) the Conversion Rate in effect at such time.

Conversion Rate” initially means 26.3104 shares of Common Stock per $1,000 principal amount of Notes; provided, however, that the Conversion Rate is subject to adjustment pursuant to Article 5; provided, further, that whenever this Indenture refers to the Conversion Rate as of a particular date without setting forth a particular time on such date, such reference will be deemed to be to the Conversion Rate immediately after the Close of Business on such date.

Conversion Share” means any share of Common Stock issued or issuable upon conversion of any Note.

Daily Cash Amount” means, with respect to any VWAP Trading Day, the lesser of (A) the applicable Daily Maximum Cash Amount; and (B) the Daily Conversion Value for such VWAP Trading Day.

Daily Conversion Value” means, with respect to any VWAP Trading Day, one-fortieth (1/40th) of the product of (A) the Conversion Rate on such VWAP Trading Day; and (B) the Daily VWAP per share of Common Stock on such VWAP Trading Day.

Daily Maximum Cash Amount” means, with respect to the conversion of any Note, the quotient obtained by dividing (A) the Specified Dollar Amount applicable to such conversion by (B) forty (40).

Daily Share Amount” means, with respect to any VWAP Trading Day, the quotient obtained by dividing (A) the excess, if any, of the Daily Conversion Value for such VWAP Trading Day over the applicable Daily Maximum Cash Amount by (B) the Daily VWAP for such VWAP Trading Day. For the avoidance of doubt, the Daily Share Amount will be zero for such VWAP Trading Day if such Daily Conversion Value does not exceed such Daily Maximum Cash Amount.

Daily VWAP” means, for any VWAP Trading Day, the per share volume-weighted average price of the Common Stock as displayed under the heading “Bloomberg VWAP” on Bloomberg page “NOG <EQUITY> AQR” (or, if such page is not available, its equivalent successor page) in respect of the period from the scheduled open of trading until the scheduled close of trading of the primary trading session on such VWAP Trading Day (or, if such volume-weighted average price is unavailable, the market value of one share of Common Stock on such VWAP Trading Day, determined, using a volume-weighted average price method, by a nationally recognized independent investment banking firm selected by the Company, which may include any of the Initial Purchasers). The Daily VWAP will be determined without regard to after-hours trading or any other trading outside of the regular trading session.

 

- 2 -


De-Legending Deadline Date” means, with respect to any Note, the fifteenth (15th) day after the Free Trade Date of such Note; provided, however, that if the De-Legending Deadline Date determined as aforesaid would be after a Regular Record Date and on or before the next Interest Payment Date, then the De-Legending Deadline Date for such Note will instead be the Business Day immediately after such Interest Payment Date.

Default” means any event that is (or, after notice, passage of time or both, would be) an Event of Default.

Default Settlement Method” means Combination Settlement with a Specified Dollar Amount of $1,000 per $1,000 principal amount of Notes; provided, however, that (x) subject to Section 5.03(A)(iii), the Company may, from time to time, change the Default Settlement Method, to any Settlement Method that the Company is then permitted to elect, by sending notice of the new Default Settlement Method to the Holders, the Trustee and the Conversion Agent; and (y) the Default Settlement Method will be subject to Section 5.03(A)(ii).

Depositary” means The Depository Trust Company or its successor.

Depositary Participant” means any member of, or participant in, the Depositary.

Depositary Procedures” means, with respect to any conversion, transfer, exchange or other transaction involving a Global Note or any beneficial interest therein, the rules and procedures of the Depositary applicable to such conversion, transfer, exchange or transaction.

Ex-Dividend Date” means, with respect to an issuance, dividend or distribution on the Common Stock, the first date on which shares of Common Stock trade on the applicable exchange or in the applicable market, regular way, without the right to receive such issuance, dividend or distribution (including pursuant to due bills or similar arrangements required by the relevant stock exchange). For the avoidance of doubt, any alternative trading convention on the applicable exchange or market in respect of the Common Stock under a separate ticker symbol or CUSIP number will not be considered “regular way” for this purpose.

Exchange Act” means the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

Exempted Fundamental Change” means any Fundamental Change with respect to which, in accordance with Section 4.02(I), the Company does not offer to repurchase any Notes.

Free Trade Date” means, with respect to any Note, the date that is one (1) year after the Last Original Issue Date of such Note.

 

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Freely Tradable” means, with respect to any Note, that such Note would be eligible to be offered, sold or otherwise transferred pursuant to Rule 144 or otherwise if held by a Person that is not an Affiliate of the Company, and that has not been an Affiliate of the Company during the immediately preceding three (3) months, without any requirements as to volume, manner of sale, availability of current public information or notice under the Securities Act (except that, during the six (6) month period beginning on, and including, the date that is six (6) months after the Last Original Issue Date of such Note, any such requirement as to the availability of current public information will be disregarded if the same is satisfied at that time); provided, however, that from and after the Free Trade Date of such Note, such Note will not be “Freely Tradable” unless such Note (x) is not identified by a “restricted” CUSIP or ISIN number; and (y) is not represented by any certificate that bears the Restricted Note Legend. For the avoidance of doubt, whether a Note is deemed to be identified by a “restricted” CUSIP or ISIN number or to bear the Restricted Note Legend is subject to Section 2.12.

Fundamental Change” means any of the following events:

(A) a “person” or “group” (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act), other than the Company or its Wholly Owned Subsidiaries, or their respective employee benefit plans, has become the direct or indirect “beneficial owner” (as defined below) of shares of the Common Stock representing more than fifty percent (50%) of the voting power of all of the Company’s Common Stock;

(B) the consummation of (i) any sale, lease or other transfer, in one transaction or a series of transactions, of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, to any Person, other than solely to one or more of the Company’s Wholly Owned Subsidiaries; or (ii) any transaction or series of related transactions in connection with which (whether by means of merger, consolidation, share exchange, combination, reclassification, recapitalization, acquisition, liquidation or otherwise) all of the Common Stock is exchanged for, converted into, acquired for, or constitutes solely the right to receive, other securities, cash or other property; provided, however, that any merger, consolidation, share exchange or combination of the Company pursuant to which the Persons that directly or indirectly “beneficially owned” (as defined below) all classes of the Company’s common equity immediately before such transaction directly or indirectly “beneficially own,” immediately after such transaction, more than fifty percent (50%) of all classes of common equity of the surviving, continuing or acquiring company or other transferee, as applicable, or the parent thereof, in substantially the same proportions vis-à-vis each other as immediately before such transaction will be deemed not to be a Fundamental Change pursuant to this clause (B);

(C) the Company’s stockholders approve any plan or proposal for the liquidation or dissolution of the Company; or

(D) the Common Stock ceases to be listed on any of The New York Stock Exchange, the Nasdaq Global Market or the Nasdaq Global Select Market (or any of their respective successors) and is not listed on one of The New York Stock Exchange, the Nasdaq Global Market or the Nasdaq Global Select Market (or any of their respective successors) within one (1) Business Day of the first (1st) Business Day on which the applicable delisting occurs;

 

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provided, however, that a transaction or event described in clause (A) or (B) above will not constitute a Fundamental Change if at least ninety percent (90%) of the consideration received or to be received by the holders of Common Stock (excluding cash payments for fractional shares or pursuant to dissenters rights), in connection with such transaction or event, consists of shares of common stock listed (or depositary receipts representing shares of common stock, which depositary receipts are listed) on any of The New York Stock Exchange, the Nasdaq Global Market or the Nasdaq Global Select Market (or any of their respective successors), or that will be so listed when issued or exchanged in connection with such transaction or event, and such transaction or event constitutes a Common Stock Change Event whose Reference Property consists of such consideration.

For the avoidance of doubt, references in this definition to the Company, the Common Stock and the Company’s “common equity” will be subject to (x) Article 6 and (y) Section 5.09(A)(1)(III).

For the purposes of this definition, (x) any transaction or event described in both clause (A) and in clause (B)(i) or (ii) above (without regard to the proviso in clause (B)) will be deemed to occur solely pursuant to clause (B) above (subject to such proviso); and (y) whether a Person is a “beneficial owner,” whether shares are “beneficially owned,” and percentage beneficial ownership, will be determined in accordance with Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act.

Fundamental Change Repurchase Date” means the date fixed for the repurchase of any Notes by the Company pursuant to a Repurchase Upon Fundamental Change.

Fundamental Change Repurchase Notice” means a notice (including a notice substantially in the form of the “Fundamental Change Repurchase Notice” set forth in Exhibit A) containing the information, or otherwise complying with the requirements, set forth in Section 4.02(F)(i) and Section 4.02(F)(ii).

Fundamental Change Repurchase Price” means the cash price payable by the Company to repurchase any Note upon its Repurchase Upon Fundamental Change, calculated pursuant to Section 4.02(D).

Global Note” means a Note that is represented by a certificate substantially in the form set forth in Exhibit A, registered in the name of the Depositary or its nominee, duly executed by the Company and authenticated by the Trustee, and deposited with the Trustee, as custodian for the Depositary.

Global Note Legend” means a legend substantially in the form set forth in Exhibit B-2.

Holder” means a person in whose name a Note is registered on the Registrar’s books.

Indenture” means this Indenture, as amended or supplemented from time to time.

Initial Purchasers” means Citigroup Global Markets Inc., Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, RBC Capital Markets, LLC, BofA Securities, Inc., Capital One Securities, Inc., Citizens Capital Markets, Inc., Fifth Third Securities, Inc., Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, Truist Securities, Inc., U.S. Bancorp Investments, Inc., CIT Capital Securities LLC and Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC.

 

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Interest Payment Date” means, with respect to a Note, each April 15 and October 15 of each year, commencing on April 15, 2023 (or commencing on such other date specified in the certificate representing such Note). For the avoidance of doubt, the Maturity Date is an Interest Payment Date.

Issue Date” means October 14, 2022.

Last Original Issue Date” means (A) with respect to any Notes issued pursuant to the Purchase Agreement and any Notes issued in exchange therefor or in substitution thereof, the Issue Date; and (B) with respect to any Notes issued pursuant to Section 2.03(B), and any Notes issued in exchange therefor or in substitution thereof, either (i) the later of (x) the date such Notes are originally issued and (y) the last date any Notes are originally issued as part of the same offering pursuant to the exercise of an option granted to the initial purchaser(s) of such Notes to purchase additional Notes; or (ii) such other date as is specified in an Officer’s Certificate delivered to the Trustee before the original issuance of such Notes.

Last Reported Sale Price” of the Common Stock for any Trading Day means the closing sale price per share (or, if no closing sale price is reported, the average of the last bid price and the last ask price per share or, if more than one in either case, the average of the average last bid prices and the average last ask prices per share) of Common Stock on such Trading Day as reported in composite transactions for the principal U.S. national or regional securities exchange on which the Common Stock is then listed. If the Common Stock is not listed on a U.S. national or regional securities exchange on such Trading Day, then the Last Reported Sale Price will be the last quoted bid price per share of Common Stock on such Trading Day in the over-the-counter market as reported by OTC Markets Group Inc. or a similar organization. If the Common Stock is not so quoted on such Trading Day, then the Last Reported Sale Price will be the average of the mid-point of the last bid price and the last ask price per share of Common Stock on such Trading Day from a nationally recognized independent investment banking firm selected by the Company, which may include any of the Initial Purchasers. Neither the Trustee nor the Conversion Agent will have any duty to determine the Last Reported Sale Price.

Make-Whole Fundamental Change” means (A) a Fundamental Change (determined after giving effect to the proviso immediately after clause (D) of the definition thereof, but without regard to the proviso to clause (B)(ii) of such definition); or (B) the sending of a Redemption Notice pursuant to Section 4.03(F); provided, however, that, subject to Section 4.03(I), the sending of a Redemption Notice will constitute a Make-Whole Fundamental Change only with respect to the Notes called (or deemed, pursuant to Section 4.03(I), to be called) for Redemption pursuant to such Redemption Notice and not with respect to any other Notes.

 

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Make-Whole Fundamental Change Conversion Period” has the following meaning:

(A) in the case of a Make-Whole Fundamental Change pursuant to clause (A) of the definition thereof, the period from, and including, the Make-Whole Fundamental Change Effective Date of such Make-Whole Fundamental Change to, and including, the thirty fifth (35th) Trading Day after such Make-Whole Fundamental Change Effective Date (or, if such Make-Whole Fundamental Change also constitutes a Fundamental Change (other than an Exempted Fundamental Change), to, but excluding, the related Fundamental Change Repurchase Date); and

(B) in the case of a Make-Whole Fundamental Change pursuant to clause (B) of the definition thereof, the period from, and including, the Redemption Notice Date for the related Redemption to, and including, the second (2nd) Business Day immediately before the related Redemption Date;

provided, however, that if the Conversion Date for the conversion of a Note that has been called (or deemed, pursuant to Section 4.03(I), to be called) for Redemption occurs during the Make-Whole Fundamental Change Conversion Period for both a Make-Whole Fundamental Change occurring pursuant to clause (A) of the definition of “Make-Whole Fundamental Change” and a Make-Whole Fundamental Change resulting from such Redemption pursuant to clause (B) of such definition, then, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in Section 5.07, solely for purposes of such conversion, (x) such Conversion Date will be deemed to occur solely during the Make-Whole Fundamental Change Conversion Period for the Make-Whole Fundamental Change with the earlier Make-Whole Fundamental Change Effective Date; and (y) the Make-Whole Fundamental Change with the later Make-Whole Fundamental Change Effective Date will be deemed not to have occurred.

Make-Whole Fundamental Change Effective Date” means (A) with respect to a Make-Whole Fundamental Change pursuant to clause (A) of the definition thereof, the date on which such Make-Whole Fundamental Change occurs or becomes effective; and (B) with respect to a Make-Whole Fundamental Change pursuant to clause (B) of the definition thereof, the applicable Redemption Notice Date.

Market Disruption Event” means, with respect to any date, the occurrence or existence, during the one-half hour period ending at the scheduled close of trading on such date on the principal U.S. national or regional securities exchange or other market on which the Common Stock is listed for trading or trades, of any material suspension or limitation imposed on trading (by reason of movements in price exceeding limits permitted by the relevant exchange or otherwise) in the Common Stock or in any options contracts or futures contracts relating to the Common Stock.

Maturity Date” means April 15, 2029.

Non-Affiliate Legend” means a legend substantially in the form set forth in Exhibit B-3.

Note Agent” means any Registrar, Paying Agent or Conversion Agent.

Notes” means the 3.625% Convertible Senior Notes due 2029 issued by the Company pursuant to this Indenture.

 

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Observation Period” means, with respect to any Note to be converted, (A) subject to clause (B) below, if the Conversion Date for such Note occurs before October 16, 2028, the forty (40) consecutive VWAP Trading Days beginning on, and including, the third (3rd) VWAP Trading Day immediately after such Conversion Date; (B) if such Conversion Date occurs on or after the date the Company has sent a Redemption Notice calling all or any Notes for Redemption pursuant to Section 4.03(F) and on or before the second (2nd) Business Day before the related Redemption Date, the forty (40) consecutive VWAP Trading Days beginning on, and including, the forty first (41st) Scheduled Trading Day immediately before such Redemption Date; and (C) subject to clause (B) above, if such Conversion Date occurs on or after October 16, 2028, the forty (40) consecutive VWAP Trading Days beginning on, and including, the forty first (41st) Scheduled Trading Day immediately before the Maturity Date.

Officer” means the Chairman of the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer, the President, the Chief Operating Officer, the Chief Financial Officer, the Treasurer, any Assistant Treasurer, the Controller, the General Counsel, the Secretary or any Vice-President of the Company.

Officer’s Certificate” means a certificate that is signed on behalf of the Company by one (1) of its Officers and that meets the requirements of Section 11.03.

Open of Business” means 9:00 a.m., New York City time.

Opinion of Counsel” means an opinion, from legal counsel (including an employee of, or counsel to, the Company or any of its Subsidiaries) reasonably acceptable to the Trustee, that meets the requirements of Section 11.03, subject to customary qualifications and exclusions.

Person” or “person” means any individual, corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, association, joint-stock company, trust, unincorporated organization or government or other agency or political subdivision thereof. Any division or series of a limited liability company, limited partnership or trust will constitute a separate “person” under this Indenture.

Physical Note” means a Note (other than a Global Note) that is represented by a certificate substantially in the form set forth in Exhibit A, registered in the name of the Holder of such Note and duly executed by the Company and authenticated by the Trustee.

Purchase Agreement” means that certain Purchase Agreement, dated October 11, 2022, between the Company and the representative of the Initial Purchasers.

Redemption” means the repurchase of any Note by the Company pursuant to Section 4.03.

Redemption Date” means the date fixed, pursuant to Section 4.03(D), for the settlement of the repurchase of any Notes by the Company pursuant to a Redemption.

 

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Redemption Notice Date” means, with respect to a Redemption, the date on which the Company sends the Redemption Notice for such Redemption pursuant to Section 4.03(F).

Redemption Price” means the cash price payable by the Company to redeem any Note upon its Redemption, calculated pursuant to Section 4.03(E).

Regular Record Date” has the following meaning with respect to an Interest Payment Date: (A) if such Interest Payment Date occurs on April 15, the immediately preceding April 1; and (B) if such Interest Payment Date occurs on October 15, the immediately preceding October 1.

Repurchase Upon Fundamental Change” means the repurchase of any Note by the Company pursuant to Section 4.02.

Responsible Officer” means (A) any officer within the corporate trust department of the Trustee (or any successor group of the Trustee) or any other officer of the Trustee customarily performing functions similar to those performed by any of such officers with direct responsibility for the administration of this Indenture; and (B) with respect to a particular corporate trust matter relating to this Indenture, any other officer to whom such matter is referred because of his or her knowledge of, and familiarity with, the particular subject.

Restricted Note Legend” means a legend substantially in the form set forth in Exhibit B-1.

Restricted Stock Legend” means, with respect to any Conversion Share, a legend substantially to the effect that the offer and sale of such Conversion Share have not been registered under the Securities Act and that such Conversion Share cannot be sold or otherwise transferred except pursuant to a transaction that is registered under the Securities Act or that is exempt from, or not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act.

Rule 144” means Rule 144 under the Securities Act (or any successor rule thereto), as the same may be amended from time to time.

Rule 144A” means Rule 144A under the Securities Act (or any successor rule thereto), as the same may be amended from time to time.

Scheduled Trading Day” means any day that is scheduled to be a Trading Day on the principal U.S. national or regional securities exchange on which the Common Stock is then listed or, if the Common Stock is not then listed on a U.S. national or regional securities exchange, on the principal other market on which the Common Stock is then traded. If the Common Stock is not so listed or traded, then “Scheduled Trading Day” means a Business Day.

SEC” means the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Securities Act” means the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

 

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Security” means any Note or Conversion Share.

Settlement Method” means Cash Settlement or Combination Settlement.

Significant Subsidiary” means, with respect to any Person, any Subsidiary of such Person that constitutes a “significant subsidiary” (as defined in Rule 1-02(w) of Regulation S-X under the Exchange Act) of such Person; provided, however, that, if a Subsidiary meets the criteria of clause (1)(iii), but not clause (1)(i) or (1)(ii), of the definition of “significant subsidiary” in Rule 1-02(w) (or, if applicable, the respective successor clauses to the aforementioned clauses), then such Subsidiary will be deemed not to be a Significant Subsidiary of that Person unless such Subsidiary’s income from continuing operations before income taxes, exclusive of amounts attributable to any non-controlling interests, for the last completed fiscal year before the date of determination exceeds fifty million dollars ($50,000,000).

Special Interest” means any interest that accrues on any Note pursuant to Section 7.03.

Specified Dollar Amount” means, with respect to the conversion of a Note to which Combination Settlement applies, the maximum cash amount per $1,000 principal amount of such Note deliverable upon such conversion (excluding cash in lieu of any fractional share of Common Stock); provided, however, that in no event will the Specified Dollar Amount be less than $1,000 per $1,000 principal amount of such Note.

Stock Price” has the following meaning for any Make-Whole Fundamental Change: (A) if the holders of Common Stock receive only cash in consideration for their shares of Common Stock in such Make-Whole Fundamental Change and such Make-Whole Fundamental Change is pursuant to clause (B) of the definition of “Fundamental Change,” then the Stock Price is the amount of cash paid per share of Common Stock in such Make-Whole Fundamental Change; and (B) in all other cases, the Stock Price is the average of the Last Reported Sale Prices per share of Common Stock for the five (5) consecutive Trading Days ending on, and including, the Trading Day immediately before the Make-Whole Fundamental Change Effective Date of such Make-Whole Fundamental Change.

Subsidiary” means, with respect to any Person, (A) any corporation, association or other business entity (other than a partnership or limited liability company) of which more than fifty percent (50%) of the total voting power of the Capital Stock entitled (without regard to the occurrence of any contingency, but after giving effect to any voting agreement or stockholders’ agreement that effectively transfers voting power) to vote in the election of directors, managers or trustees, as applicable, of such corporation, association or other business entity is owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by such Person or one or more of the other Subsidiaries of such Person; and (B) any partnership or limited liability company where (i) more than fifty percent (50%) of the capital accounts, distribution rights, equity and voting interests, or of the general and limited partnership interests, as applicable, of such partnership or limited liability company are owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by such Person or one or more of the other Subsidiaries of such Person, whether in the form of membership, general, special or limited partnership or limited liability company interests or otherwise; and (ii) such Person or any one or more of the other Subsidiaries of such Person is a controlling general partner of, or otherwise controls, such partnership or limited liability company.

 

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Trading Day” means any day on which (A) trading in the Common Stock generally occurs on the principal U.S. national or regional securities exchange on which the Common Stock is then listed or, if the Common Stock is not then listed on a U.S. national or regional securities exchange, on the principal other market on which the Common Stock is then traded; and (B) there is no Market Disruption Event. If the Common Stock is not so listed or traded, then “Trading Day” means a Business Day.

Trading Price” of the Notes on any Trading Day means the average of the secondary market bid quotations, expressed as a cash amount per $1,000 principal amount of Notes, obtained by the Bid Solicitation Agent for five million dollars ($5,000,000) (or such lesser amount as may then be outstanding) in principal amount of Notes at approximately 3:30 p.m., New York City time, on such Trading Day from three (3) nationally recognized independent securities dealers selected by the Company, which may include any of the Initial Purchasers; provided, however, that, if three (3) such bids cannot reasonably be obtained by the Bid Solicitation Agent but two (2) such bids are obtained, then the average of the two (2) bids will be used, and if only one (1) such bid can reasonably be obtained by the Bid Solicitation Agent, then that one (1) bid will be used. If, on any Trading Day, (A) the Bid Solicitation Agent cannot reasonably obtain at least one (1) bid for five million dollars ($5,000,000) (or such lesser amount as may then be outstanding) in principal amount of Notes from a nationally recognized independent securities dealer; (B) the Company is not acting as the Bid Solicitation Agent and the Company fails to instruct the Bid Solicitation Agent to obtain bids when required; or (C) the Bid Solicitation Agent fails to solicit bids when required, then, in each case, the Trading Price per $1,000 principal amount of Notes on such Trading Day will be deemed to be less than ninety eight percent (98%) of the product of the Last Reported Sale Price per share of Common Stock on such Trading Day and the Conversion Rate on such Trading Day.

Transfer-Restricted Security” means any Security that constitutes a “restricted security” (as defined in Rule 144); provided, however, that such Security will cease to be a Transfer-Restricted Security upon the earliest to occur of the following events:

(A) such Security is sold or otherwise transferred to a Person (other than the Company or an Affiliate of the Company) pursuant to a registration statement that was effective under the Securities Act at the time of such sale or transfer;

(B) such Security is sold or otherwise transferred to a Person (other than the Company or an Affiliate of the Company) pursuant to an available exemption (including Rule 144) from the registration and prospectus-delivery requirements of, or in a transaction not subject to, the Securities Act and, immediately after such sale or transfer, such Security ceases to constitute a “restricted security” (as defined in Rule 144); and

(C) such Security is eligible for resale, by a Person that is not an Affiliate of the Company and that has not been an Affiliate of the Company during the immediately preceding three (3) months, pursuant to Rule 144 without any limitations thereunder as to volume, manner of sale, availability of current public information or notice.

 

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The Trustee is under no obligation to determine whether any Security is a Transfer-Restricted Security and may conclusively rely on an Officer’s Certificate with respect thereto.

Trust Indenture Act” means the U.S. Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended.

Trustee” means the Person named as such in the first paragraph of this Indenture until a successor replaces it in accordance with the provisions of this Indenture and, thereafter, means such successor.

VWAP Market Disruption Event” means, with respect to any date, (A) the failure by the principal U.S. national or regional securities exchange on which the Common Stock is then listed, or, if the Common Stock is not then listed on a U.S. national or regional securities exchange, the principal other market on which the Common Stock is then traded, to open for trading during its regular trading session on such date; or (B) the occurrence or existence, for more than one half hour period in the aggregate, of any suspension or limitation imposed on trading (by reason of movements in price exceeding limits permitted by the relevant exchange or otherwise) in the Common Stock or in any options contracts or futures contracts relating to the Common Stock, and such suspension or limitation occurs or exists at any time before 1:00 p.m., New York City time, on such date.

VWAP Trading Day” means a day on which (A) there is no VWAP Market Disruption Event; and (B) trading in the Common Stock generally occurs on the principal U.S. national or regional securities exchange on which the Common Stock is then listed or, if the Common Stock is not then listed on a U.S. national or regional securities exchange, on the principal other market on which the Common Stock is then traded. If the Common Stock is not so listed or traded, then “VWAP Trading Day” means a Business Day.

Wholly Owned Subsidiary” of a Person means any Subsidiary of such Person all of the outstanding Capital Stock or other ownership interests of which (other than directors’ qualifying shares) are owned by such Person or one or more Wholly Owned Subsidiaries of such Person.

Section 1.02. OTHER DEFINITIONS.

 

Term

  

Defined in
Section

Additional Shares    5.07(A)
Business Combination Event    6.01(A)
Cash Settlement    5.03(A)
Combination Settlement    5.03(A)
Common Stock Change Event    5.09(A)
Conversion Agent    2.06(A)
Conversion Consideration    5.03(B)
Dividend Threshold    5.05(A)(iv)
Default Interest    2.05(B)
Defaulted Amount    2.05(B)

 

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Event of Default    7.01(A)
Expiration Date    5.05(A)(v)
Expiration Time    5.05(A)(v)
Fundamental Change Notice    4.02(E)
Fundamental Change Repurchase Right    4.02(A)
Initial Notes    2.03(A)
Measurement Period    5.01(C)(i)(2)
Paying Agent    2.06(A)
Redemption Notice    4.03(F)
Reference Property    5.09(A)
Reference Property Unit    5.09(A)
Register    2.06(B)
Registrar    2.06(A)
Reporting Event of Default    7.03(A)
Specified Courts    11.07
Spin-Off    5.05(A)(iii)(2)
Spin-Off Valuation Period    5.05(A)(iii)(2)
Stated Interest    2.05(A)
Successor Entity    6.01(A)
Successor Person    5.09(A)
Tender/Exchange Offer Valuation Period    5.05(A)(v)
Trading Price Condition    5.01(C)(i)(2)

Section 1.03. RULES OF CONSTRUCTION.

For purposes of this Indenture:

(A) “or” is not exclusive;

(B) “including” means “including without limitation”;

(C) “will” expresses a command;

(D) the “average” of a set of numerical values refers to the arithmetic average of such numerical values;

(E) words in the singular include the plural and in the plural include the singular, unless the context requires otherwise;

(F) “herein,” “hereof” and other words of similar import refer to this Indenture as a whole and not to any particular Article, Section or other subdivision of this Indenture, unless the context requires otherwise;

(G) references to currency mean the lawful currency of the United States of America, unless the context requires otherwise;

(H) the exhibits, schedules and other attachments to this Indenture are deemed to form part of this Indenture; and

 

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(I) the term “interest,” when used with respect to a Note, includes any Default Interest, Additional Interest and Special Interest, unless the context requires otherwise.

Article 2. THE NOTES

Section 2.01. FORM, DATING AND DENOMINATIONS.

The Notes and the Trustee’s certificate of authentication will be substantially in the form set forth in Exhibit A. The Notes will bear the legends required by Section 2.09 and may bear notations, legends or endorsements required by law, stock exchange rule or usage or the Depositary. Each Note will be dated as of the date of its authentication.

Except to the extent otherwise provided in a Company Order delivered to the Trustee in connection with the issuance and authentication thereof, the Notes will be issued initially in the form of one or more Global Notes. Global Notes may be exchanged for Physical Notes, and Physical Notes may be exchanged for Global Notes, only as provided in Section 2.10.

The Notes will be issuable only in registered form without interest coupons and only in Authorized Denominations.

Each certificate representing a Note will bear a unique registration number that is not affixed to any other certificate representing another outstanding Note.

The terms contained in the Notes constitute part of this Indenture, and, to the extent applicable, the Company and the Trustee, by their execution and delivery of this Indenture, agree to such terms and to be bound thereby; provided, however, that, to the extent that any provision of any Note conflicts with the provisions of this Indenture, the provisions of this Indenture will control for purposes of this Indenture and such Note.

Section 2.02. EXECUTION, AUTHENTICATION AND DELIVERY.

(A) Due Execution by the Company. At least one (1) duly authorized Officer will sign the Notes on behalf of the Company by manual, facsimile or other electronic signature. A Note’s validity will not be affected by the failure of any Officer whose signature is on any Note to hold, at the time such Note is authenticated, the same or any other office at the Company.

(B) Authentication by the Trustee and Delivery.

(i) No Note will be valid until it is authenticated by the Trustee. A Note will be deemed to be duly authenticated only when an authorized signatory of the Trustee (or a duly appointed authenticating agent) manually signs the certificate of authentication of such Note.

 

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(ii) The Trustee will cause an authorized signatory of the Trustee (or a duly appointed authenticating agent) to manually sign the certificate of authentication of a Note only if (1) the Company delivers such Note to the Trustee; (2) such Note is executed by the Company in accordance with Section 2.02(A); and (3) the Company delivers a Company Order to the Trustee that (a) requests the Trustee to authenticate such Note; and (b) sets forth the name of the Holder of such Note and the date as of which such Note is to be authenticated. If such Company Order also requests the Trustee to deliver such Note to any Holder or to the Depositary, then the Trustee will promptly deliver such Note in accordance with such Company Order.

(iii) The Trustee may appoint an authenticating agent acceptable to the Company to authenticate Notes. A duly appointed authenticating agent may authenticate Notes whenever the Trustee may do so under this Indenture, and a Note authenticated as provided in this Indenture by such an agent will be deemed, for purposes of this Indenture, to be authenticated by the Trustee. Each duly appointed authenticating agent will have the same rights to deal with the Company as the Trustee would have if it were performing the duties that the authenticating agent was validly appointed to undertake.

Section 2.03. INITIAL NOTES AND ADDITIONAL NOTES.

(A) Initial Notes. On the Issue Date, there will be originally issued five hundred million dollars ($500,000,000) aggregate principal amount of Notes, subject to the provisions of this Indenture (including Section 2.02). Notes issued pursuant to this Section 2.03(A), and any Notes issued in exchange therefor or in substitution thereof, are referred to in this Indenture as the “Initial Notes.”

(B) Additional Notes. Without the consent of any Holder, the Company may, subject to the provisions of this Indenture (including Section 2.02), originally issue additional Notes with the same terms as the Initial Notes (except, to the extent applicable, with respect to the date as of which interest begins to accrue on such additional Notes and the first Interest Payment Date and the Last Original Issue Date of such additional Notes), which additional Notes will, subject to the foregoing, be considered to be part of the same series of, and rank equally and ratably with all other, Notes issued under this Indenture; provided, however, that if any such additional Notes (and any Notes that are resold after such Notes have been purchased or otherwise acquired by the Company or its Subsidiaries) are not fungible with other Notes issued under this Indenture for purposes of federal income tax or federal securities laws or, if applicable, the Depositary Procedures, then such additional or resold Notes will be identified by a separate CUSIP number or by no CUSIP number.

Section 2.04. METHOD OF PAYMENT.

(A) Global Notes. The Company will pay, or cause the Paying Agent to pay, the principal (whether due upon maturity on the Maturity Date, Redemption on a Redemption Date or repurchase on a Fundamental Change Repurchase Date or otherwise) of, interest on, and any cash Conversion Consideration for, any Global Note to the Depositary by wire transfer of immediately available funds no later than the time the same is due as provided in this Indenture.

 

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(B) Physical Notes. The Company will pay, or cause the Paying Agent to pay, the principal (whether due upon maturity on the Maturity Date, Redemption on a Redemption Date or repurchase on a Fundamental Change Repurchase Date or otherwise) of, interest on, and any cash Conversion Consideration for, any Physical Note no later than the time the same is due as provided in this Indenture as follows: (i) if the principal amount of such Physical Note is at least five million dollars ($5,000,000) (or such lower amount as the Company may choose in its sole and absolute discretion) and the Holder of such Physical Note entitled to such payment has delivered to the Paying Agent or the Trustee, no later than the time set forth in the immediately following sentence, a written request that the Company make such payment by wire transfer to an account of such Holder within the United States, by wire transfer of immediately available funds to such account; and (ii) in all other cases, by check mailed to the address of the Holder of such Physical Note entitled to such payment as set forth in the Register. To be timely, such written request must be so delivered no later than the Close of Business on the following date: (x) with respect to the payment of any interest due on an Interest Payment Date, the immediately preceding Regular Record Date; (y) with respect to any cash Conversion Consideration, the relevant Conversion Date; and (z) with respect to any other payment, the date that is fifteen (15) calendar days immediately before the date such payment is due.

Section 2.05. ACCRUAL OF INTEREST; DEFAULTED AMOUNTS; WHEN PAYMENT DATE IS NOT A BUSINESS DAY.

(A) Accrual of Interest. Each Note will accrue interest at a rate per annum equal to 3.625% (the “Stated Interest”), plus any Additional Interest and Special Interest that may accrue pursuant to Sections 3.04 and 7.03, respectively. Stated Interest on each Note will (i) accrue from, and including, the most recent date to which Stated Interest has been paid or duly provided for (or, if no Stated Interest has theretofore been paid or duly provided for, the date set forth in the certificate representing such Note as the date from, and including, which Stated Interest will begin to accrue in such circumstance) to, but excluding, the date of payment of such Stated Interest; and (ii) be, subject to Sections 4.02(D), 4.03(E) and 5.02(D) (but without duplication of any payment of interest), payable semi-annually in arrears on each Interest Payment Date, beginning on the first Interest Payment Date set forth in the certificate representing such Note, to the Holder of such Note as of the Close of Business on the immediately preceding Regular Record Date. Stated Interest, and, if applicable, Additional Interest and Special Interest, on the Notes will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year comprised of twelve 30-day months.

(B) Defaulted Amounts. If the Company fails to pay any amount (a “Defaulted Amount”) payable on a Note on or before the due date therefor as provided in this Indenture, then, regardless of whether such failure constitutes an Event of Default, (i) such Defaulted Amount will forthwith cease to be payable to the Holder of such Note otherwise entitled to such payment; (ii) to the extent lawful, interest (“Default Interest”) will accrue on such Defaulted Amount at a rate per annum equal to the rate per annum at which Stated Interest accrues, from, and including, such due date to, but excluding, the date of payment of such Defaulted Amount and Default Interest; (iii) such Defaulted Amount and Default Interest will be paid on a payment date selected by the Company to the Holder of such Note as of the Close of Business on a special record date selected by the Company, provided that such special record date must be no more than fifteen (15), nor less than ten (10), calendar days before such payment date; and (iv) at least fifteen (15) calendar days before such special record date, the Company will send notice to the Trustee and the Holders that states such special record date, such payment date and the amount of such Defaulted Amount and Default Interest to be paid on such payment date.

 

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(C) Delay of Payment when Payment Date is Not a Business Day. If the due date for a payment on a Note as provided in this Indenture is not a Business Day, then, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Indenture or the Notes, such payment may be made on the immediately following Business Day and no interest will accrue on such payment as a result of the related delay. Solely for purposes of the immediately preceding sentence, a day on which the applicable place of payment is authorized or required by law or executive order to close or be closed will be deemed not to be a “Business Day.”

Section 2.06. REGISTRAR, PAYING AGENT AND CONVERSION AGENT.

(A) Generally. The Company will maintain (i) an office or agency in the continental United States where Notes may be presented for registration of transfer or for exchange (the “Registrar”); (ii) an office or agency in the continental United States where Notes may be presented for payment (the “Paying Agent”); and (iii) an office or agency in the continental United States where Notes may be presented for conversion (the “Conversion Agent”). If the Company fails to maintain a Registrar, Paying Agent or Conversion Agent, then the Trustee will act as such. For the avoidance of doubt, the Company or any of its Subsidiaries may act as Registrar, Paying Agent or Conversion Agent without prior notice to Holders. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 2.06(A), each of the Registrar, Paying Agent and Conversion Agent with respect to any Global Note must at all times be a Person that is eligible to act in that capacity under the Depositary Procedures.

(B) Duties of the Registrar. The Registrar will keep a record (the “Register”) of the names and addresses of the Holders, the Notes held by each Holder and the transfer, exchange, repurchase, Redemption and conversion of Notes. Absent manifest error, the entries in the Register will be conclusive and the Company and the Trustee may treat each Person whose name is recorded as a Holder in the Register as a Holder for all purposes. The Register will be in written form or in any form capable of being converted into written form reasonably promptly.

(C) Co-Agents; Company’s Right to Appoint Successor Registrars, Paying Agents and Conversion Agents. The Company may appoint one or more co-Registrars, co-Paying Agents and co-Conversion Agents, each of whom will be deemed to be a Registrar, Paying Agent or Conversion Agent, as applicable, under this Indenture. Subject to Section 2.06(A), the Company may change any Registrar, Paying Agent or Conversion Agent (including appointing itself or any of its Subsidiaries to act in such capacity) without notice to any Holder. The Company will notify the Trustee (and, upon request, any Holder) of the name and address of each Note Agent, if any, not a party to this Indenture and will enter into an appropriate agency agreement with each such Note Agent, which agreement will implement the provisions of this Indenture that relate to such Note Agent.

(D) Initial Appointments. The Company appoints the Trustee as the initial Paying Agent, the initial Registrar and the initial Conversion Agent.

 

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Section 2.07. PAYING AGENT AND CONVERSION AGENT TO HOLD PROPERTY IN TRUST.

The Company will require each Paying Agent or Conversion Agent that is not the Trustee to agree in writing that such Note Agent will (A) hold in trust for the benefit of Holders or the Trustee all money and other property held by such Note Agent for payment or delivery due on the Notes; and (B) notify the Trustee of any default by the Company in making any such payment or delivery. The Company, at any time, may, and the Trustee, while any Default continues, may, require a Paying Agent or Conversion Agent to pay or deliver, as applicable, all money and other property held by it to the Trustee, after which payment or delivery, as applicable, such Note Agent (if not the Company or any of its Subsidiaries) will have no further liability for such money or property. If the Company or any of its Subsidiaries acts as Paying Agent or Conversion Agent, then (A) it will segregate and hold in a separate trust fund for the benefit of the Holders or the Trustee all money and other property held by it as Paying Agent or Conversion Agent; and (B) references in this Indenture or the Notes to the Paying Agent or Conversion Agent holding cash or other property, or to the delivery of cash or other property to the Paying Agent or Conversion Agent, in each case for payment or delivery to any Holders or the Trustee or with respect to the Notes, will be deemed to refer to cash or other property so segregated and held separately, or to the segregation and separate holding of such cash or other property, respectively. Upon the occurrence of any event pursuant to clause (ix) or (x) of Section 7.01(A) with respect to the Company (or with respect to any Subsidiary of the Company acting as Paying Agent or Conversion Agent), the Trustee will serve as the Paying Agent or Conversion Agent, as applicable, for the Notes.

Section 2.08. HOLDER LISTS.

If the Trustee is not the Registrar, then the Company will furnish to the Trustee, no later than seven (7) Business Days before each Interest Payment Date, and at such other times as the Trustee may request, a list, in such form and as of such date or time as the Trustee may reasonably require, of the names and addresses of the Holders.

Section 2.09. LEGENDS.

(A) Global Note Legend. Each Global Note will bear the Global Note Legend (or any similar legend, not inconsistent with this Indenture, required by the Depositary for such Global Note).

(B) Non-Affiliate Legend. Each Note will bear the Non-Affiliate Legend.

(C) Restricted Note Legend. Subject to Section 2.12,

(i) each Note that is a Transfer-Restricted Security will bear the Restricted Note Legend; and

(ii) if a Note is issued in exchange for, in substitution of, or to effect a partial conversion of, another Note (such other Note being referred to as the “old Note” for purposes of this Section 2.09(C)(ii)), including pursuant to Section 2.10(B), 2.10(C), 2.11 or 2.13, then such Note will bear the Restricted Note Legend if such old Note bore the Restricted Note Legend at the time of such exchange or substitution, or on the related Conversion Date with respect to such conversion, as applicable; provided, however, that such Note need not bear the Restricted Note Legend if such Note does not constitute a Transfer-Restricted Security immediately after such exchange or substitution, or as of such Conversion Date, as applicable.

 

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(D) Other Legends. A Note may bear any other legend or text, not inconsistent with this Indenture, as may be required by applicable law or by any securities exchange or automated quotation system on which such Note is traded or quoted.

(E) Acknowledgment and Agreement by the Holders. A Holder’s acceptance of any Note bearing any legend required by this Section 2.09 will constitute such Holder’s acknowledgment of, and agreement to comply with, the restrictions set forth in such legend.

(F) Restricted Stock Legend.

(i) Each Conversion Share will bear the Restricted Stock Legend if the Note upon the conversion of which such Conversion Share was issued was (or would have been had it not been converted) a Transfer-Restricted Security at the time such Conversion Share was issued; provided, however, that such Conversion Share need not bear the Restricted Stock Legend if the Company determines, in its reasonable discretion, that such Conversion Share need not bear the Restricted Stock Legend.

(ii) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 2.09(F), a Conversion Share need not bear a Restricted Stock Legend if such Conversion Share is issued in an uncertificated form that does not permit affixing legends thereto, provided the Company takes measures (including the assignment thereto of a “restricted” CUSIP number) that it reasonably deems appropriate to enforce the transfer restrictions referred to in the Restricted Stock Legend.

Section 2.10. TRANSFERS AND EXCHANGES; CERTAIN TRANSFER RESTRICTIONS.

(A) Provisions Applicable to All Transfers and Exchanges.

(i) Generally. Subject to this Section 2.10, Physical Notes and beneficial interests in Global Notes may be transferred or exchanged from time to time and the Registrar will record each such transfer or exchange in the Register.

(ii) Transferred and Exchanged Notes Remain Valid Obligations of the Company. Each Note issued upon transfer or exchange of any other Note (such other Note being referred to as the “old Note” for purposes of this Section 2.10(A)(ii)) or portion thereof in accordance with this Indenture will be the valid obligation of the Company, evidencing the same indebtedness, and entitled to the same benefits under this Indenture, as such old Note or portion thereof, as applicable.

(iii) No Services Charge; Transfer Taxes. The Company, the Trustee and the Note Agents will not impose any service charge on any Holder for any transfer, exchange or conversion of Notes, but the Company, the Trustee, the Registrar and the Conversion Agent may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any transfer tax or similar governmental charge that may be imposed in connection with any transfer, exchange or conversion of Notes, other than exchanges pursuant to Section 2.11, 2.17 or 8.05 not involving any transfer.

 

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(iv) Transfers and Exchanges Must Be in Authorized Denominations. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Indenture or the Notes, a Note may not be transferred or exchanged in part unless the portion to be so transferred or exchanged is in an Authorized Denomination.

(v) Trustee’s Disclaimer. The Trustee will have no obligation or duty to monitor, determine or inquire as to compliance with any transfer restrictions imposed under this Indenture or applicable law with respect to any Security, other than to require the delivery of such certificates or other documentation or evidence as expressly required by this Indenture and to examine the same to determine substantial compliance as to form with the requirements of this Indenture.

(vi) Legends. Each Note issued upon transfer of, or in exchange for, another Note will bear each legend, if any, required by Section 2.09.

(vii) Settlement of Transfers and Exchanges. Upon satisfaction of the requirements of this Indenture to effect a transfer or exchange of any Note, the Company will cause such transfer or exchange to be effected as soon as reasonably practicable but in no event later than the second (2nd) Business Day after the date of such satisfaction.

(viii) Interpretation. For the avoidance of doubt, and subject to the terms of this Indenture, as used in this Section 2.10, an “exchange” of a Global Note or a Physical Note includes (x) an exchange effected for the sole purpose of removing any Restricted Note Legend affixed to such Global Note or Physical Note; and (y) if such Global Note or Physical Note is identified by a “restricted” CUSIP number, an exchange effected for the sole purpose of causing such Global Note or Physical Note to be identified by an “unrestricted” CUSIP number.

(B) Transfers and Exchanges of Global Notes.

(i) Certain Restrictions. Subject to the immediately following sentence, no Global Note may be transferred or exchanged in whole except (x) by the Depositary to a nominee of the Depositary; (y) by a nominee of the Depositary to the Depositary or to another nominee of the Depositary; or (z) by the Depositary or any such nominee to a successor Depositary or a nominee of such successor Depositary. No Global Note (or any portion thereof) may be transferred to, or exchanged for, a Physical Note; provided, however, that a Global Note will be exchanged, pursuant to customary procedures, for one or more Physical Notes if:

(1) (x) the Depositary notifies the Company or the Trustee that the Depositary is unwilling or unable to continue as depositary for such Global Note or (y) the Depositary ceases to be a “clearing agency” registered under Section 17A of the Exchange Act and, in each case, the Company fails to appoint a successor Depositary within ninety (90) days of such notice or cessation;

(2) an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing and the Company, the Trustee or the Registrar has received a written request from the Depositary, or from a holder of a beneficial interest in such Global Note, to exchange such Global Note or beneficial interest, as applicable, for one or more Physical Notes; or

 

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(3) the Company, in its sole discretion, permits the exchange of any beneficial interest in such Global Note for one or more Physical Notes at the request of the owner of such beneficial interest.

(ii) Effecting Transfers and Exchanges. Upon satisfaction of the requirements of this Indenture to effect a transfer or exchange of any Global Note (or any portion thereof):

(1) the Trustee will reflect any resulting decrease of the principal amount of such Global Note by notation on the “Schedule of Exchanges of Interests in the Global Note” forming part of such Global Note (and, if such notation results in such Global Note having a principal amount of zero, then the Company may (but is not required to) instruct the Trustee to cancel such Global Note pursuant to Section 2.15);

(2) if required to effect such transfer or exchange, then the Trustee will reflect any resulting increase of the principal amount of any other Global Note by notation on the “Schedule of Exchanges of Interests in the Global Note” forming part of such other Global Note;

(3) if required to effect such transfer or exchange, then the Company will issue, execute and deliver, and the Trustee will authenticate, in each case in accordance with Section 2.02, a new Global Note bearing each legend, if any, required by Section 2.09; and

(4) if such Global Note (or such portion thereof), or any beneficial interest therein, is to be exchanged for one or more Physical Notes, then the Company will issue, execute and deliver, and the Trustee will authenticate, in each case in accordance with Section 2.02, one or more Physical Notes that (x) are in Authorized Denominations and have an aggregate principal amount equal to the principal amount of such Global Note to be so exchanged; (y) are registered in such name(s) as the Depositary specifies (or as otherwise determined pursuant to customary procedures); and (z) bear each legend, if any, required by Section 2.09.

(iii) Compliance with Depositary Procedures.

(1) Each transfer or exchange of a beneficial interest in any Global Note will be made in accordance with the Depositary Procedures.

(2) Neither the Trustee nor any Note Agent will have any responsibility for any action taken or not taken by the Depositary.

 

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(3) The Trustee will have no responsibility or obligation to any beneficial owner of a Global Note or a Depositary Participant or other Person with respect to the accuracy of the records of the Depositary or its nominee or of any participant or member thereof with respect to any ownership interest in the Notes or with respect to the delivery to any participant, member, beneficial owner or other Person (other than the Depositary) of any notice (including any Redemption Notice) or the payment of any amount, under or with respect to such Notes. The rights of beneficial owners in any Global Note will be exercised only through the Depositary subject to the Depositary Procedures. The Trustee may rely and will be fully protected in relying upon information furnished by the Depositary with respect to its members, participants and any beneficial owners.

(C) Transfers and Exchanges of Physical Notes.

(i) Requirements for Transfers and Exchanges. Subject to this Section 2.10, a Holder of a Physical Note may (x) transfer such Physical Note (or any portion thereof in an Authorized Denomination) to one or more other Person(s); (y) exchange such Physical Note (or any portion thereof in an Authorized Denomination) for one or more other Physical Notes in Authorized Denominations having an aggregate principal amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of the Physical Note (or portion thereof) to be so exchanged; and (z) if then permitted by the Depositary Procedures, transfer such Physical Note (or any portion thereof in an Authorized Denomination) in exchange for a beneficial interest in one or more Global Notes; provided, however, that, to effect any such transfer or exchange, such Holder must:

(1) surrender such Physical Note to be transferred or exchanged to the office of the Registrar, together with any endorsements or transfer instruments reasonably required by the Company, the Trustee or the Registrar; and

(2) deliver such certificates, documentation or evidence as may be required pursuant to Section 2.10(D).

(ii) Effecting Transfers and Exchanges. Upon the satisfaction of the requirements of this Indenture to effect a transfer or exchange of any Physical Note (such Physical Note being referred to as the “old Physical Note” for purposes of this Section 2.10(C)(ii)) of a Holder (or any portion of such old Physical Note in an Authorized Denomination):

(1) such old Physical Note will be promptly cancelled pursuant to Section 2.15;

(2) if such old Physical Note is to be so transferred or exchanged only in part, then the Company will issue, execute and deliver, and the Trustee will authenticate, in each case in accordance with Section 2.02, one or more Physical Notes that (x) are in Authorized Denominations and have an aggregate principal amount equal to the principal amount of such old Physical Note not to be so transferred or exchanged; (y) are registered in the name of such Holder; and (z) bear each legend, if any, required by Section 2.09;

 

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(3) in the case of a transfer:

(a) to the Depositary or a nominee thereof that will hold its interest in such old Physical Note (or such portion thereof) to be so transferred in the form of one or more Global Notes, the Trustee will reflect an increase of the principal amount of one or more existing Global Notes by notation on the “Schedule of Exchanges of Interests in the Global Note” forming part of such Global Note(s), which increase(s) are in Authorized Denominations and aggregate to the principal amount to be so transferred, and which Global Note(s) bear each legend, if any, required by Section 2.09; provided, however, that if such transfer cannot be so effected by notation on one or more existing Global Notes (whether because no Global Notes bearing each legend, if any, required by Section 2.09 then exist, because any such increase will result in any Global Note having an aggregate principal amount exceeding the maximum aggregate principal amount permitted by the Depositary or otherwise), then the Company will issue, execute and deliver, and the Trustee will authenticate, in each case in accordance with Section 2.02, one or more Global Notes that (x) are in Authorized Denominations and have an aggregate principal amount equal to the principal amount that is to be so transferred but that is not effected by notation as provided above; and (y) bear each legend, if any, required by Section 2.09; and

(b) to a transferee that will hold its interest in such old Physical Note (or such portion thereof) to be so transferred in the form of one or more Physical Notes, the Company will issue, execute and deliver, and the Trustee will authenticate, in each case in accordance with Section 2.02, one or more Physical Notes that (x) are in Authorized Denominations and have an aggregate principal amount equal to the principal amount to be so transferred; (y) are registered in the name of such transferee; and (z) bear each legend, if any, required by Section 2.09; and

(4) in the case of an exchange, the Company will issue, execute and deliver, and the Trustee will authenticate, in each case in accordance with Section 2.02, one or more Physical Notes that (x) are in Authorized Denominations and have an aggregate principal amount equal to the principal amount to be so exchanged; (y) are registered in the name of the Person to whom such old Physical Note was registered; and (z) bear each legend, if any, required by Section 2.09.

(D) Requirement to Deliver Documentation and Other Evidence. If a Holder of any Note that is identified by a “restricted” CUSIP number or that bears a Restricted Note Legend or is a Transfer-Restricted Security requests to:

(i) cause such Note to be identified by an “unrestricted” CUSIP number;

(ii) remove such Restricted Note Legend; or

 

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(iii) register the transfer of such Note to the name of another Person,

then the Company, the Trustee and the Registrar may refuse to effect such identification, removal or transfer, as applicable, unless there is delivered to the Company, the Trustee and the Registrar such certificates or other documentation or evidence as the Company, the Trustee and the Registrar may reasonably require to determine that such identification, removal or transfer, as applicable, complies with the Securities Act and other applicable securities laws; provided, however, that no such certificates, documentation or evidence need be so delivered on or after the Free Trade Date with respect to such Note unless the Company determines, in its reasonable discretion, that such Note is not eligible to be offered, sold or otherwise transferred pursuant to Rule 144 or otherwise without any requirements as to volume, manner of sale, availability of current public information or notice under the Securities Act.

(E) Transfers of Notes Subject to Redemption, Repurchase or Conversion. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Indenture or the Notes, the Company, the Trustee and the Registrar will not be required to register the transfer of or exchange any Note that (i) has been surrendered for conversion, except to the extent that any portion of such Note is not subject to conversion; (ii) is subject to a Fundamental Change Repurchase Notice validly delivered, and not withdrawn, pursuant to Section 4.02(F), except to the extent that any portion of such Note is not subject to such notice or the Company fails to pay the applicable Fundamental Change Repurchase Price when due; or (iii) has been selected for Redemption pursuant to a Redemption Notice, except to the extent that any portion of such Note is not subject to Redemption or the Company fails to pay the applicable Redemption Price when due.

Section 2.11. EXCHANGE AND CANCELLATION OF NOTES TO BE CONVERTED OR TO BE REPURCHASED PURSUANT TO A REPURCHASE UPON FUNDAMENTAL CHANGE OR REDEMPTION.

(A) Partial Conversions of Physical Notes and Partial Repurchases of Physical Notes Pursuant to a Repurchase Upon Fundamental Change or Redemption. If only a portion of a Physical Note of a Holder is to be converted pursuant to Article 5 or repurchased pursuant to a Repurchase Upon Fundamental Change or Redemption, then, as soon as reasonably practicable after such Physical Note is surrendered for such conversion, redemption or repurchase, as applicable, the Company will cause such Physical Note to be exchanged, pursuant and subject to Section 2.10(C), for (i) one or more Physical Notes that are in Authorized Denominations and have an aggregate principal amount equal to the principal amount of such Physical Note that is not to be so converted, redeemed or repurchased, as applicable, and deliver such Physical Note(s) to such Holder; and (ii) a Physical Note having a principal amount equal to the principal amount to be so converted, redeemed or repurchased, as applicable, which Physical Note will be converted, redeemed or repurchased, as applicable, pursuant to the terms of this Indenture; provided, however, that the Physical Note referred to in this clause (ii) need not be issued at any time after which such principal amount subject to such conversion, redemption or repurchase, as applicable, is deemed to cease to be outstanding pursuant to Section 2.18.

(B) Cancellation of Notes that Are Converted and Notes that Are Repurchased Pursuant to a Repurchase Upon Fundamental Change or Redemption.

 

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(i) Physical Notes. If a Physical Note (or any portion thereof that has not theretofore been exchanged pursuant to Section 2.11(A)) of a Holder is to be converted pursuant to Article 5 or repurchased pursuant to a Repurchase Upon Fundamental Change or Redemption, then, promptly after the later of the time such Physical Note (or such portion) is deemed to cease to be outstanding pursuant to Section 2.18 and the time such Physical Note is surrendered for such conversion or repurchase, as applicable, (1) such Physical Note will be cancelled pursuant to Section 2.15; and (2) in the case of a partial conversion or repurchase, as applicable, the Company will issue, execute and deliver to such Holder, and the Trustee will authenticate, in each case in accordance with Section 2.02, one or more Physical Notes that (x) are in Authorized Denominations and have an aggregate principal amount equal to the principal amount of such Physical Note that is not to be so converted, redeemed or repurchased, as applicable; (y) are registered in the name of such Holder; and (z) bear each legend, if any, required by Section 2.09.

(ii) Global Notes. If a Global Note (or any portion thereof) is to be converted pursuant to Article 5 or repurchased pursuant to a Repurchase Upon Fundamental Change or Redemption, then, promptly after the time such Note (or such portion) is deemed to cease to be outstanding pursuant to Section 2.18, the Trustee will reflect a decrease of the principal amount of such Global Note in an amount equal to the principal amount of such Global Note to be so converted, redeemed or repurchased, as applicable, by notation on the “Schedule of Exchanges of Interests in the Global Note” forming part of such Global Note (and, if the principal amount of such Global Note is zero following such notation, cancel such Global Note pursuant to Section 2.15).

Section 2.12. REMOVAL OF TRANSFER RESTRICTIONS.

Without limiting the generality of any other provision of this Indenture (including Section 3.04), the Restricted Note Legend affixed to any Note will be deemed, pursuant to this Section 2.12 and the footnote to such Restricted Note Legend, to be removed therefrom upon the Company’s delivery to the Trustee of notice, signed on behalf of the Company by one (1) of its Officers, to such effect (and, for the avoidance of doubt, such notice need not be accompanied by an Officer’s Certificate or an Opinion of Counsel in order to be effective to cause such Restricted Note Legend to be deemed to be removed from such Note). If such Note bears a “restricted” CUSIP or ISIN number at the time of such delivery, then, upon such delivery, such Note will be deemed, pursuant to this Section 2.12 and the footnotes to the CUSIP and ISIN numbers set forth on the face of the certificate representing such Note, to thereafter bear the “unrestricted” CUSIP and ISIN numbers identified in such footnotes; provided, however, that if such Note is a Global Note and the Depositary thereof requires a mandatory exchange or other procedure to cause such Global Note to be identified by “unrestricted” CUSIP and ISIN numbers in the facilities of such Depositary, then (i) the Company will effect such exchange or procedure as soon as reasonably practicable; and (ii) for purposes of Section 3.04 and the definition of Freely Tradable, such Global Note will not be deemed to be identified by “unrestricted” CUSIP and ISIN numbers until such time as such exchange or procedure is effected.

 

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Section 2.13. REPLACEMENT NOTES.

If a Holder of any Note claims that such Note has been mutilated, lost, destroyed or wrongfully taken, then the Company will issue, execute and deliver, and the Trustee will authenticate, in each case in accordance with Section 2.02, a replacement Note upon surrender to the Trustee of such mutilated Note, or upon delivery to the Trustee of evidence of such loss, destruction or wrongful taking reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee and the Company. In the case of a lost, destroyed or wrongfully taken Note, the Company and the Trustee may require the Holder thereof to provide such security or indemnity that is reasonably satisfactory to the Company and the Trustee to protect the Company and the Trustee from any loss that any of them may suffer if such Note is replaced.

Every replacement Note issued pursuant to this Section 2.13 will be an additional obligation of the Company and will be entitled to all of the benefits of this Indenture equally and ratably with all other Notes issued under this Indenture.

Section 2.14. REGISTERED HOLDERS; CERTAIN RIGHTS WITH RESPECT TO GLOBAL NOTES.

Only the Holder of a Note will have rights under this Indenture as the owner of such Note. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Depositary Participants will have no rights as such under this Indenture with respect to any Global Note held on their behalf by the Depositary or its nominee, or by the Trustee as its custodian, and the Company, the Trustee and the Note Agents, and their respective agents, may treat the Depositary as the absolute owner of such Global Note for all purposes whatsoever; provided, however, that (A) the Holder of any Global Note may grant proxies and otherwise authorize any Person, including Depositary Participants and Persons that hold interests in Notes through Depositary Participants, to take any action that such Holder is entitled to take with respect to such Global Note under this Indenture or the Notes; and (B) the Company and the Trustee, and their respective agents, may give effect to any written certification, proxy or other authorization furnished by the Depositary.

Section 2.15. CANCELLATION.

The Company may at any time deliver Notes to the Trustee for cancellation. The Registrar, the Paying Agent and the Conversion Agent will forward to the Trustee each Note duly surrendered to them for transfer, exchange, payment or conversion. The Trustee will promptly cancel all Notes so surrendered to it in accordance with its customary procedures. Without limiting the generality of Section 2.03(B), the Company may not originally issue new Notes to replace Notes that it has paid or that have been cancelled upon transfer, exchange, payment or conversion.

Section 2.16. NOTES HELD BY THE COMPANY OR ITS AFFILIATES.

Without limiting the generality of Section 2.18, in determining whether the Holders of the required aggregate principal amount of Notes have concurred in any direction, waiver or consent, Notes owned by the Company or any of its Affiliates will be deemed not to be outstanding; provided, however, that, for purposes of determining whether the Trustee is protected in relying on any such direction, waiver or consent, only Notes that a Responsible Officer of the Trustee knows are so owned will be so disregarded.

 

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Section 2.17. TEMPORARY NOTES.

Until definitive Notes are ready for delivery, the Company may issue, execute and deliver, and the Trustee will authenticate, in each case in accordance with Section 2.02, temporary Notes. Temporary Notes will be substantially in the form of definitive Notes but may have variations that the Company considers appropriate for temporary Notes. The Company will promptly prepare, issue, execute and deliver, and the Trustee will authenticate, in each case in accordance with Section 2.02, definitive Notes in exchange for temporary Notes. Until so exchanged, each temporary Note will in all respects be entitled to the same benefits under this Indenture as definitive Notes.

Section 2.18. OUTSTANDING NOTES.

(A) Generally. The Notes that are outstanding at any time will be deemed to be those Notes that, at such time, have been duly executed and authenticated, excluding those Notes (or portions thereof) that have theretofore been (i) cancelled by the Trustee or delivered to the Trustee for cancellation in accordance with Section 2.15; (ii) assigned a principal amount of zero by notation on the “Schedule of Exchanges of Interests in the Global Note” forming part of any a Global Note representing such Note; (iii) paid in full (including upon conversion) in accordance with this Indenture; or (iv) deemed to cease to be outstanding to the extent provided in, and subject to, clause (B), (C) or (D) of this Section 2.18.

(B) Replaced Notes. If a Note is replaced pursuant to Section 2.13, then such Note will cease to be outstanding at the time of its replacement, unless the Trustee and the Company receive proof reasonably satisfactory to them that such Note is held by a “bona fide purchaser” under applicable law.

(C) Maturing Notes and Notes Called for Redemption or Subject to Repurchase. If, on a Redemption Date, a Fundamental Change Repurchase Date or the Maturity Date, the Paying Agent holds money sufficient to pay the aggregate Redemption Price, Fundamental Change Repurchase Price or principal amount, respectively, together, in each case, with the aggregate interest, in each case due on such date, then (unless there occurs a Default in the payment of any such amount) (i) the Notes (or portions thereof) to be redeemed or repurchased, or that mature, on such date will be deemed, as of such date, to cease to be outstanding, except to the extent provided in Section 4.02(D), 4.03(E) or 5.02(D); and (ii) the rights of the Holders of such Notes (or such portions thereof), as such, will terminate with respect to such Notes (or such portions thereof), other than the right to receive the Redemption Price, Fundamental Change Repurchase Price or principal amount, as applicable, of, and accrued and unpaid interest on, such Notes (or such portions thereof), in each case as provided in this Indenture.

(D) Notes to Be Converted. At the Close of Business on the Conversion Date for any Note (or any portion thereof) to be converted, such Note (or such portion) will (unless there occurs a Default in the delivery of the Conversion Consideration or interest due, pursuant to Section 5.03(B) or Section 5.02(D), upon such conversion) be deemed to cease to be outstanding, except to the extent provided in Section 5.02(D) or Section 5.08.

 

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(E) Cessation of Accrual of Interest. Except as provided in Section 4.02(D), 4.03(E) or 5.02(D), interest will cease to accrue on each Note from, and including, the date that such Note is deemed, pursuant to this Section 2.18, to cease to be outstanding, unless there occurs a default in the payment or delivery of any cash or other property due on such Note.

Section 2.19. REPURCHASES BY THE COMPANY.

Without limiting the generality of Section 2.15, the Company may, from time to time, repurchase Notes in open market purchases or in negotiated transactions without delivering prior notice to Holders.

Section 2.20. CUSIP AND ISIN NUMBERS.

Subject to Section 2.12, the Company may use one or more CUSIP or ISIN numbers to identify any of the Notes, and, if so, the Company and the Trustee will use such CUSIP or ISIN number(s) in notices to Holders; provided, however, that (i) the Trustee makes no representation as to the correctness or accuracy of any such CUSIP or ISIN number; and (ii) the effectiveness of any such notice will not be affected by any defect in, or omission of, any such CUSIP or ISIN number. The Company will promptly notify the Trustee of any change in the CUSIP or ISIN number(s) identifying any Notes.

Article 3. COVENANTS

Section 3.01. PAYMENT ON NOTES.

(A) Generally. The Company will pay or cause to be paid all the principal of, the Fundamental Change Repurchase Price and Redemption Price for, interest on, and other amounts due with respect to, the Notes on the dates and in the manner set forth in this Indenture.

(B) Deposit of Funds. Before 11:00 A.M., New York City time, on each Redemption Date, Fundamental Change Repurchase Date or Interest Payment Date, and on the Maturity Date or any other date on which any cash amount is due on the Notes, the Company will deposit, or will cause there to be deposited, with the Paying Agent cash, in funds immediately available on such date, sufficient to pay the cash amount due on the applicable Notes on such date. The Paying Agent will return to the Company, as soon as practicable, any money not required for such purpose.

Section 3.02. EXCHANGE ACT REPORTS.

(A) Generally. The Company will send to the Trustee copies of all reports that the Company is required to file with the SEC pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act within fifteen (15) calendar days after the date that the Company is required to file the same (after giving effect to all applicable grace periods under the Exchange Act); provided, however, that the Company need not send to the Trustee any material for which the Company has received, or is seeking in good faith and has not been denied, confidential treatment by the SEC. Any report that the Company files with the SEC through the EDGAR system (or any successor thereto) will be deemed to be sent to the Trustee at the time such report is so filed via the EDGAR system (or such successor). Upon the request of any Holder, the Company will provide to such Holder a copy of any report that the Company has sent the Trustee pursuant to this Section 3.02(A), other than a report that is deemed to be sent to the Trustee pursuant to the preceding sentence.

 

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(B) Trustee’s Disclaimer. The Trustee need not determine whether the Company has filed any material via the EDGAR system (or such successor). The sending or filing of reports pursuant to Section 3.02(A) will not be deemed to constitute constructive notice to the Trustee of any information contained, or determinable from information contained, therein, including the Company’s compliance with any of its covenants under this Indenture (as to which the Trustee is entitled to conclusively rely on an Officer’s Certificate).

Section 3.03. RULE 144A INFORMATION.

If the Company is not subject to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act at any time when any Notes or shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of the Notes are outstanding and constitute “restricted securities” (as defined in Rule 144), then the Company (or its successor) will promptly provide, to the Trustee and, upon written request, to any Holder, beneficial owner or prospective purchaser of such Notes or shares, the information required to be delivered pursuant to Rule 144A(d)(4) under the Securities Act to facilitate the resale of such Notes or shares pursuant to Rule 144A. The Company (or its successor) will take such further action as any Holder or beneficial owner of such Notes or shares may reasonably request to enable such Holder or beneficial owner to sell such Notes or shares pursuant to Rule 144A.

Section 3.04. ADDITIONAL INTEREST.

(A) Accrual of Additional Interest.

(i) If, at any time during the six (6) month period beginning on, and including, the date that is six (6) months after the Last Original Issue Date of any Note,

(1) the Company fails to timely file any report (other than Form 8-K reports) that the Company is required to file with the SEC pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act (after giving effect to all applicable grace periods thereunder); or

(2) such Note is not otherwise Freely Tradable,

then Additional Interest will accrue on such Note for each day during such period on which such failure is continuing or such Note is not Freely Tradable.

(ii) In addition, Additional Interest will accrue on a Note on each day on which such Note is not Freely Tradable on or after the De-Legending Deadline Date for such Note.

(B) Amount and Payment of Additional Interest. Any Additional Interest that accrues on a Note pursuant to Section 3.04(A) will be payable on the same dates and in the same manner as the Stated Interest on such Note and will accrue at a rate per annum equal to one quarter of one percent (0.25%) of the principal amount thereof for the first ninety (90) days on which Additional Interest accrues and, thereafter, at a rate per annum equal to one half of one percent

 

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(0.50%) of the principal amount thereof; provided, however, that in no event will Additional Interest, together with any Special Interest, accrue on any day on a Note at a combined rate per annum that exceeds one half of one percent (0.50%). For the avoidance of doubt, any Additional Interest that accrues on a Note will be in addition to the Stated Interest that accrues on such Note and, subject to the proviso of the immediately preceding sentence, in addition to any Special Interest that accrues on such Note.

(C) Notice of Accrual of Additional Interest; Trustee’s Disclaimer. The Company will send notice to the Holder of each Note, and to the Trustee, of the commencement and termination of any period in which Additional Interest accrues on such Note. In addition, if Additional Interest accrues on any Note, then, no later than five (5) Business Days before each date on which such Additional Interest is to be paid, the Company will deliver an Officer’s Certificate to the Trustee and the Paying Agent stating (i) that the Company is obligated to pay Additional Interest on such Note on such date of payment; and (ii) the amount of such Additional Interest that is payable on such date of payment. The Trustee will have no duty to determine whether any Additional Interest is payable or the amount thereof.

(D) Exclusive Remedy. The accrual of Additional Interest will be the exclusive remedy available to Holders for the failure of their Notes to become Freely Tradable.

Section 3.05. COMPLIANCE AND DEFAULT CERTIFICATES.

(A) Annual Compliance Certificate. Within ninety (90) days after the last day of each fiscal year of the Company, beginning with the first such fiscal year ending after the date of this Indenture, the Company will deliver an Officer’s Certificate to the Trustee stating (i) that the signatory thereto has supervised a review of the activities of the Company and its Subsidiaries during such fiscal year with a view towards determining whether any Default or Event of Default has occurred; and (ii) whether, to such signatory’s knowledge, a Default or Event of Default has occurred during the previous year or is continuing (and, if so, describing all such Defaults or Events of Default and what action the Company is taking or proposes to take with respect thereto).

(B) Default Certificate. If a Default or Event of Default occurs, then the Company will, within thirty (30) days after obtaining knowledge of the occurrence thereof, deliver an Officer’s Certificate to the Trustee describing the same and what action the Company is taking or proposes to take with respect thereto.

Section 3.06. STAY, EXTENSION AND USURY LAWS.

To the extent that it may lawfully do so, the Company (A) agrees that it will not at any time insist upon, plead, or in any manner whatsoever claim or take the benefit or advantage of, any stay, extension or usury law (wherever or whenever enacted or in force) that may affect the covenants or the performance of this Indenture; and (B) expressly waives all benefits or advantages of any such law and agrees that it will not, by resort to any such law, hinder, delay or impede the execution of any power granted to the Trustee by this Indenture, but will suffer and permit the execution of every such power as though no such law has been enacted.

 

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Section 3.07. ORGANIZATIONAL EXISTENCE.

Subject to Article 6, the Company will cause to preserve and keep in full force and effect:

(A) its corporate or other existence in accordance with the organizational documents (as the same may be amended from time to time) of the Company; and

(B) the material rights (charter and statutory), licenses and franchises of the Company and its Subsidiaries;

provided, however, that the Company need not preserve or keep in full force and effect any such license or franchise if the senior management of the Company determines that (x) the preservation thereof is no longer desirable in the conduct of the business of the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole; and (y) the loss thereof is not, individually or in the aggregate, materially adverse to the Holders.

Section 3.08. ACQUISITION OF NOTES BY THE COMPANY AND ITS AFFILIATES.

Without limiting the generality of Section 2.18, Notes that the Company or any of its Subsidiaries have purchased or otherwise acquired will be deemed to remain outstanding (except to the extent provided in Section 2.16) until such time as such Notes are delivered to the Trustee for cancellation. The Company will use commercially reasonable efforts to prevent any of its controlled Affiliates from acquiring any Note (or any beneficial interest therein).

Section 3.09. FURTHER INSTRUMENTS AND ACTS.

At the Trustee’s request, the Company will execute and deliver such further instruments and do such further acts as may be reasonably necessary or proper to more effectively carry out the purposes of this Indenture.

Article 4. REPURCHASE AND REDEMPTION

Section 4.01. NO SINKING FUND.

No sinking fund is required to be provided for the Notes.

Section 4.02. RIGHT OF HOLDERS TO REQUIRE THE COMPANY TO REPURCHASE NOTES UPON A FUNDAMENTAL CHANGE.

(A) Right of Holders to Require the Company to Repurchase Notes Upon a Fundamental Change. Subject to the other terms of this Section 4.02, if a Fundamental Change occurs, then each Holder will have the right (the “Fundamental Change Repurchase Right”) to require the Company to repurchase such Holder’s Notes (or any portion thereof in an Authorized Denomination) on the Fundamental Change Repurchase Date for such Fundamental Change for a cash purchase price equal to the Fundamental Change Repurchase Price.

 

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(B) Repurchase Prohibited in Certain Circumstances. If the principal amount of the Notes has been accelerated and such acceleration has not been rescinded on or before the Fundamental Change Repurchase Date for a Repurchase Upon Fundamental Change (including as a result of the payment of the related Fundamental Change Repurchase Price, and any related interest pursuant to the proviso to the first sentence of Section 4.02(D), on such Fundamental Change Repurchase Date), then (i) the Company may not repurchase any Notes pursuant to this Section 4.02; and (ii) the Company will cause any Notes theretofore surrendered for such Repurchase Upon Fundamental Change to be returned to the Holders thereof (or, if applicable with respect to Global Notes, cancel any instructions for book-entry transfer to the Company, the Trustee or the Paying Agent of the applicable beneficial interest in such Notes in accordance with the Depositary Procedures).

(C) Fundamental Change Repurchase Date. The Fundamental Change Repurchase Date for any Fundamental Change will be a Business Day of the Company’s choosing that is no more than thirty five (35), nor less than twenty (20), Business Days after the date the Company sends the related Fundamental Change Notice pursuant to Section 4.02(E).

(D) Fundamental Change Repurchase Price. The Fundamental Change Repurchase Price for any Note to be repurchased upon a Repurchase Upon Fundamental Change following a Fundamental Change is an amount in cash equal to the principal amount of such Note plus accrued and unpaid interest on such Note to, but excluding, the Fundamental Change Repurchase Date for such Fundamental Change; provided, however, that if such Fundamental Change Repurchase Date is after a Regular Record Date and on or before the next Interest Payment Date, then (i) the Holder of such Note at the Close of Business on such Regular Record Date will be entitled, notwithstanding such Repurchase Upon Fundamental Change, to receive, on or, at the Company’s election, before such Interest Payment Date, the unpaid interest that would have accrued on such Note to, but excluding, such Interest Payment Date (assuming, solely for these purposes, that such Note remained outstanding through such Interest Payment Date, if such Fundamental Change Repurchase Date is before such Interest Payment Date); and (ii) the Fundamental Change Repurchase Price will not include accrued and unpaid interest on such Note to, but excluding, such Fundamental Change Repurchase Date. For the avoidance of doubt, if an Interest Payment Date is not a Business Day within the meaning of Section 2.05(C) and such Fundamental Change Repurchase Date occurs on the Business Day immediately after such Interest Payment Date, then (x) accrued and unpaid interest on Notes to, but excluding, such Interest Payment Date will be paid, in accordance with Section 2.05(C), on the next Business Day to Holders as of the Close of Business on the immediately preceding Regular Record Date; and (y) the Fundamental Change Repurchase Price will include interest on Notes to be repurchased from, and including, such Interest Payment Date.

(E) Fundamental Change Notice. On or before the twentieth (20th) calendar day after the effective date of a Fundamental Change, the Company will send to each Holder, the Trustee and the Paying Agent a notice of such Fundamental Change (a “Fundamental Change Notice”).

Such Fundamental Change Notice must state:

(i) briefly, the events causing such Fundamental Change;

(ii) the effective date of such Fundamental Change;

 

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(iii) the procedures that a Holder must follow to require the Company to repurchase its Notes pursuant to this Section 4.02, including the deadline for exercising the Fundamental Change Repurchase Right and the procedures for submitting and withdrawing a Fundamental Change Repurchase Notice;

(iv) the Fundamental Change Repurchase Date for such Fundamental Change;

(v) the Fundamental Change Repurchase Price per $1,000 principal amount of Notes for such Fundamental Change (and, if such Fundamental Change Repurchase Date is after a Regular Record Date and on or before the next Interest Payment Date, the amount, manner and timing of the interest payment payable pursuant to the proviso to the first sentence of Section 4.02(D));

(vi) the name and address of the Paying Agent and the Conversion Agent;

(vii) the Conversion Rate in effect on the date of such Fundamental Change Notice and a description and quantification of any adjustments to the Conversion Rate that may result from such Fundamental Change (including pursuant to Section 5.07);

(viii) that Notes for which a Fundamental Change Repurchase Notice has been duly tendered and not duly withdrawn must be delivered to the Paying Agent for the Holder thereof to be entitled to receive the Fundamental Change Repurchase Price;

(ix) that Notes (or any portion thereof) that are subject to a Fundamental Change Repurchase Notice that has been duly tendered may be converted only if such Fundamental Change Repurchase Notice is withdrawn in accordance with this Indenture; and

(x) the CUSIP and ISIN numbers, if any, of the Notes.

Neither the failure to deliver a Fundamental Change Notice nor any defect in a Fundamental Change Notice will limit the Fundamental Change Repurchase Right of any Holder or otherwise affect the validity of any proceedings relating to any Repurchase Upon Fundamental Change.

(F) Procedures to Exercise the Fundamental Change Repurchase Right.

(i) Delivery of Fundamental Change Repurchase Notice and Notes to Be Repurchased. To exercise its Fundamental Change Repurchase Right for a Note following a Fundamental Change, the Holder thereof must deliver to the Paying Agent:

(1) before the Close of Business on the Business Day immediately before the related Fundamental Change Repurchase Date (or such later time as may be required by law), a duly completed, written Fundamental Change Repurchase Notice with respect to such Note; and

(2) such Note, duly endorsed for transfer (if such Note is a Physical Note) or by book-entry transfer (if such Note is a Global Note).

 

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The Paying Agent will promptly deliver to the Company a copy of each Fundamental Change Repurchase Notice that it receives.

(ii) Contents of Fundamental Change Repurchase Notices. Each Fundamental Change Repurchase Notice with respect to a Note must state:

(1) if such Note is a Physical Note, the certificate number of such Note;

(2) the principal amount of such Note to be repurchased, which must be an Authorized Denomination; and

(3) that such Holder is exercising its Fundamental Change Repurchase Right with respect to such principal amount of such Note;

provided, however, that if such Note is a Global Note, then such Fundamental Change Repurchase Notice must comply with the Depositary Procedures (and any such Fundamental Change Repurchase Notice delivered in compliance with the Depositary Procedures will be deemed to satisfy the requirements of this Section 4.02(F)).

(iii) Withdrawal of Fundamental Change Repurchase Notice. A Holder that has delivered a Fundamental Change Repurchase Notice with respect to a Note may withdraw such Fundamental Change Repurchase Notice by delivering a written notice of withdrawal to the Paying Agent at any time before the Close of Business on the Business Day immediately before the related Fundamental Change Repurchase Date. Such withdrawal notice must state:

(1) if such Note is a Physical Note, the certificate number of such Note;

(2) the principal amount of such Note to be withdrawn, which must be an Authorized Denomination; and

(3) the principal amount of such Note, if any, that remains subject to such Fundamental Change Repurchase Notice, which must be an Authorized Denomination;

provided, however, that if such Note is a Global Note, then such withdrawal notice must comply with the Depositary Procedures (and any such withdrawal notice delivered in compliance with the Depositary Procedures will be deemed to satisfy the requirements of this Section 4.02(F)).

Upon receipt of any such withdrawal notice with respect to a Note (or any portion thereof), the Paying Agent will (x) promptly deliver a copy of such withdrawal notice to the Company; and (y) if such Note is surrendered to the Paying Agent, cause such Note (or such portion thereof in accordance with Section 2.11, treating such Note as having been then surrendered for partial repurchase in the amount set forth in such withdrawal notice as remaining subject to repurchase) to be returned to the Holder thereof (or, if applicable with respect to any Global Note, cancel any instructions for book-entry transfer to the Company, the Trustee or the Paying Agent of the applicable beneficial interest in such Note in accordance with the Depositary Procedures).

 

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(G) Payment of the Fundamental Change Repurchase Price. Without limiting the Company’s obligation to deposit the Fundamental Change Repurchase Price within the time proscribed by Section 3.01(B), the Company will cause the Fundamental Change Repurchase Price for a Note (or portion thereof) to be repurchased pursuant to a Repurchase Upon Fundamental Change to be paid to the Holder thereof on or before the later of (i) the applicable Fundamental Change Repurchase Date; and (ii) the date (x) such Note is delivered to the Paying Agent (in the case of a Physical Note) or (y) the Depositary Procedures relating to the repurchase, and the delivery to the Paying Agent, of such Holder’s beneficial interest in such Note to be repurchased are complied with (in the case of a Global Note). For the avoidance of doubt, interest payable pursuant to the proviso to the first sentence of Section 4.02(D) on any Note to be repurchased pursuant to a Repurchase Upon Fundamental Change must be paid pursuant to such proviso regardless of whether such Note is delivered or such Depositary Procedures are complied with pursuant to the first sentence of this Section 4.02(G).

(H) Third Party May Conduct Repurchase Offer In Lieu of the Company. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 4.02, the Company will be deemed to satisfy its obligations under this Section 4.02 if one or more third parties conduct any Repurchase Upon Fundamental Change and related offer to repurchase Notes otherwise required by this Section 4.02 in a manner that would have satisfied the requirements of this Section 4.02 if conducted directly by the Company.

(I) No Requirement to Conduct an Offer to Repurchase Notes if the Fundamental Change Results in the Notes Becoming Convertible into an Amount of Cash Exceeding the Fundamental Change Repurchase Price. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 4.02, the Company will not be required to send a Fundamental Change Notice pursuant to Section 4.02(E), or offer to repurchase or repurchase any Notes pursuant to this Section 4.02, in connection with a Common Stock Change Event that constitutes a Fundamental Change pursuant to clause (B)(ii) of the definition thereof (regardless of whether such Common Stock Change Event also constitutes a Fundamental Change pursuant to any other clause of such definition), if (i) the Reference Property of such Common Stock Change Event consists entirely of cash in U.S. dollars; (ii) immediately after such Fundamental Change, the Notes become convertible, pursuant to Section 5.09(A) and, if applicable, Section 5.07, into consideration that consists solely of U.S. dollars in an amount per $1,000 aggregate principal amount of Notes that equals or exceeds the Fundamental Change Repurchase Price per $1,000 aggregate principal amount of Notes (calculated assuming that the same includes accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the latest possible Fundamental Change Repurchase Date for such Fundamental Change); and (iii) the Company timely sends the notice relating to such Fundamental Change required pursuant to Section 5.01(C)(i)(3)(b) and includes, in such notice, a statement that the Company is relying on this Section 4.02(I).

 

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(J) Compliance with Applicable Securities Laws. To the extent applicable, the Company will comply with all federal and state securities laws in connection with a Repurchase Upon Fundamental Change (including complying with Rules 13e-4 and 14e-1 under the Exchange Act and filing any required Schedule TO, to the extent applicable) so as to permit effecting such Repurchase Upon Fundamental Change in the manner set forth in this Indenture; provided, however, that, to the extent that the Company’s obligations pursuant to this Section 4.02 conflict with any law or regulation that is applicable to the Company and enacted after the Issue Date, the Company’s compliance with such law or regulation will not be considered to be a Default of such obligations.

(K) Repurchase in Part. Subject to the terms of this Section 4.02, Notes may be repurchased pursuant to a Repurchase Upon Fundamental Change in part, but only in Authorized Denominations. Provisions of this Section 4.02 applying to the repurchase of a Note in whole will equally apply to the repurchase of a permitted portion of a Note.

Section 4.03. RIGHT OF THE COMPANY TO REDEEM THE NOTES.

(A) No Right to Redeem Before April 15, 2026. The Company may not redeem the Notes at its option at any time before April 15, 2026.

(B) Right to Redeem the Notes on or After April 15, 2026. Subject to the terms of this Section 4.03, the Company has the right, at its election, to redeem all, or any portion in an Authorized Denomination, of the Notes, at any time, and from time to time, on a Redemption Date on or after April 15, 2026 and on or before the fortieth (40th) Scheduled Trading Day immediately before the Maturity Date, for a cash purchase price equal to the Redemption Price, but only if the Last Reported Sale Price per share of Common Stock exceeds one hundred and thirty percent (130%) of the Conversion Price on (x) each of at least twenty (20) Trading Days (whether or not consecutive) during the thirty (30) consecutive Trading Days ending on, and including, the Trading Day immediately before the Redemption Notice Date for such Redemption; and (y) the Trading Day immediately before such Redemption Notice Date; provided, however, that the Company will not be entitled to call less than all of the outstanding Notes for Redemption unless the excess of the principal amount of Notes outstanding as of the time the Company sends the related Redemption Notice over the aggregate principal amount of Notes set forth in such Redemption Notice as being subject to such Redemption is at least one hundred million dollars ($100,000,000). For the avoidance of doubt, the calling of any Notes for Redemption will constitute a Make-Whole Fundamental Change with respect to such Notes pursuant to clause (B) of the definition thereof.

(C) Redemption Prohibited in Certain Circumstances. If the principal amount of the Notes has been accelerated and such acceleration has not been rescinded on or before the Redemption Date (including as a result of the payment of the related Redemption Price, and any related interest pursuant to the proviso to the first sentence of Section 4.03(E), on such Redemption Date), then (i) the Company may not call for Redemption or otherwise redeem any Notes pursuant to this Section 4.03; and (ii) the Company will cause any Notes theretofore surrendered for such Redemption to be returned to the Holders thereof (or, if applicable with respect to Global Notes, cancel any instructions for book-entry transfer to the Company, the Trustee or the Paying Agent of the applicable beneficial interests in such Notes in accordance with the Depositary Procedures).

(D) Redemption Date. The Redemption Date for any Redemption will be a Business Day of the Company’s choosing that is no more than sixty five (65), nor less than forty five (45), Scheduled Trading Days after the Redemption Notice Date for such Redemption.

 

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(E) Redemption Price. The Redemption Price for any Note called for Redemption is an amount in cash equal to the principal amount of such Note plus accrued and unpaid interest on such Note to, but excluding, the Redemption Date for such Redemption; provided, however, that if such Redemption Date is after a Regular Record Date and on or before the next Interest Payment Date, then (i) the Holder of such Note at the Close of Business on such Regular Record Date will be entitled, notwithstanding such Redemption, to receive, on or, at the Company’s election, before such Interest Payment Date, the unpaid interest that would have accrued on such Note to, but excluding, such Interest Payment Date (assuming, solely for these purposes, that such Note remained outstanding through such Interest Payment Date, if such Redemption Date is before such Interest Payment Date); and (ii) the Redemption Price will not include accrued and unpaid interest on such Note to, but excluding, such Redemption Date. For the avoidance of doubt, if an Interest Payment Date is not a Business Day within the meaning of Section 2.05(C) and such Redemption Date occurs on the Business Day immediately after such Interest Payment Date, then (x) accrued and unpaid interest on Notes to, but excluding, such Interest Payment Date will be paid, in accordance with Section 2.05(C), on the next Business Day to Holders as of the Close of Business on the immediately preceding Regular Record Date; and (y) the Redemption Price will include interest on Notes to be redeemed from, and including, such Interest Payment Date.

(F) Redemption Notice. To call any Notes for Redemption, the Company must send to each Holder of such Notes, the Trustee and the Paying Agent a written notice of such Redemption (a “Redemption Notice”).

Such Redemption Notice must state:

(i) that such Notes have been called for Redemption, briefly describing the Company’s Redemption right under this Indenture;

(ii) the Redemption Date for such Redemption;

(iii) the Redemption Price per $1,000 principal amount of Notes for such Redemption (and, if the Redemption Date is after a Regular Record Date and on or before the next Interest Payment Date, the amount, manner and timing of the interest payment payable pursuant to the proviso to the first sentence of Section 4.03(E));

(iv) the name and address of the Paying Agent and the Conversion Agent;

(v) that Notes called for Redemption may be converted at any time before the Close of Business on the second (2nd) Business Day immediately before the Redemption Date (or, if the Company fails to pay the Redemption Price due on such Redemption Date in full, at any time until such time as the Company pays such Redemption Price in full);

(vi) the Conversion Rate in effect on the Redemption Notice Date for such Redemption and a description and quantification of any adjustments to the Conversion Rate that may result from such Redemption (including pursuant to Section 5.07);

 

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(vii) the Settlement Method that will apply to all conversions of Notes with a Conversion Date that occurs on or after such Redemption Notice Date and on or before the second (2nd) Business Day before such Redemption Date; and

(viii) the CUSIP and ISIN numbers, if any, of the Notes.

On or before the Redemption Notice Date, the Company will send a copy of such Redemption Notice to the Trustee and the Paying Agent. At the Company’s request, the Trustee will give the Redemption Notice in the Company’s name and at its expense, provided that the Company delivers to the Trustee, at least five (5) Business Days in the case of Physical Notes and three (3) Business Days in the case of Global Notes prior to the Redemption Notice Date (unless the Trustee agrees to a shorter period), an Officer’s Certificate requesting that the Trustee give such notice and setting forth the information to be stated in such notice as provided in this Section 4.03(F).

(G) Selection and Conversion of Notes to Be Redeemed in Part.

(i) If less than all Notes then outstanding are called for Redemption, then the Notes to be redeemed will be selected by the Company as follows: (1) in the case of Global Notes, in accordance with the Depositary Procedures; and (2) in the case of Physical Notes, pro rata, by lot or by such other method the Company considers fair and appropriate.

(ii) If only a portion of a Note is subject to Redemption and such Note is converted in part, then the converted portion of such Note will be deemed to be from the portion of such Note that was subject to Redemption.

(H) Payment of the Redemption Price. Without limiting the Company’s obligation to deposit the Redemption Price by the time proscribed by Section 3.01(B), the Company will cause the Redemption Price for a Note (or portion thereof) subject to Redemption to be paid to the Holder thereof on or before the applicable Redemption Date. For the avoidance of doubt, interest payable pursuant to the proviso to the first sentence of Section 4.03(E) on any Note (or portion thereof) subject to Redemption must be paid pursuant to such proviso.

(I) Special Provisions for Partial Calls. If the Company elects to redeem less than all of the outstanding Notes pursuant to this Section 4.03, and the Holder of any Note, or any owner of a beneficial interest in any Global Note, is reasonably not able to determine, before the Close of Business on the forty second (42nd) Scheduled Trading Day immediately before the Redemption Date for such Redemption, whether such Note or beneficial interest, as applicable, is to be redeemed pursuant to such Redemption, then such Holder or owner, as applicable, will be entitled to convert such Note or beneficial interest, as applicable, at any time before the Close of Business on the second (2nd) Business Day immediately before such Redemption Date, and each such conversion will be deemed to be of a Note called for Redemption for purposes of this Section 4.03 and Sections 5.01(C)(i)(4) and 5.07.

 

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Article 5. CONVERSION

Section 5.01. RIGHT TO CONVERT.

(A) Generally. Subject to the provisions of this Article 5, each Holder may, at its option, convert such Holder’s Notes into Conversion Consideration.

(B) Conversions in Part. Subject to the terms of this Indenture, Notes may be converted in part, but only in Authorized Denominations. Provisions of this Article 5 applying to the conversion of a Note in whole will equally apply to conversions of a permitted portion of a Note.

(C) When Notes May Be Converted.

(i) Generally. Subject to Section 5.01(C)(ii), a Note may be converted only in the following circumstances:

(1) Conversion upon Satisfaction of Common Stock Sale Price Condition. A Holder may convert its Notes during any calendar quarter (and only during such calendar quarter) commencing after the calendar quarter ending on December 31, 2022, if the Last Reported Sale Price per share of Common Stock exceeds one hundred and thirty percent (130%) of the Conversion Price for each of at least twenty (20) Trading Days (whether or not consecutive) during the thirty (30) consecutive Trading Days ending on, and including, the last Trading Day of the immediately preceding calendar quarter.

(2) Conversion upon Satisfaction of Note Trading Price Condition. A Holder may convert its Notes during the five (5) consecutive Business Days immediately after any ten (10) consecutive Trading Day period (such ten (10) consecutive Trading Day period, the “Measurement Period”) if the Trading Price per $1,000 principal amount of Notes, as determined following a request by a Holder in accordance with the procedures set forth below, for each Trading Day of the Measurement Period was less than ninety eight percent (98%) of the product of the Last Reported Sale Price per share of Common Stock on such Trading Day and the Conversion Rate on such Trading Day. The condition set forth in the preceding sentence is referred to in this Indenture as the “Trading Price Condition.”

The Trading Price will be determined by the Bid Solicitation Agent pursuant to this Section 5.01(C)(i)(2) and the definition of “Trading Price.” The Bid Solicitation Agent (if not the Company) will have no obligation to determine the Trading Price of the Notes unless the Company has requested such determination in writing, and the Company will have no obligation to make such request (or seek bids itself) unless a Holder of at least five million dollars ($5,000,000) aggregate principal amount of Notes (or such lesser amount as may be then outstanding) provides the Company with reasonable evidence that the Trading Price per $1,000 principal amount of Notes would be less than ninety eight percent (98%) of the product of the Last Reported Sale Price per share of

 

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Common Stock and the Conversion Rate. If a Holder provides such evidence, then the Company will (if acting as Bid Solicitation Agent), or will instruct the Bid Solicitation Agent to, determine the Trading Price of the Notes beginning on the next Trading Day and on each successive Trading Day until the Trading Price per $1,000 principal amount of Notes is greater than or equal to ninety eight percent (98%) of the product of the Last Reported Sale Price per share of Common Stock on such Trading Day and the Conversion Rate on such Trading Day. If the Trading Price Condition has been met as set forth above, then the Company will notify the Holders, the Trustee and the Conversion Agent of the same. If, on any Trading Day after the Trading Price Condition has been met as set forth above, the Trading Price per $1,000 principal amount of Notes is greater than or equal to ninety eight percent (98%) of the product of the Last Reported Sale Price per share of Common Stock on such Trading Day and the Conversion Rate on such Trading Day, then the Company will notify the Holders, the Trustee and the Conversion Agent of the same.

(3) Conversion Upon Specified Corporate Events.

(a) Certain Distributions. If the Company elects to:

(I) distribute, to all or substantially all holders of Common Stock, any rights, options or warrants (other than in connection with a stockholder rights plan prior to the separation of the related rights from the Common Stock and the occurrence of any triggering event that causes such rights to be exercisable, except that such rights will be deemed to be distributed under this clause (I) upon their separation from the Common Stock or upon the occurrence of such triggering event) entitling them, for a period of not more than forty five (45) calendar days after the announcement date of such distribution, to subscribe for or purchase shares of Common Stock at a price per share that is less than the average of the Last Reported Sale Prices per share of Common Stock for the ten (10) consecutive Trading Days ending on, and including, the Trading Day immediately before the date such distribution is announced (determined in the manner set forth in the third paragraph of Section 5.05(A)(ii)); or

(II) distribute, to all or substantially all holders of Common Stock, assets or securities of the Company or rights to purchase the Company’s securities (other than in connection with a stockholder rights plan prior to the separation of the related rights from the Common Stock and the occurrence of any triggering event that causes such rights to be exercisable, except that such rights will be deemed to be distributed under this clause (II) upon their separation from the Common Stock or upon the occurrence of such triggering event), which distribution per share of Common Stock has a value, as reasonably determined by the Company in good faith, exceeding ten percent (10%) of the Last Reported Sale Price per share of Common Stock on the Trading Day immediately before the date such distribution is announced,

 

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then, in either case, (x) the Company will send notice of such distribution, and of the related right to convert Notes, to Holders, the Trustee and the Conversion Agent at least forty five (45) Scheduled Trading Days before the Ex-Dividend Date for such distribution (or, if later in the case of any such separation of rights issued pursuant to a stockholder rights plan or the occurrence of any such triggering event under a stockholder rights plan, as soon as reasonably practicable after the Company becomes aware that such separation or triggering event has occurred or will occur); and (y) once the Company has sent such notice, Holders may convert their Notes at any time until the earlier of the Close of Business on the Business Day immediately before such Ex-Dividend Date and the Company’s announcement that such distribution will not take place; provided, however, that the Notes will not become convertible pursuant to clause (y) above (but the Company will be required to send notice of such distribution pursuant to clause (x) above) on account of such distribution if each Holder participates, at the same time and on the same terms as holders of Common Stock, and solely by virtue of being a Holder, in such distribution without having to convert such Holder’s Notes and as if such Holder held a number of shares of Common Stock equal to the product of (i) the Conversion Rate in effect on the record date for such distribution; and (ii) the aggregate principal amount (expressed in thousands) of Notes held by such Holder on such record date.

(b) Certain Corporate Events. If a Fundamental Change, Make-Whole Fundamental Change (other than a Make-Whole Fundamental Change pursuant to clause (B) of the definition thereof) or Common Stock Change Event occurs (other than a merger or other business combination transaction that is effected solely to change the Company’s jurisdiction of incorporation and that does not constitute a Fundamental Change or a Make-Whole Fundamental Change), then, in each case, Holders may convert their Notes at any time from, and including, the effective date of such transaction or event to, and including, the thirty fifth (35th) Trading Day after such effective date (or, if such transaction or event also constitutes a Fundamental Change (other than an Exempted Fundamental Change), to, but excluding, the related Fundamental Change Repurchase Date); provided, however, that if the Company does not provide the notice referred to in the immediately following sentence by such effective date, then the last day on which the Notes are convertible pursuant to this sentence will be extended by the number of Business Days from, and including, such effective date to, but excluding, the date the Company provides such notice. No later than such effective date, the Company will send notice to the Holders, the Trustee and the Conversion Agent of such transaction or event, such effective date and the related right to convert Notes.

 

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(4) Conversion Upon Redemption. If the Company calls any Note for Redemption, then the Holder of such Note may convert such Note at any time before the Close of Business on the second (2nd) Business Day immediately before the related Redemption Date (or, if the Company fails to pay the Redemption Price due on such Redemption Date in full, at any time until such time as the Company pays such Redemption Price in full).

(5) Conversions During Free Convertibility Period. A Holder may convert its Notes at any time from, and including, October 16, 2028 until the Close of Business on the second (2nd) Scheduled Trading Day immediately before the Maturity Date.

For the avoidance of doubt, the Notes may become convertible pursuant to any one or more of the preceding sub-paragraphs of this Section 5.01(C)(i) and the Notes ceasing to be convertible pursuant to a particular sub-paragraph of this Section 5.01(C)(i) will not preclude the Notes from being convertible pursuant to any other sub-paragraph of this Section 5.01(C)(i).

(ii) Limitations and Closed Periods. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Indenture or the Notes:

(1) Notes may be surrendered for conversion only after the Open of Business and before the Close of Business on a day that is a Business Day;

(2) in no event may any Note be converted after the Close of Business on the second (2nd) Scheduled Trading Day immediately before the Maturity Date;

(3) if the Company calls any Note for Redemption pursuant to Section 4.03, then the Holder of such Note may not convert such Note after the Close of Business on the second (2nd) Business Day immediately before the applicable Redemption Date, except to the extent the Company fails to pay the Redemption Price for such Note in accordance with this Indenture; and

(4) if a Fundamental Change Repurchase Notice is validly delivered pursuant to Section 4.02(F) with respect to any Note, then such Note may not be converted, except to the extent (a) such Note is not subject to such notice; (b) such notice is withdrawn in accordance with Section 4.02(F); or (c) the Company fails to pay the Fundamental Change Repurchase Price for such Note in accordance with this Indenture.

 

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Section 5.02. CONVERSION PROCEDURES.

(A) Generally.

(i) Global Notes. To convert a beneficial interest in a Global Note that is convertible pursuant to Section 5.01(C), the owner of such beneficial interest must (1) comply with the Depositary Procedures for converting such beneficial interest (at which time such conversion will become irrevocable); and (2) pay any amounts due pursuant to Section 5.02(D) or Section 5.02(E).

(ii) Physical Notes. To convert all or a portion of a Physical Note that is convertible pursuant to Section 5.01(C), the Holder of such Note must (1) complete, manually sign and deliver to the Conversion Agent the conversion notice attached to such Physical Note or a facsimile of such conversion notice; (2) deliver such Physical Note to the Conversion Agent (at which time such conversion will become irrevocable); (3) furnish any endorsements and transfer documents that the Company or the Conversion Agent may require; and (4) pay any amounts due pursuant to Section 5.02(D) or Section 5.02(E).

(B) Effect of Converting a Note. At the Close of Business on the Conversion Date for a Note (or any portion thereof) to be converted, such Note (or such portion) will (unless there occurs a Default in the delivery of the Conversion Consideration or interest due, pursuant to Section 5.03(B) or 5.02(D), upon such conversion) be deemed to cease to be outstanding (and, for the avoidance of doubt, no Person will be deemed to be a Holder of such Note (or such portion thereof) as of the Close of Business on such Conversion Date), except to the extent provided in Section 5.02(D).

(C) Holder of Record of Conversion Shares. The Person in whose name any share of Common Stock is issuable upon conversion of any Note will be deemed to become the holder of record of such share as of the Close of Business on the last VWAP Trading Day of the Observation Period for such conversion.

(D) Interest Payable Upon Conversion in Certain Circumstances. If the Conversion Date of a Note is after a Regular Record Date and before the next Interest Payment Date, then (i) the Holder of such Note at the Close of Business on such Regular Record Date will be entitled, notwithstanding such conversion (and, for the avoidance of doubt, notwithstanding anything set forth in the proviso to this sentence), to receive, on or, at the Company’s election, before such Interest Payment Date, the unpaid interest that would have accrued on such Note to, but excluding, such Interest Payment Date (assuming, solely for these purposes, that such Note remained outstanding through such Interest Payment Date); and (ii) the Holder surrendering such Note for conversion must deliver to the Conversion Agent, at the time of such surrender, an amount of cash equal to the amount of such interest referred to in clause (i) above; provided, however, that the Holder surrendering such Note for conversion need not deliver such cash (v) if the Company has specified a Redemption Date that is after such Regular Record Date and on or before the second (2nd) Business Day immediately after such Interest Payment Date; (w) if such Conversion Date occurs after the Regular Record Date immediately before the Maturity Date; (x) if the Company has specified a Fundamental Change Repurchase Date that is after such Regular Record Date and on or before the Business Day immediately after such Interest Payment Date; or (y) to the extent of any Additional Interest, Special Interest, overdue interest or interest that has accrued on any overdue interest. For the avoidance of doubt, as a result of, and without limiting the generality of, the foregoing, if a Note is converted with a Conversion Date that is after the Regular Record Date immediately before the Maturity Date, then the Company will pay, as

 

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provided above, the interest that would have accrued on such Note to, but excluding, the Maturity Date. For the avoidance of doubt, if the Conversion Date of a Note to be converted is on an Interest Payment Date, then the Holder of such Note at the Close of Business on the Regular Record Date immediately before such Interest Payment Date will be entitled to receive, on such Interest Payment Date, the unpaid interest that has accrued on such Note to, but excluding, such Interest Payment Date, and such Note, when surrendered for conversion, need not be accompanied by any cash amount pursuant to the first sentence of this Section 5.02(D).

(E) Taxes and Duties. If a Holder converts a Note, the Company will pay any documentary, stamp or similar issue or transfer tax or duty due on the issue or delivery of any shares of Common Stock upon such conversion; provided, however, that if any tax or duty is due because such Holder requested such shares to be registered in a name other than such Holder’s name, then such Holder will pay such tax or duty and, until having received a sum sufficient to pay such tax or duty, the Conversion Agent may refuse to deliver any such shares to be issued in a name other than that of such Holder.

(F) Conversion Agent to Notify Company of Conversions. If any Note is submitted for conversion to the Conversion Agent or the Conversion Agent receives any notice of conversion with respect to a Note, then the Conversion Agent will promptly (and, in any event, no later than the date the Conversion Agent receives such Note or notice) notify the Company and the Trustee of such occurrence, together with any other information reasonably requested by the Company, and will cooperate with the Company to determine the Conversion Date for such Note.

Section 5.03. SETTLEMENT UPON CONVERSION.

(A) Settlement Method. Upon the conversion of any Note, the Company will settle such conversion by paying or delivering, as applicable and as provided in this Article 5, either (x) solely cash as provided in Section 5.03(B)(i)(1) (a “Cash Settlement”); or (y) a combination of cash and shares of Common Stock, together, if applicable, with cash in lieu of fractional shares as provided in Section 5.03(B)(i)(2) (a “Combination Settlement”).

(i) The Company’s Right to Elect Settlement Method. The Company will have the right to elect the Settlement Method applicable to any conversion of a Note; provided, however, that:

(1) subject to clause (3) below, all conversions of Notes with a Conversion Date that occurs on or after October 16, 2028 will be settled using the same Settlement Method, and the Company will send notice of such Settlement Method to Holders and the Conversion Agent no later than the Open of Business on October 16, 2028;

(2) subject to clause (3) below, if the Company elects a Settlement Method with respect to the conversion of any Note whose Conversion Date occurs before October 16, 2028, then the Company will send notice of such Settlement Method to the Holder of such Note and the Conversion Agent no later than the Close of Business on the Business Day immediately after such Conversion Date;

 

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(3) if any Notes are called for Redemption, then (a) the Company will specify, in the related Redemption Notice (and, in the case of a Redemption of less than all outstanding Notes, in a notice simultaneously sent to all Holders of Notes not called for Redemption) sent pursuant to Section 4.03(F), the Settlement Method that will apply to all conversions of Notes with a Conversion Date that occurs on or after the related Redemption Notice Date and on or before the second (2nd) Business Day before the related Redemption Date; and (b) if such Redemption Date occurs on or after October 16, 2028, then such Settlement Method must be the same Settlement Method that, pursuant to clause (1) above, applies to all conversions of Notes with a Conversion Date that occurs on or after October 16, 2028;

(4) the Company will use the same Settlement Method for all conversions of Notes with the same Conversion Date (and, for the avoidance of doubt, the Company will not be obligated to use the same Settlement Method with respect to conversions of Notes with different Conversion Dates, except as provided in clause (1) or (3) above);

(5) if the Company does not timely elect a Settlement Method with respect to the conversion of a Note, then the Company will be deemed to have elected the Default Settlement Method (and, for the avoidance of doubt, the failure to timely make such election will not constitute a Default or Event of Default); and

(6) if the Company timely elects Combination Settlement with respect to the conversion of a Note but does not timely notify the Holder of such Note of the applicable Specified Dollar Amount, then the Specified Dollar Amount for such conversion will be deemed to be $1,000 per $1,000 principal amount of Notes (and, for the avoidance of doubt, the failure to timely send such notification will not constitute a Default or Event of Default).

(ii) The Companys Right to Irrevocably Fix or Eliminate Settlement Methods. The Company will have the right, exercisable at its election by sending notice of such exercise to the Holders (with a copy to the Trustee and the Conversion Agent), to (1) irrevocably fix the Settlement Method that will apply to all conversions of Notes with a Conversion Date that occurs on or after the date such notice is sent to Holders; or (2) irrevocably eliminate any one or more (but not all) Settlement Methods (including eliminating Combination Settlement with a particular Specified Dollar Amount or range of Specified Dollar Amounts) with respect to all conversions of Notes with a Conversion Date that occurs on or after the date such notice is sent to Holders, provided, in each case, that (v) in no event will the Company elect (whether directly or by eliminating all other Settlement Methods) Combination Settlement with a specified dollar amount that is less than $1,000 per $1,000 principal amount of Notes; (w) the Settlement Method so elected pursuant to clause (1) above, or the Settlement Method(s) remaining after any elimination pursuant to clause (2) above, as applicable, must be a Settlement Method or Settlement Method(s), as applicable, that the Company is then permitted to elect (for the avoidance of doubt, including pursuant to, and subject to, the other provisions of this Section 5.03(A)); (x) no such irrevocable election will affect any Settlement Method

 

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theretofore elected (or deemed to be elected) with respect to any Note pursuant to this Indenture (including pursuant to Section 8.01(G) or this Section 5.03(A)); (y) upon any such irrevocable election pursuant to clause (1) above, the Default Settlement Method will automatically be deemed to be set to the Settlement Method so fixed; and (z) upon any such irrevocable election pursuant to clause (2) above, the Company will, if needed, simultaneously change the Default Settlement Method to a Settlement Method that is consistent with such irrevocable election. Such notice, if sent, must set forth the applicable Settlement Method(s) so elected or eliminated, as applicable, and the Default Settlement Method applicable immediately after such election, and expressly state that the election is irrevocable and applicable to all conversions of Notes with a Conversion Date that occurs on or after the date such notice is sent to Holders. For the avoidance of doubt, such an irrevocable election, if made, will be effective without the need to amend this Indenture or the Notes, including pursuant to Section 8.01(G) (it being understood, however, that the Company may nonetheless choose to execute such an amendment at its option).

(iii) Requirement to Publicly Disclose the Fixed or Default Settlement Method. If the Company changes the Default Settlement Method pursuant to clause (x) of the proviso to the definition of such term or irrevocably fixes the Settlement Method(s) pursuant to Section 5.03(A)(ii), then the Company will either post the Default Settlement Method or fixed Settlement Method(s), as applicable, on its website or disclose the same in a Current Report on Form 8-K (or any successor form) that is filed with, or furnished to, the SEC.

(B) Conversion Consideration.

(i) Generally. Subject to Sections 5.03(B)(ii), 5.03(B)(iii) and 5.09(A)(2), the type and amount of consideration (the “Conversion Consideration”) due in respect of each $1,000 principal amount of a Note to be converted will be as follows:

(1) if Cash Settlement applies to such conversion, cash in an amount equal to the sum of the Daily Conversion Values for each VWAP Trading Day in the Observation Period for such conversion; or

(2) if Combination Settlement applies to such conversion, consideration consisting of (a) a number of shares of Common Stock equal to the sum of the Daily Share Amounts for each VWAP Trading Day in the Observation Period for such conversion; and (b) an amount of cash equal to the sum of the Daily Cash Amounts for each VWAP Trading Day in such Observation Period.

(ii) Cash in Lieu of Fractional Shares. If Combination Settlement applies to the conversion of any Note and the number of shares of Common Stock deliverable pursuant to Section 5.03(B)(i) upon such conversion is not a whole number, then such number will be rounded down to the nearest whole number and the Company will deliver, in addition to the other consideration due upon such conversion, cash in lieu of the related fractional share in an amount equal to the product of (1) such fraction and (2) the Daily VWAP on the last VWAP Trading Day of the Observation Period for such conversion.

 

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(iii) Conversion of Multiple Notes by a Single Holder. If a Holder converts more than one (1) Note on a single Conversion Date, then the Conversion Consideration due in respect of such conversion will (in the case of any Global Note, to the extent permitted by, and practicable under, the Depositary Procedures) be computed based on the total principal amount of Notes converted on such Conversion Date by such Holder.

(iv) Notice of Calculation of Conversion Consideration. If any Note is to be converted, then the Company will determine the Conversion Consideration due thereupon promptly following the last VWAP Trading Day of the applicable Observation Period and will promptly thereafter send notice to the Trustee and the Conversion Agent of the same and the calculation thereof in reasonable detail. Neither the Trustee nor the Conversion Agent will have any duty to make or verify any such determination.

(C) Delivery of the Conversion Consideration. Except as set forth in Sections 5.05(D) and 5.09, the Company will pay or deliver, as applicable, the Conversion Consideration due upon the conversion of any Note to the Holder on the second (2nd) Business Day immediately after the last VWAP Trading Day of the Observation Period for such conversion.

(D) Deemed Payment of Principal and Interest; Settlement of Accrued Interest Notwithstanding Conversion. If a Holder converts a Note, then the Company will not adjust the Conversion Rate to account for any accrued and unpaid interest on such Note, and, except as provided in Section 5.02(D), the Company’s delivery of the Conversion Consideration due in respect of such conversion will be deemed to fully satisfy and discharge the Company’s obligation to pay the principal of, and accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on, such Note to, but excluding the Conversion Date. As a result, except as provided in Section 5.02(D), any accrued and unpaid interest on a converted Note will be deemed to be paid in full rather than cancelled, extinguished or forfeited. In addition, subject to Section 5.02(D), if the Conversion Consideration for a Note consists of both cash and shares of Common Stock, then accrued and unpaid interest that is deemed to be paid therewith will be deemed to be paid first out of such cash.

Section 5.04. RESERVE AND STATUS OF COMMON STOCK ISSUED UPON CONVERSION.

(A) Stock Reserve. At all times when any Notes are outstanding, the Company will reserve (out of its authorized and not outstanding shares of Common Stock that are not reserved for other purposes) a number of shares of Common Stock equal to the product of (i) the aggregate principal amount (expressed in thousands) of all then-outstanding Notes; and (ii) the Conversion Rate then in effect (assuming, for these purposes, that the Conversion Rate is increased by the maximum amount pursuant to which the Conversion Rate may be increased pursuant to Section 5.07). To the extent the Company delivers shares of Common Stock held in its treasury in settlement of the conversion of any Notes, each reference in this Indenture or the Notes to the issuance of shares of Common Stock in connection therewith will be deemed to include such delivery, mutatis mutandis.

 

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(B) Status of Conversion Shares; Listing. Each Conversion Share, if any, delivered upon conversion of any Note will be a newly issued or treasury share (except that any Conversion Share delivered by a designated financial institution pursuant to Section 5.08 need not be a newly issued or treasury share) and will be duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid, non-assessable, free from preemptive rights and free of any lien or adverse claim (except to the extent of any lien or adverse claim created by the action or inaction of the Holder of such Note or the Person to whom such Conversion Share will be delivered). If the Common Stock is then listed on any securities exchange, or quoted on any inter-dealer quotation system, then the Company will use commercially reasonable efforts to cause each Conversion Share, when delivered upon conversion of any Note, to be admitted for listing on such exchange or quotation on such system.

Section 5.05. ADJUSTMENTS TO THE CONVERSION RATE.

(A) Events Requiring an Adjustment to the Conversion Rate. The Conversion Rate will be adjusted from time to time as follows:

(i) Stock Dividends, Splits and Combinations. If the Company issues solely shares of Common Stock as a dividend or distribution on all or substantially all shares of the Common Stock, or if the Company effects a stock split or a stock combination of the Common Stock (in each case excluding an issuance solely pursuant to a Common Stock Change Event, as to which Section 5.09 will apply), then the Conversion Rate will be adjusted based on the following formula:

LOGO

where:

 

CR0    =    the Conversion Rate in effect immediately before the Open of Business on the Ex-Dividend Date for such dividend or distribution, or immediately before the Open of Business on the effective date of such stock split or stock combination, as applicable;
CR1    =    the Conversion Rate in effect immediately after the Open of Business on such Ex-Dividend Date or such effective date, as applicable;
OS0    =    the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately before the Open of Business on such Ex-Dividend Date or effective date, as applicable, without giving effect to such dividend, distribution, stock split or stock combination; and
OS1    =    the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately after giving effect to such dividend, distribution, stock split or stock combination.

 

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If any dividend, distribution, stock split or stock combination of the type described in this Section 5.05(A)(i) is declared or announced, but not so paid or made, then the Conversion Rate will be readjusted, effective as of the date the Board of Directors determines not to pay such dividend or distribution or to effect such stock split or stock combination, to the Conversion Rate that would then be in effect had such dividend, distribution, stock split or stock combination not been declared or announced.

(ii) Rights, Options and Warrants. If the Company distributes, to all or substantially all holders of Common Stock, rights, options or warrants (other than rights issued or otherwise distributed pursuant to a stockholder rights plan, as to which Sections 5.05(A)(iii)(1) and 5.05(F) will apply) entitling such holders, for a period of not more than forty five (45) calendar days after the announcement date of such distribution, to subscribe for or purchase shares of Common Stock at a price per share that is less than the average of the Last Reported Sale Prices per share of Common Stock for the ten (10) consecutive Trading Days ending on, and including, the Trading Day immediately before the date such distribution is announced, then the Conversion Rate will be increased based on the following formula:

 

LOGO

where:

 

CR0    =    the Conversion Rate in effect immediately before the Open of Business on the Ex-Dividend Date for such distribution;
CR1    =    the Conversion Rate in effect immediately after the Open of Business on such Ex-Dividend Date;
OS    =    the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately before the Open of Business on such Ex-Dividend Date;
X    =    the total number of shares of Common Stock issuable pursuant to such rights, options or warrants; and
Y    =    a number of shares of Common Stock obtained by dividing (x) the aggregate price payable to exercise such rights, options or warrants by (y) the average of the Last Reported Sale Prices per share of Common Stock for the ten (10) consecutive Trading Days ending on, and including, the Trading Day immediately before the date such distribution is announced.

To the extent any such rights, options or warrants are not so distributed, the Conversion Rate will be readjusted to the Conversion Rate that would then be in effect had the increase to the Conversion Rate for such distribution been made on the basis of only the rights, options or warrants, if any, actually distributed. In addition, to the extent that shares of Common Stock are not delivered after the expiration of such rights, options or warrants (including as a result of such rights, options or warrants not being exercised), the Conversion Rate will be readjusted to the Conversion Rate that would then be in effect had the increase to the Conversion Rate for such distribution been made on the basis of delivery of only the number of shares of Common Stock actually delivered upon exercise of such rights, option or warrants.

 

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For purposes of this Section 5.05(A)(ii) and Section 5.01(C)(i)(3)(a)(I), in determining whether any rights, options or warrants entitle holders of Common Stock to subscribe for or purchase shares of Common Stock at a price per share that is less than the average of the Last Reported Sale Prices per share of Common Stock for the ten (10) consecutive Trading Days ending on, and including, the Trading Day immediately before the date the distribution of such rights, options or warrants is announced, and in determining the aggregate price payable to exercise such rights, options or warrants, there will be taken into account any consideration the Company receives for such rights, options or warrants and any amount payable on exercise thereof, with the value of such consideration, if not cash, to be determined by the Company in good faith.

(iii) Spin-Offs and Other Distributed Property.

(1) Distributions Other than Spin-Offs. If the Company distributes shares of its Capital Stock, evidences of its indebtedness or other assets or property of the Company, or rights, options or warrants to acquire Capital Stock of the Company or other securities, to all or substantially all holders of the Common Stock, excluding:

(u) dividends, distributions, rights, options or warrants for which an adjustment to the Conversion Rate is required (or would be required without regard to Section 5.05(C)) pursuant to Section 5.05(A)(i) or 5.05(A)(ii);

(v) dividends or distributions paid exclusively in cash for which an adjustment to the Conversion Rate is required (or would be required assuming the Dividend Threshold were zero and without regard to Section 5.05(C)) pursuant to Section 5.05(A)(iv);

(w) rights issued or otherwise distributed pursuant to a stockholder rights plan, except to the extent provided in Section 5.05(F);

(x) Spin-Offs for which an adjustment to the Conversion Rate is required (or would be required without regard to Section 5.05(C)) pursuant to Section 5.05(A)(iii)(2);

(y) a distribution solely pursuant to a tender offer or exchange offer for shares of Common Stock, as to which Section 5.05(A)(v) will apply; and

(z) a distribution solely pursuant to a Common Stock Change Event, as to which Section 5.09 will apply,

 

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then the Conversion Rate will be increased based on the following formula:

 

LOGO

where:

 

CR0    =    the Conversion Rate in effect immediately before the Open of Business on the Ex-Dividend Date for such distribution;
CR1    =    the Conversion Rate in effect immediately after the Open of Business on such Ex-Dividend Date;
SP    =    the average of the Last Reported Sale Prices per share of Common Stock for the ten (10) consecutive Trading Days ending on, and including, the Trading Day immediately before such Ex-Dividend Date; and
FMV    =    the fair market value (as determined by the Company in good faith), as of such Ex-Dividend Date, of the shares of Capital Stock, evidences of indebtedness, assets, property, rights, options or warrants distributed per share of Common Stock pursuant to such distribution;

provided, however, that if FMV is equal to or greater than SP, then, in lieu of the foregoing adjustment to the Conversion Rate, each Holder will receive, for each $1,000 principal amount of Notes held by such Holder on the record date for such distribution, at the same time and on the same terms as holders of Common Stock, the amount and kind of shares of Capital Stock, evidences of indebtedness, assets, property, rights, options or warrants that such Holder would have received if such Holder had owned, on such record date, a number of shares of Common Stock equal to the Conversion Rate in effect on such record date.

To the extent such distribution is not so paid or made, the Conversion Rate will be readjusted to the Conversion Rate that would then be in effect had the adjustment been made on the basis of only the distribution, if any, actually made or paid.

(2) Spin-Offs. If the Company distributes or dividends shares of Capital Stock of any class or series, or similar equity interests, of or relating to an Affiliate, a Subsidiary or other business unit of the Company to all or substantially all holders of the Common Stock (other than solely pursuant to (x) a Common Stock Change Event, as to which Section 5.09 will apply; or (y) a tender offer or exchange offer for shares of Common Stock, as to which Section 5.05(A)(v) will apply), and such Capital Stock or equity interests are listed or quoted (or will be listed or quoted upon the consummation of the transaction) on a U.S. national securities exchange (a “Spin-Off”), then the Conversion Rate will be increased based on the following formula:

 

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LOGO

where:

 

CR0    =    the Conversion Rate in effect immediately before the Close of Business on the last Trading Day of the Spin-Off Valuation Period for such Spin-Off;
CR1    =    the Conversion Rate in effect immediately after the Close of Business on the last Trading Day of the Spin-Off Valuation Period;
FMV    =    the product of (x) the average of the Last Reported Sale Prices per share or unit of the Capital Stock or equity interests distributed in such Spin-Off over the ten (10) consecutive Trading Day period (the “Spin-Off Valuation Period”) beginning on, and including, the Ex-Dividend Date for such Spin-Off (such average to be determined as if references to Common Stock in the definitions of Last Reported Sale Price, Trading Day and Market Disruption Event were instead references to such Capital Stock or equity interests); and (y) the number of shares or units of such Capital Stock or equity interests distributed per share of Common Stock in such Spin-Off; and
SP    =    the average of the Last Reported Sale Prices per share of Common Stock for each Trading Day in the Spin-Off Valuation Period.

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 5.05(A)(iii)(2), if any VWAP Trading Day of the Observation Period for a Note to be converted occurs during the Spin-Off Valuation Period for such Spin-Off, then, solely for purposes of determining the Conversion Rate for such VWAP Trading Day for such conversion, such Spin-Off Valuation Period will be deemed to consist of the Trading Days occurring in the period from, and including, the Ex-Dividend Date for such Spin-Off to, and including, such VWAP Trading Day.

To the extent any dividend or distribution of the type set forth in this Section 5.05(A)(iii)(2) is declared but not made or paid, the Conversion Rate will be readjusted to the Conversion Rate that would then be in effect had the adjustment been made on the basis of only the dividend or distribution, if any, actually made or paid.

(iv) Cash Dividends or Distributions. If any cash dividend or distribution is made to all or substantially all holders of Common Stock (other than a regular quarterly cash dividend that does not exceed the Dividend Threshold per share of Common Stock), then the Conversion Rate will be increased based on the following formula:

 

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LOGO

where:

 

CR0    =    the Conversion Rate in effect immediately before the Open of Business on the Ex-Dividend Date for such dividend or distribution;
CR1    =    the Conversion Rate in effect immediately after the Open of Business on such Ex-Dividend Date;
SP    =    the Last Reported Sale Price per share of Common Stock on the Trading Day immediately before such Ex-Dividend Date;
T    =    an amount (subject to the proviso below, the “Dividend Threshold”) initially equal to $0.30 per share of Common Stock; provided, however, that (x) if such dividend or distribution is not a regular quarterly cash dividend on the Common Stock, then T will be deemed to be zero dollars ($0.00) per share of Common Stock with respect to such dividend or distribution; and (y) the Dividend Threshold will be adjusted in the same manner as, and at the same time and for the same events for which, the Conversion Price is adjusted as a result of the operation of Section 5.05(A) (other than this Section 5.05(A)(iv)); and
D    =    the cash amount distributed per share of Common Stock in such dividend or distribution;

provided, however, that if D is equal to or greater than SP, then, in lieu of the foregoing adjustment to the Conversion Rate, each Holder will receive, for each $1,000 principal amount of Notes held by such Holder on the record date for such dividend or distribution, at the same time and on the same terms as holders of Common Stock, the amount of cash that such Holder would have received if such Holder had owned, on such record date, a number of shares of Common Stock equal to the Conversion Rate in effect on such record date.

To the extent such dividend or distribution is declared but not made or paid, the Conversion Rate will be readjusted to the Conversion Rate that would then be in effect had the adjustment been made on the basis of only the dividend or distribution, if any, actually made or paid.

(v) Tender Offers or Exchange Offers. If the Company or any of its Subsidiaries makes a payment in respect of a tender offer or exchange offer for shares of Common Stock (other than solely pursuant to an odd-lot tender offer pursuant to Rule 13e-4(h)(5) under the Exchange Act), and the value (determined as of the Expiration

 

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Time by the Board of Directors) of the cash and other consideration paid per share of Common Stock in such tender or exchange offer exceeds the Last Reported Sale Price per share of Common Stock on the Trading Day immediately after the last date (the “Expiration Date”) on which tenders or exchanges may be made pursuant to such tender or exchange offer (as it may be amended), then the Conversion Rate will be increased based on the following formula:

 

LOGO

where:

 

CR0    =    the Conversion Rate in effect immediately before the Close of Business on the last Trading Day of the Tender/Exchange Offer Valuation Period for such tender or exchange offer;
CR1    =    the Conversion Rate in effect immediately after the Close of Business on the last Trading Day of the Tender/Exchange Offer Valuation Period;
AC    =    the aggregate value (determined as of the time (the “Expiration Time”) such tender or exchange offer expires by the Board of Directors) of all cash and other consideration paid for shares of Common Stock purchased or exchanged in such tender or exchange offer;
OS0    =    the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately before the Expiration Time (including all shares of Common Stock accepted for purchase or exchange in such tender or exchange offer);
OS1    =    the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately after the Expiration Time (excluding all shares of Common Stock accepted for purchase or exchange in such tender or exchange offer); and
SP    =    the average of the Last Reported Sale Prices per share of Common Stock over the ten (10) consecutive Trading Day period (the “Tender/Exchange Offer Valuation Period”) beginning on, and including, the Trading Day immediately after the Expiration Date;

provided, however, that the Conversion Rate will in no event be adjusted down pursuant to this Section 5.05(A)(v), except to the extent provided in the immediately following paragraph. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 5.05(A)(v), if any VWAP Trading Day of the Observation Period for a Note to be converted occurs during the Tender/Exchange Offer Valuation Period for such tender or exchange offer, then, solely for purposes of determining the Conversion Rate for such VWAP Trading Day for such conversion, such Tender/Exchange Offer Valuation Period will be deemed to consist of the Trading Days occurring in the period from, and including, the Trading Day immediately after the Expiration Date for such tender or exchange offer to, and including, such VWAP Trading Day.

 

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To the extent such tender or exchange offer is announced but not consummated (including as a result of the Company being precluded from consummating such tender or exchange offer under applicable law), or any purchases or exchanges of shares of Common Stock in such tender or exchange offer are rescinded, the Conversion Rate will be readjusted to the Conversion Rate that would then be in effect had the adjustment been made on the basis of only the purchases or exchanges of shares of Common Stock, if any, actually made, and not rescinded, in such tender or exchange offer.

(B) No Adjustments in Certain Cases.

(i) Where Holders Participate in the Transaction or Event Without Conversion. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in Section 5.05(A), the Company will not be obligated to adjust the Conversion Rate on account of a transaction or other event otherwise requiring an adjustment pursuant to Section 5.05(A) (other than a stock split or combination of the type set forth in Section 5.05(A)(i) or a tender or exchange offer of the type set forth in Section 5.05(A)(v)) if each Holder participates, at the same time and on the same terms as holders of Common Stock, and solely by virtue of being a Holder of Notes, in such transaction or event without having to convert such Holder’s Notes and as if such Holder held a number of shares of Common Stock equal to the product of (i) the Conversion Rate in effect on the related record date; and (ii) the aggregate principal amount (expressed in thousands) of Notes held by such Holder on such date.

(ii) Certain Events. The Company will not be required to adjust the Conversion Rate except as provided in Section 5.05 or Section 5.07. Without limiting the foregoing, the Company will not be obligated to adjust the Conversion Rate on account of:

(1) except as otherwise provided in Section 5.05, the sale of shares of Common Stock for a purchase price that is less than the market price per share of Common Stock or less than the Conversion Price;

(2) the issuance of any shares of Common Stock pursuant to any present or future plan providing for the reinvestment of dividends or interest payable on the Company’s securities and the investment of additional optional amounts in shares of Common Stock under any such plan;

(3) the issuance of any shares of Common Stock or options or rights to purchase shares of Common Stock pursuant to any present or future employee, director or consultant benefit plan or program of, or assumed by, the Company or any of its Subsidiaries;

(4) the issuance of any shares of Common Stock pursuant to any option, warrant, right or convertible or exchangeable security of the Company outstanding as of the Issue Date;

 

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(5) a third-party tender offer by any party other than a tender offer by one or more of the Company’s Subsidiaries as described in Section 5.05(A)(v);

(6) the repurchase of any shares of Common Stock pursuant to an open market share purchase program or other buy-back transaction, including structured or derivative transactions such as accelerated share repurchase transactions or similar forward derivatives, or other buy-back transaction, in each case that is not a tender offer or exchange offer of the kind described in Section 5.05(A)(v);

(7) solely a change in the par value of the Common Stock; or

(8) accrued and unpaid interest on the Notes.

(C) Adjustment Deferral. If an adjustment to the Conversion Rate otherwise required by this Article 5 would result in a change of less than one percent (1%) to the Conversion Rate, then, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Article 5, the Company may, at its election, defer and carry forward such adjustment, except that all such deferred adjustments must be given effect immediately upon the earliest of the following: (i) when all such deferred adjustments would, had they not been so deferred and carried forward, result in a change of at least one percent (1%) to the Conversion Rate; (ii) the Conversion Date of, or any VWAP Trading Day of an Observation Period for, any Note; (iii) the date a Fundamental Change or Make-Whole Fundamental Change occurs; (iv) the date the Company calls any Notes for Redemption; and (v) October 16, 2028.

(D) Adjustments Not Yet Effective. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Indenture or the Notes, if:

(i) a Note is to be converted pursuant to Combination Settlement;

(ii) the record date, effective date or Expiration Time for any event that requires an adjustment to the Conversion Rate pursuant to Section 5.05(A) has occurred on or before any VWAP Trading Day in the Observation Period for such conversion, but an adjustment to the Conversion Rate for such event has not yet become effective as of such VWAP Trading Day;

(iii) the Conversion Consideration due in respect of such VWAP Trading Day includes any whole or fractional shares of Common Stock; and

(iv) such shares are not entitled to participate in such event (because they were not held on the related record date or otherwise),

then, solely for purposes of such conversion, the Company will, without duplication, give effect to such adjustment on such VWAP Trading Day. In such case, if the date on which the Company is otherwise required to deliver the consideration due upon such conversion is before the first date on which the amount of such adjustment can be determined, then the Company will delay the settlement of such conversion until the second (2nd) Business Day after such first date.

 

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(E) Conversion Rate Adjustments where Converting Holders Participate in the Relevant Transaction or Event. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Indenture or the Notes, if:

(i) a Conversion Rate adjustment for any dividend or distribution becomes effective on any Ex-Dividend Date pursuant to Section 5.05(A);

(ii) a Note is to be converted pursuant to Combination Settlement;

(iii) any VWAP Trading Day in the Observation Period for such conversion occurs on or after such Ex-Dividend Date and on or before the related record date;

(iv) the Conversion Consideration due in respect of such VWAP Trading Day includes any whole or fractional shares of Common Stock based on a Conversion Rate that is adjusted for such dividend or distribution; and

(v) such shares would be entitled to participate in such dividend or distribution (including pursuant to Section 5.02(C)),

then the Conversion Rate adjustment relating to such Ex-Dividend Date will be made for such conversion in respect of such VWAP Trading Day, but the shares of Common Stock issuable with respect to such VWAP Trading Day based on such adjusted Conversion Rate will not be entitled to participate in such dividend or distribution.

(F) Stockholder Rights Plans. If any shares of Common Stock are to be issued upon conversion of any Note and, at the time of such conversion, the Company has in effect any stockholder rights plan, then the Holder of such Note will be entitled to receive, in addition to, and concurrently with the delivery of, the Conversion Consideration otherwise payable under this Indenture upon such conversion, the rights set forth in such stockholder rights plan, unless such rights have separated from the Common Stock at such time, in which case, and only in such case, the Conversion Rate will be adjusted pursuant to Section 5.05(A)(iii)(1) on account of such separation as if, at the time of such separation, the Company had made a distribution of the type referred to in such Section to all holders of the Common Stock, subject to potential readjustment in accordance with the last paragraph of Section 5.05(A)(iii)(1).

(G) Limitation on Effecting Transactions Resulting in Certain Adjustments. The Company will not engage in or be a party to any transaction or event that would require the Conversion Rate to be adjusted pursuant to Section 5.05(A) or Section 5.07 to an amount that would result in the Conversion Price per share of Common Stock being less than the par value per share of Common Stock.

(H) Equitable Adjustments to Prices. Whenever any provision of this Indenture requires the Company to calculate the average of the Last Reported Sale Prices, or any function thereof, over a period of multiple days (including to calculate the Stock Price or an adjustment to the Conversion Rate), or to calculate Daily VWAPs over an Observation Period, the Company will make proportionate adjustments, if any, to such calculations to account for any adjustment to the Conversion Rate pursuant to Section 5.05(A)(i) that becomes effective, or any event requiring such an adjustment to the Conversion Rate where the Ex-Dividend Date or effective date, as applicable, of such event occurs, at any time during such period or Observation Period, as applicable.

 

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(I) Calculation of Number of Outstanding Shares of Common Stock. For purposes of Section 5.05(A), the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding at any time will (i) include shares issuable in respect of scrip certificates issued in lieu of fractions of shares of Common Stock; and (ii) exclude shares of Common Stock held in the Company’s treasury (unless the Company pays any dividend or makes any distribution on shares of Common Stock held in its treasury).

(J) Calculations. All calculations with respect to the Conversion Rate and adjustments thereto will be made to the nearest 1/10,000th of a share of Common Stock (with 5/100,000ths rounded upward).

(K) Notice of Conversion Rate Adjustments. Upon the effectiveness of any adjustment to the Conversion Rate pursuant to Section 5.05(A), the Company will promptly send notice to the Holders, the Trustee and the Conversion Agent containing (i) a brief description of the transaction or other event on account of which such adjustment was made; (ii) the Conversion Rate in effect immediately after such adjustment; and (iii) the effective time of such adjustment.

Section 5.06. VOLUNTARY ADJUSTMENTS.

(A) Generally. To the extent permitted by law and applicable stock exchange rules, the Company, from time to time, may (but is not required to) increase the Conversion Rate by any amount if (i) the Company determines that such increase is either (x) in the best interest of the Company; or (y) advisable to avoid or diminish any income tax imposed on holders of Common Stock or rights to purchase Common Stock as a result of any dividend or distribution of shares (or rights to acquire shares) of Common Stock or any similar event; (ii) such increase is in effect for a period of at least twenty (20) Business Days; and (iii) such increase is irrevocable during such period.

(B) Notice of Voluntary Increases. If the Company determines to increase the Conversion Rate pursuant to Section 5.06(A), then, no later than the first Business Day of the related twenty (20) Business Day period referred to in Section 5.06(A), the Company will send notice to each Holder, the Trustee and the Conversion Agent of such increase, the amount thereof and the period during which such increase will be in effect.

 

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Section 5.07. ADJUSTMENTS TO THE CONVERSION RATE IN CONNECTION WITH A MAKE-WHOLE FUNDAMENTAL CHANGE.

(A) Generally. If a Make-Whole Fundamental Change occurs and the Conversion Date for the conversion of a Note occurs during the related Make-Whole Fundamental Change Conversion Period, then, subject to this Section 5.07, the Conversion Rate applicable to such conversion will be increased by a number of shares (the “Additional Shares”) set forth in the table below corresponding (after interpolation as provided in, and subject to, the provisions below) to the Make-Whole Fundamental Change Effective Date and the Stock Price of such Make-Whole Fundamental Change:

 

     Stock Price  

Make-Whole Fundamental Change Effective
Date

   $29.81      $35.00      $38.01      $45.00      $49.41      $60.00      $75.00      $100.00      $150.00      $200.00  

October 14, 2022

     7.2353        5.0880        4.2076        2.7933        2.1973        1.2883        0.6473        0.2204        0.0147        0.0000  

April 15, 2023

     7.2353        5.0880        4.2076        2.7933        2.1902        1.2687        0.6267        0.2071        0.0119        0.0000  

April 15, 2024

     7.2353        5.0880        4.2076        2.7933        2.1619        1.2143        0.5747        0.1759        0.0069        0.0000  

April 15, 2025

     7.2353        5.0880        4.2076        2.6933        2.0409        1.0940        0.4843        0.1306        0.0015        0.0000  

April 15, 2026

     7.2353        5.0880        4.1102        2.4547        1.8033        0.8965        0.3560        0.0771        0.0000        0.0000  

April 15, 2027

     7.2353        4.8717        3.7280        2.0449        1.4206        0.6165        0.2011        0.0273        0.0000        0.0000  

April 15, 2028

     7.2353        4.1706        2.9461        1.3133        0.7966        0.2515        0.0519        0.0004        0.0000        0.0000  

April 15, 2029

     7.2353        2.2610        0.0000        0.0000        0.0000        0.0000        0.0000        0.0000        0.0000        0.0000  

If such Make-Whole Fundamental Change Effective Date or Stock Price is not set forth in the table above, then:

(i) if such Stock Price is between two Stock Prices in the table above or the Make-Whole Fundamental Change Effective Date is between two dates in the table above, then the number of Additional Shares will be determined by straight-line interpolation between the numbers of Additional Shares set forth for the higher and lower Stock Prices in the table above or the earlier and later dates in the table above, based on a 365- or 366-day year, as applicable; and

(ii) if the Stock Price is greater than $200.00 (subject to adjustment in the same manner as the Stock Prices set forth in the column headings of the table above are adjusted pursuant to Section 5.07(B)), or less than $29.81 (subject to adjustment in the same manner), per share, then no Additional Shares will be added to the Conversion Rate.

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Indenture or the Notes, in no event will the Conversion Rate be increased to an amount that exceeds 33.5457 shares of Common Stock per $1,000 principal amount of Notes, which amount is subject to adjustment in the same manner as, and at the same time and for the same events for which, the Conversion Rate is required to be adjusted pursuant to Section 5.05(A).

For the avoidance of doubt, but subject to Section 4.03(I), (x) the sending of a Redemption Notice will constitute a Make-Whole Fundamental Change only with respect to the Notes called for Redemption pursuant to such Redemption Notice, and not with respect to any other Notes; and (y) the Conversion Rate applicable to the Notes not so called for Redemption will not be subject to increase pursuant to this Section 5.07 on account of such Redemption Notice.

 

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(B) Adjustment of Stock Prices and Number of Additional Shares. The Stock Prices in the first row (i.e., the column headers) of the table set forth in Section 5.07(A) will be adjusted in the same manner as, and at the same time and for the same events for which, the Conversion Price is adjusted as a result of the operation of Section 5.05(A). The numbers of Additional Shares in the table set forth in Section 5.07(A) will be adjusted in the same manner as, and at the same time and for the same events for which, the Conversion Rate is adjusted pursuant to Section 5.05(A).

(C) Notice of the Occurrence of a Make-Whole Fundamental Change. The Company will notify the Holders, the Trustee and the Conversion Agent of each Make-Whole Fundamental Change (i) occurring pursuant to clause (A) of the definition thereof in accordance with Section 5.01(C)(i)(3)(b); and (ii) occurring pursuant to clause (B) of the definition thereof in accordance with Section 4.03(F).

Section 5.08. EXCHANGE IN LIEU OF CONVERSION.

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Article 5, and subject to the terms of this Section 5.08, if a Note is submitted for conversion, the Company may elect to arrange to have such Note exchanged in lieu of conversion by a financial institution designated by the Company. To make such election, the Company must send notice of such election to the Holder of such Note, the Trustee and the Conversion Agent before the Close of Business on the Business Day immediately following the Conversion Date for such Note. If the Company has made such election, then:

(A) no later than the Business Day immediately following such Conversion Date, the Company must deliver (or cause the Conversion Agent to deliver) such Note, together with delivery instructions for the Conversion Consideration due upon such conversion (including wire instructions, if applicable), to a financial institution designated by the Company that has agreed to deliver such Conversion Consideration in the manner and at the time the Company would have had to deliver the same pursuant to this Article 5;

(B) if such Note is a Global Note, then (i) such designated institution will send written confirmation to the Conversion Agent promptly after wiring the cash Conversion Consideration, if any, and delivering any other Conversion Consideration, due upon such conversion to the Holder of such Note; and (ii) the Conversion Agent will as soon as reasonably practicable thereafter contact such Holder’s custodian with the Depositary to confirm receipt of the same; and

(C) such Note will not cease to be outstanding by reason of such exchange in lieu of conversion;

provided, however, that if such financial institution does not accept such Note or fails to timely deliver such Conversion Consideration, then the Company will be responsible for delivering such Conversion Consideration in the manner and at the time provided in this Article 5 as if the Company had not elected to make an exchange in lieu of conversion.

 

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Section 5.09. EFFECT OF COMMON STOCK CHANGE EVENT.

(A) Generally. If there occurs any:

(i) recapitalization, reclassification or change of the Common Stock (other than (x) changes solely resulting from a subdivision or combination of the Common Stock, (y) a change only in par value or from par value to no par value or no par value to par value and (z) stock splits and stock combinations that do not involve the issuance of any other series or class of securities);

(ii) consolidation, merger, combination or binding or statutory share exchange involving the Company;

(iii) sale, lease or other transfer of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, to any Person; or

(iv) other similar event,

and, as a result of which, the Common Stock is converted into, or is exchanged for, or represents solely the right to receive, other securities, cash or other property, or any combination of the foregoing (such an event, a “Common Stock Change Event,” and such other securities, cash or property, the “Reference Property,” and the amount and kind of Reference Property that a holder of one (1) share of Common Stock would be entitled to receive on account of such Common Stock Change Event (without giving effect to any arrangement not to issue or deliver a fractional portion of any security or other property), a “Reference Property Unit”), then, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Indenture or the Notes,

(1) from and after the effective time of such Common Stock Change Event, (I) the Conversion Consideration due upon conversion of any Note, and the conditions to any such conversion, will be determined in the same manner as if each reference to any number of shares of Common Stock in this Article 5 (or in any related definitions) were instead a reference to the same number of Reference Property Units; (II) for purposes of Section 4.03, each reference to any number of shares of Common Stock in such Section (or in any related definitions) will instead be deemed to be a reference to the same number of Reference Property Units; and (III) for purposes of the definitions of “Fundamental Change” and “Make-Whole Fundamental Change,” references to “Common Stock” and the Company’s “common equity” will be deemed to refer to the common equity (including depositary receipts representing common equity), if any, forming part of such Reference Property;

(2) if such Reference Property Unit consists entirely of cash, then (I) each conversion of any Note with a Conversion Date that occurs on or after the effective date of such Common Stock Change Event will be settled entirely in cash in an amount, per $1,000 principal amount of such Note being converted, equal to the product of (x) the Conversion Rate in effect on such Conversion Date (including, for the avoidance of doubt, any increase to such Conversion Rate pursuant to Section 5.07, if applicable); and (y) the amount of cash constituting such Reference Property Unit; and (II) the Company will settle each such conversion no later than the second (2nd) Business Day after the relevant Conversion Date; and

 

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(3) for these purposes, (I) the Daily VWAP of any Reference Property Unit or portion thereof that consists of a class of common equity securities will be determined by reference to the definition of “Daily VWAP,” substituting, if applicable, the Bloomberg page for such class of securities in such definition; and (II) the Daily VWAP of any Reference Property Unit or portion thereof that does not consist of a class of common equity securities, and the Last Reported Sale Price of any Reference Property Unit or portion thereof that does not consist of a class of securities, will be the fair value of such Reference Property Unit or portion thereof, as applicable, determined in good faith and in a commercially reasonable manner by the Company (or, in the case of cash denominated in U.S. dollars, the face amount thereof).

If the Reference Property consists of more than a single type of consideration to be determined based in part upon any form of stockholder election, then the composition of the Reference Property Unit will be deemed to be the weighted average of the types and amounts of consideration actually received, per share of Common Stock, by the holders of Common Stock. The Company will notify Holders, the Trustee and the Conversion Agent of such weighted average as soon as practicable after such determination is made.

At or before the effective time of such Common Stock Change Event, the Company and the resulting, surviving or transferee Person (if not the Company) of such Common Stock Change Event (the “Successor Person”) will execute and deliver to the Trustee a supplemental indenture pursuant to Section 8.01(F), which supplemental indenture will (x) provide for subsequent conversions of Notes in the manner set forth in this Section 5.09; (y) provide for subsequent adjustments to the Conversion Rate pursuant to Section 5.05(A) in a manner consistent with this Section 5.09 (including giving effect, in the reasonable discretion of the Company, to the Dividend Threshold in a manner that preserves the economic interests of the Holders); and (z) contain such other provisions, if any, that the Company reasonably determines are appropriate to preserve the economic interests of the Holders and to give effect to the provisions of this Section 5.09(A). If the Reference Property includes shares of stock or other securities or assets (other than cash) of a Person other than the Successor Person, then such other Person will also execute such supplemental indenture and such supplemental indenture will contain such additional provisions, if any, that the Company reasonably determines are appropriate to preserve the economic interests of the Holders.

(B) Notice of Common Stock Change Events. The Company will provide notice of each Common Stock Change Event to Holders, the Trustee and the Conversion Agent no later than the effective date of such Common Stock Change Event.

(C) Compliance Covenant. The Company will not become a party to any Common Stock Change Event unless its terms are consistent with this Section 5.09.

 

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Section 5.10. RESPONSIBILITY OF TRUSTEE.

The Trustee and any other Note Agent will not at any time be under any duty or responsibility to any Holder to determine the Conversion Rate (or any adjustment thereto) or whether any facts exist that may require any adjustment (including any increase) of the Conversion Rate, or with respect to the nature or extent or calculation of any such adjustment when made, or with respect to the method employed, or herein or in any supplemental indenture provided to be employed, in making the same. The Trustee and any other Conversion Agent will not be accountable with respect to the validity or value (or the kind or amount) of any shares of Common Stock, or of any securities, property or cash that may at any time be issued or delivered upon the conversion of any Note; and the Trustee and any other Conversion Agent make no representations with respect thereto. Neither the Trustee nor any Conversion Agent will be responsible for any failure of the Company to issue, transfer or deliver any shares of Common Stock or stock certificates or other securities or property or cash upon the surrender of any Note for the purpose of conversion or to comply with any of the duties, responsibilities or covenants of the Company contained in this Article. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, neither the Trustee nor any Conversion Agent will be under any responsibility to determine the correctness of any provisions contained in any supplemental indenture entered into pursuant to Section 5.09 relating either to the kind or amount of shares of stock or securities or property (including cash) receivable by Holders upon the conversion of their Notes after any event referred to in such Section 5.09 or to any adjustment to be made with respect thereto, but may accept (without any independent investigation) as conclusive evidence of the correctness of any such provisions, and will be protected in relying upon, the Officer’s Certificate (which the Company will be obligated to deliver to the Trustee prior to the execution of any such supplemental indenture) with respect thereto.

Article 6. SUCCESSORS

Section 6.01. WHEN THE COMPANY MAY MERGE, ETC.

(A) Generally. The Company will not consolidate with or merge with or into, or (directly, or indirectly through one or more of its Subsidiaries) sell, lease or otherwise transfer, in one transaction or a series of transactions, all or substantially all of the assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, to another Person (a “Business Combination Event”), unless:

(i) the resulting, surviving or transferee Person either (x) is the Company or (y) if not the Company, is a corporation (the “Successor Entity”) duly organized and existing under the laws of the United States of America, any State thereof or the District of Columbia that expressly assumes (by executing and delivering to the Trustee, at or before the effective time of such Business Combination Event, a supplemental indenture pursuant to Section 8.01(E)) all of the Company’s obligations under this Indenture and the Notes; and

(ii) immediately after giving effect to such Business Combination Event, no Default or Event of Default will have occurred and be continuing.

 

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(B) Delivery of Officer’s Certificate and Opinion of Counsel to the Trustee. Before the effective time of any Business Combination Event, the Company will deliver to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate and Opinion of Counsel, each stating that (i) such Business Combination Event (and, if applicable, the related supplemental indenture) comply with Section 6.01(A); and (ii) all conditions precedent to such Business Combination Event provided in this Indenture have been satisfied.

Section 6.02. SUCCESSOR ENTITY SUBSTITUTED.

At the effective time of any Business Combination Event that complies with Section 6.01, the Successor Entity (if not the Company) will succeed to, and may exercise every right and power of, the Company under this Indenture and the Notes with the same effect as if such Successor Entity had been named as the Company in this Indenture and the Notes, and, except in the case of a lease, the predecessor Company will be discharged from its obligations under this Indenture and the Notes.

Section 6.03. EXCLUSION FOR ASSET TRANSFERS WITH WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARIES.

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Article 6, this Article 6 will not apply to any transfer of assets between or among the Company and any one or more of its Wholly Owned Subsidiaries not effected by merger or consolidation.

Article 7. DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES

Section 7.01. EVENTS OF DEFAULT.

(A) Definition of Events of Default. “Event of Default” means the occurrence of any of the following:

(i) a default in the payment when due (whether at maturity, upon Redemption or Repurchase Upon Fundamental Change or otherwise) of the principal of, or the Redemption Price or Fundamental Change Repurchase Price for, any Note;

(ii) a default for thirty (30) consecutive days in the payment when due of interest on any Note;

(iii) the Company’s failure to deliver, when required by this Indenture, a Fundamental Change Notice, or a notice pursuant to Section 5.01(C)(i)(3), if (in the case of any notice other than a notice pursuant to Section 5.01(C)(i)(3)) such failure is not cured within five (5) Business Days after its occurrence;

(iv) a default in the Company’s obligation to convert a Note in accordance with Article 5 upon the exercise of the conversion right with respect thereto, if such default is not cured within five (5) Business Days after its occurrence;

(v) a default in the Company’s obligations under Article 6;

 

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(vi) a default in any of the Company’s obligations or agreements under this Indenture or the Notes (other than a default set forth in clause (i), (ii), (iii), (iv) or (v) of this Section 7.01(A)) where such default is not cured or waived within sixty (60) days after notice to the Company by the Trustee, or to the Company and the Trustee by Holders of at least twenty five percent (25%) of the aggregate principal amount of Notes then outstanding, which notice must specify such default, demand that it be remedied and state that such notice is a “Notice of Default”;

(vii) a default by the Company or any of the Company’s Subsidiaries with respect to any one or more mortgages, agreements or other instruments under which there is outstanding, or by which there is secured or evidenced, any indebtedness for money borrowed of at least fifty million dollars ($50,000,000) (or its foreign currency equivalent) in the aggregate of the Company or any of the Company’s Subsidiaries, whether such indebtedness exists as of the Issue Date or is thereafter created, where such default:

(1) constitutes a failure to pay the principal of such indebtedness when due and payable at its stated maturity, upon required repurchase, upon declaration of acceleration or otherwise, in each case after the expiration of any applicable grace period; or

(2) results in such indebtedness becoming or being declared due and payable before its stated maturity,

in each case where such default is not cured or waived or such acceleration is not rescinded or annulled, as the case may be, within thirty (30) days after notice to the Company by the Trustee or to the Company and the Trustee by Holders of at least twenty five percent (25%) of the aggregate principal amount of Notes then outstanding;

(viii) one or more final judgments being rendered against the Company or any of the Company’s Subsidiaries for the payment of at least fifty million dollars ($50,000,000) (or its foreign currency equivalent) in the aggregate (excluding any amounts covered by insurance), where such judgment is not paid, discharged or stayed within sixty (60) days after (i) the date on which the right to appeal the same has expired, if no such appeal has commenced; or (ii) the date on which all rights to appeal have been extinguished;

(ix) the Company or any of its Significant Subsidiaries, pursuant to or within the meaning of any Bankruptcy Law, either:

(1) commences a voluntary case or proceeding;

(2) consents to the entry of an order for relief against it in an involuntary case or proceeding;

(3) consents to the appointment of a custodian of it or for any substantial part of its property;

(4) makes a general assignment for the benefit of its creditors; or

 

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(5) takes any comparable action under any foreign Bankruptcy Law.

(x) a court of competent jurisdiction enters an order or decree under any Bankruptcy Law that either:

(1) is for relief against the Company or any of its Significant Subsidiaries in an involuntary case or proceeding;

(2) appoints a custodian of the Company or any of its Significant Subsidiaries, or for any substantial part of the property of the Company or any of its Significant Subsidiaries;

(3) orders the winding up or liquidation of the Company or any of its Significant Subsidiaries; or

(4) grants any similar relief under any foreign Bankruptcy Law,

and, in each case under this Section 7.01(A)(x), such order or decree remains unstayed and in effect for at least sixty (60) days.

(B) Cause Irrelevant. Each of the events set forth in Section 7.01(A) will constitute an Event of Default regardless of the cause thereof or whether voluntary or involuntary or effected by operation of law or pursuant to any judgment, decree or order of any court or any order, rule or regulation of any administrative or governmental body.

Section 7.02. ACCELERATION.

(A) Automatic Acceleration in Certain Circumstances. If an Event of Default set forth in Section 7.01(A)(ix) or 7.01(A)(x) occurs with respect to the Company (and not solely with respect to a Significant Subsidiary of the Company), then the principal amount of, and all accrued and unpaid interest on, all of the Notes then outstanding will immediately become due and payable without any further action or notice by any Person.

(B) Optional Acceleration. Subject to Section 7.03, if an Event of Default (other than an Event of Default set forth in Section 7.01(A)(ix) or 7.01(A)(x) with respect to the Company and not solely with respect to a Significant Subsidiary of the Company) occurs and is continuing, then the Trustee, by notice to the Company, or Holders of at least twenty five percent (25%) of the aggregate principal amount of Notes then outstanding, by notice to the Company and the Trustee, may declare the principal amount of, and all accrued and unpaid interest on, all of the Notes then outstanding to become due and payable immediately.

(C) Rescission of Acceleration. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Indenture or the Notes, the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding, by notice to the Company and the Trustee, may, on behalf of all Holders, rescind any acceleration of the Notes and its consequences if (i) such rescission would not conflict with any judgment or decree of a court of competent jurisdiction; and (ii) all existing Events of Default (except the non-payment of principal of, or interest on, the Notes that has become due solely because of such acceleration) have been cured or waived. No such rescission will affect any subsequent Default or impair any right consequent thereto.

 

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Section 7.03. SOLE REMEDY FOR A FAILURE TO REPORT.

(A) Generally. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Indenture or the Notes, the Company may elect that the sole remedy for any Event of Default (a “Reporting Event of Default”) pursuant to Section 7.01(A)(vi) arising from the Company’s failure to comply with Section 3.02 will, for each of the first three hundred sixty five (365) calendar days on which a Reporting Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, consist exclusively of the accrual of Special Interest on the Notes. If the Company has made such an election, then (i) the Notes will be subject to acceleration pursuant to Section 7.02 on account of the relevant Reporting Event of Default from, and including, the three hundred sixty sixth (366th) calendar day on which a Reporting Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or if the Company fails to pay any accrued and unpaid Special Interest when due; and (ii) Special Interest will cease to accrue on any Notes from, and including, such three hundred sixty sixth (366th) calendar day (it being understood that interest on any defaulted Special Interest will nonetheless accrue pursuant to Section 2.05(B)).

(B) Amount and Payment of Special Interest. Any Special Interest that accrues on a Note pursuant to Section 7.03(A) will be payable on the same dates and in the same manner as the Stated Interest on such Note and will accrue at a rate per annum equal to one quarter of one percent (0.25%) of the principal amount thereof for the first one hundred eighty (180) days on which Special Interest accrues and, thereafter, at a rate per annum equal to one half of one percent (0.50%) of the principal amount thereof; provided, however, that in no event will Special Interest, together with any Additional Interest, accrue on any day on a Note at a combined rate per annum that exceeds one half of one percent (0.50%). For the avoidance of doubt, any Special Interest that accrues on a Note will be in addition to the Stated Interest that accrues on such Note and, subject to the proviso of the immediately preceding sentence, in addition to any Additional Interest that accrues on such Note.

(C) Notice of Election. To make the election set forth in Section 7.03(A), the Company must send to the Holders, the Trustee and the Paying Agent, before the date on which each Reporting Event of Default first occurs, a notice that (i) briefly describes the report(s) that the Company failed to file with the SEC; (ii) states that the Company is electing that the sole remedy for such Reporting Event of Default consist of the accrual of Special Interest; and (iii) briefly describes the periods during which and rate at which Special Interest will accrue and the circumstances under which the Notes will be subject to acceleration on account of such Reporting Event of Default.

(D) Notice to Trustee and Paying Agent; Trustee’s Disclaimer. If Special Interest accrues on any Note, then, no later than five (5) Business Days before each date on which such Special Interest is to be paid, the Company will deliver an Officer’s Certificate to the Trustee and the Paying Agent stating (i) that the Company is obligated to pay Special Interest on such Note on such date of payment; and (ii) the amount of such Special Interest that is payable on such date of payment. The Trustee will have no duty to determine whether any Special Interest is payable or the amount thereof.

 

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(E) No Effect on Other Events of Default. No election pursuant to this Section 7.03 with respect to a Reporting Event of Default will affect the rights of any Holder with respect to any other Event of Default, including with respect to any other Reporting Event of Default.

Section 7.04. OTHER REMEDIES.

(A) Trustee May Pursue All Remedies. If an Event of Default occurs and is continuing, then the Trustee may pursue any available remedy to collect the payment of any amounts due with respect to the Notes or to enforce the performance of any provision of this Indenture or the Notes.

(B) Procedural Matters. The Trustee may maintain a proceeding even if it does not possess any of the Notes or does not produce any of them in such proceeding. A delay or omission by the Trustee or any Holder in exercising any right or remedy following an Event of Default will not impair the right or remedy or constitute a waiver of, or acquiescence in, such Event of Default. All remedies will be cumulative to the extent permitted by law.

Section 7.05. WAIVER OF PAST DEFAULTS.

An Event of Default pursuant to clause (i), (ii), (iv) or (vi) of Section 7.01(A) (that, in the case of clause (vi) only, results from a Default under any covenant that cannot be amended without the consent of each affected Holder), and a Default that could lead to such an Event of Default, can be waived only with the consent of each affected Holder. Each other Default or Event of Default may be waived, on behalf of all Holders, by the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding. If an Event of Default is so waived, then it will cease to exist. If a Default is so waived, then it will be deemed to be cured and any Event of Default arising therefrom will be deemed not to occur. However, no such waiver will extend to any subsequent or other Default or Event of Default or impair any right arising therefrom.

Section 7.06. CONTROL BY MAJORITY.

Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding may direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for exercising any remedy available to the Trustee or exercising any trust or power conferred on it. However, the Trustee may refuse to follow any direction that conflicts with law, this Indenture or the Notes, or that, subject to Section 10.01, the Trustee determines may be unduly prejudicial to the rights of other Holders or may involve the Trustee in liability, unless the Trustee is offered and if requested, provided security and indemnity satisfactory to the Trustee against any loss, liability or expense to the Trustee that may result from the Trustee’s following such direction (it being understood that the Trustee does not have an affirmative duty to determine whether any direction is prejudicial to any Holder).

 

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Section 7.07. LIMITATION ON SUITS.

No Holder may pursue any remedy with respect to this Indenture or the Notes (except to enforce (x) its rights to receive the principal of, or the Fundamental Change Repurchase Price or Redemption Price for, or any interest on, any Notes; or (y) the Company’s obligations to convert any Notes pursuant to Article 5), unless:

(A) such Holder has previously delivered to the Trustee notice that an Event of Default is continuing;

(B) Holders of at least twenty five percent (25%) in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding deliver a written request to the Trustee to pursue such remedy;

(C) such Holder or Holders offer and, if requested, provide to the Trustee security and indemnity satisfactory to the Trustee against any loss, liability or expense to the Trustee that may result from the Trustee’s following such request;

(D) the Trustee does not comply with such request within sixty (60) calendar days after its receipt of such request and such offer of security or indemnity; and

(E) during such sixty (60) calendar day period, Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding do not deliver to the Trustee a direction that is inconsistent with such request.

A Holder of a Note may not use this Indenture to prejudice the rights of another Holder or to obtain a preference or priority over another Holder. The Trustee will have no duty to determine whether any Holder’s use of this Indenture complies with the preceding sentence.

Section 7.08. ABSOLUTE RIGHT OF HOLDERS TO INSTITUTE SUIT FOR THE ENFORCEMENT OF THE RIGHT TO RECEIVE PAYMENT AND CONVERSION CONSIDERATION.

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Indenture or the Notes (but without limiting Section 8.01), the right of each Holder of a Note to bring suit for the enforcement of any payment or delivery, as applicable, of the principal of, or the Fundamental Change Repurchase Price or Redemption Price for, or any interest on, or the Conversion Consideration due pursuant to Article 5 upon conversion of, such Note on or after the respective due dates therefor provided in this Indenture and the Notes, will not be impaired or affected without the consent of such Holder.

Section 7.09. COLLECTION SUIT BY TRUSTEE.

The Trustee will have the right, upon the occurrence and continuance of an Event of Default pursuant to clause (i), (ii) or (iv) of Section 7.01(A), to recover judgment in its own name and as trustee of an express trust against the Company for the total unpaid or undelivered principal of, or Fundamental Change Repurchase Price or Redemption Price for, or any interest on, or Conversion Consideration due pursuant to Article 5 upon conversion of, the Notes, as applicable, and, to the extent lawful, any Default Interest on any Defaulted Amounts, and such further amounts sufficient to cover the costs and expenses of collection, including compensation provided for in Section 10.06.

 

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Section 7.10. TRUSTEE MAY FILE PROOFS OF CLAIM.

The Trustee has the right to (A) file such proofs of claim and other papers or documents as may be necessary or advisable in order to have the claims of the Trustee and the Holders allowed in any judicial proceedings relative to the Company (or any other obligor upon the Notes) or its creditors or property and (B) collect, receive and distribute any money or other property payable or deliverable on any such claims. Each Holder authorizes any custodian in such proceeding to make such payments to the Trustee, and, if the Trustee consents to the making of such payments directly to the Holders, to pay to the Trustee any amount due to the Trustee for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, and its agents and counsel, and any other amounts payable to the Trustee pursuant to Section 10.06. To the extent that the payment of any such compensation, expenses, disbursements, advances and other amounts out of the estate in such proceeding, is denied for any reason, payment of the same will be secured by a lien on, and will be paid out of, any and all distributions, dividends, money, securities and other properties that the Holders may be entitled to receive in such proceeding (whether in liquidation or under any plan of reorganization or arrangement or otherwise). Nothing in this Indenture will be deemed to authorize the Trustee to authorize, consent to, accept or adopt on behalf of any Holder any plan of reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition affecting the Notes or the rights of any Holder, or to authorize the Trustee to vote in respect of the claim of any Holder in any such proceeding.

Section 7.11. PRIORITIES.

The Trustee will pay or deliver in the following order any money or other property that it collects pursuant to this Article 7:

First: to the Trustee, the other Note Agents and each of their agents and attorneys for amounts due under Section 10.06, including payment of all fees, compensation, expenses and liabilities incurred, and all advances made, by the Trustee and the costs and expenses of collection;

Second: to Holders for unpaid amounts or other property due on the Notes, including the principal of, or the Fundamental Change Repurchase Price or Redemption Price for, or any interest on, or any Conversion Consideration due upon conversion of, the Notes, ratably, and without preference or priority of any kind, according to such amounts or other property due and payable on all of the Notes; and

Third: to the Company or such other Person as a court of competent jurisdiction directs.

The Trustee may fix a record date and payment date for any payment or delivery to the Holders pursuant to this Section 7.11, in which case the Trustee will instruct the Company to, and the Company will, deliver, at least fifteen (15) calendar days before such record date, to each Holder and the Trustee a notice stating such record date, such payment date and the amount of such payment or nature of such delivery, as applicable.

 

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Section 7.12. UNDERTAKING FOR COSTS.

In any suit for the enforcement of any right or remedy under this Indenture or the Notes or in any suit against the Trustee for any action taken or omitted by it as Trustee, a court, in its discretion, may (A) require the filing by any litigant party in such suit of an undertaking to pay the costs of such suit; and (B) assess reasonable costs (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) against any litigant party in such suit, having due regard to the merits and good faith of the claims or defenses made by such litigant party; provided, however, that this Section 7.12 does not apply to any suit by the Trustee, any suit by a Holder pursuant to Section 7.08 or any suit by one or more Holders of more than ten percent (10%) in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding.

Article 8. AMENDMENTS, SUPPLEMENTS AND WAIVERS

Section 8.01. WITHOUT THE CONSENT OF HOLDERS.

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in Section 8.02, the Company and the Trustee may amend or supplement this Indenture or the Notes without the consent of any Holder to:

(A) cure any ambiguity or correct any omission, defect or inconsistency in this Indenture or the Notes;

(B) add guarantees with respect to the Company’s obligations under this Indenture or the Notes;

(C) secure the Notes;

(D) add to the Company’s covenants or Events of Default for the benefit of the Holders or surrender any right or power conferred on the Company;

(E) provide for the assumption of the Company’s obligations under this Indenture and the Notes pursuant to, and in compliance with, Article 6;

(F) enter into supplemental indentures pursuant to, and in accordance with, Section 5.09 in connection with a Common Stock Change Event;

(G) irrevocably elect or eliminate any Settlement Method or Specified Dollar Amount; provided, however, that (i) no such election or elimination will affect any Settlement Method theretofore elected (or deemed to be elected) with respect to any Note pursuant to Section 5.03(A); and (ii) such irrevocable election or elimination can in no event result in a Specified Dollar Amount of less than $1,000 per $1,000 principal amount of Notes applying to the conversion of any Note;

(H) evidence or provide for the acceptance of the appointment, under this Indenture, of a successor Trustee;

(I) conform the provisions of this Indenture and the Notes to the “Description of Notes” section of the Company’s preliminary offering memorandum, dated October 11, 2022, as supplemented by the related pricing term sheet, dated October 11, 2022;

 

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(J) provide for or confirm the issuance of additional Notes pursuant to Section 2.03(B);

(K) comply with any requirement of the SEC in connection with any qualification of this Indenture or any supplemental indenture under the Trust Indenture Act, as then in effect; or

(L) make any other change to this Indenture or the Notes that does not, individually or in the aggregate with all other such changes, adversely affect the rights of the Holders, as such, in any material respect.

At the written request of any Holder of a Note or owner of a beneficial interest in a Global Note, the Company will provide a copy of the “Description of Notes” section and pricing term sheet referred to in Section 8.01(I).

Section 8.02. WITH THE CONSENT OF HOLDERS.

(A) Generally. Subject to Sections 8.01, 7.05 and 7.08 and the immediately following sentence, the Company and the Trustee may, with the consent of the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding, amend or supplement this Indenture or the Notes or waive compliance with any provision of this Indenture or the Notes. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the foregoing sentence, but subject to Section 8.01, without the consent of each affected Holder, no amendment or supplement to this Indenture or the Notes, or waiver of any provision of this Indenture or the Notes, may:

(i) reduce the principal, or change the stated maturity, of any Note;

(ii) reduce the Redemption Price or Fundamental Change Repurchase Price for any Note or change the times at which, or the circumstances under which, the Notes may or will be redeemed or repurchased by the Company;

(iii) reduce the rate, or extend the time for the payment, of interest on any Note;

(iv) make any change that adversely affects the conversion rights of any Note;

(v) impair the rights of any Holder set forth in Section 7.08 (as such section is in effect on the Issue Date);

(vi) change the ranking of the Notes;

(vii) make any Note payable in money, or at a place of payment, other than that stated in this Indenture or the Note;

(viii) reduce the amount of Notes whose Holders must consent to any amendment, supplement, waiver or other modification; or

 

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(ix) make any direct or indirect change to any amendment, supplement, waiver or modification provision of this Indenture or the Notes that requires the consent of each affected Holder.

For the avoidance of doubt, pursuant to clauses (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv) of this Section 8.02(A), no amendment or supplement to this Indenture or the Notes, or waiver of any provision of this Indenture or the Notes, may change the amount or type of consideration due on any Note (whether on an Interest Payment Date, Redemption Date, Fundamental Change Repurchase Date or the Maturity Date or upon conversion, or otherwise), or the date(s) or time(s) such consideration is payable or deliverable, as applicable, without the consent of each affected Holder.

(B) Holders Need Not Approve the Particular Form of any Amendment. A consent of any Holder pursuant to this Section 8.02 need approve only the substance, and not necessarily the particular form, of the proposed amendment, supplement or waiver.

Section 8.03. NOTICE OF AMENDMENTS, SUPPLEMENTS AND WAIVERS.

As soon as reasonably practicable after any amendment, supplement or waiver pursuant to Section 8.01 or 8.02 becomes effective, the Company will send to the Holders and the Trustee notice that (A) describes the substance of such amendment, supplement or waiver in reasonable detail and (B) states the effective date thereof; provided, however, that the Company will not be required to provide such notice to the Holders if such amendment, supplement or waiver is included in a periodic report filed by the Company with the SEC within four (4) Business Days of its effectiveness. The failure to send, or the existence of any defect in, such notice will not impair or affect the validity of such amendment, supplement or waiver.

Section 8.04. REVOCATION, EFFECT AND SOLICITATION OF CONSENTS; SPECIAL RECORD DATES; ETC.

(A) Revocation and Effect of Consents. The consent of a Holder of a Note to an amendment, supplement or waiver will bind (and constitute the consent of) each subsequent Holder of any Note to the extent the same evidences any portion of the same indebtedness as the consenting Holder’s Note, subject to the right of any Holder of a Note to revoke (if not prohibited pursuant to Section 8.04(B)) any such consent with respect to such Note by delivering notice of revocation to the Trustee before the time such amendment, supplement or waiver becomes effective.

(B) Special Record Dates. The Company may, but is not required to, fix a record date for the purpose of determining the Holders entitled to consent or take any other action in connection with any amendment, supplement or waiver pursuant to this Article 8. If a record date is fixed, then, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in Section 8.04(A), only Persons who are Holders as of such record date (or their duly designated proxies) will be entitled to give such consent, to revoke any consent previously given or to take any such action, regardless of whether such Persons continue to be Holders after such record date; provided, however, that no such consent will be valid or effective for more than one hundred and twenty (120) calendar days after such record date.

 

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(C) Solicitation of Consents. For the avoidance of doubt, each reference in this Indenture or the Notes to the consent of a Holder will be deemed to include any such consent obtained in connection with a repurchase of, or tender or exchange offer for, any Notes.

(D) Effectiveness and Binding Effect. Each amendment, supplement or waiver pursuant to this Article 8 will become effective in accordance with its terms and, when it becomes effective with respect to any Note (or any portion thereof), will thereafter bind every Holder of such Note (or such portion).

Section 8.05. NOTATIONS AND EXCHANGES.

If any amendment, supplement or waiver changes the terms of a Note, then the Trustee or the Company may, in its discretion, require the Holder of such Note to deliver such Note to the Trustee so that the Trustee may place an appropriate notation prepared by the Company on such Note and return such Note to such Holder. Alternatively, at its discretion, the Company may, in exchange for such Note, issue, execute and deliver, and the Trustee will authenticate, in each case in accordance with Section 2.02, a new Note that reflects the changed terms. The failure to make any appropriate notation or issue a new Note pursuant to this Section 8.05 will not impair or affect the validity of such amendment, supplement or waiver.

Section 8.06. TRUSTEE TO EXECUTE SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES.

The Trustee will execute and deliver any amendment or supplemental indenture authorized pursuant to this Article 8; provided, however, that the Trustee need not (but may, in its sole and absolute discretion) execute or deliver any such amendment or supplemental indenture that adversely affects the Trustee’s rights, duties, liabilities or immunities. In executing any amendment or supplemental indenture, the Trustee will be entitled to receive, and (subject to Sections 10.01 and 10.02) will be fully protected in relying on, an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel stating that (A) the execution and delivery of such amendment or supplemental indenture is authorized or permitted by this Indenture; and (B) in the case of the Opinion of Counsel, such amendment or supplemental indenture is valid, binding and enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms.

Article 9. SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE

Section 9.01. TERMINATION OF COMPANYS OBLIGATIONS.

This Indenture will be discharged, and will cease to be of further effect as to all Notes issued under this Indenture, when:

(A) all Notes then outstanding (other than Notes replaced pursuant to Section 2.13) have (i) been delivered to the Trustee for cancellation; or (ii) become due and payable (whether on a Redemption Date, a Fundamental Change Repurchase Date, the Maturity Date, upon conversion or otherwise) for an amount of cash or Conversion Consideration, as applicable, that has been fixed;

 

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(B) the Company has caused there to be irrevocably deposited with the Trustee, or with the Paying Agent (or, with respect to Conversion Consideration, the Conversion Agent), in each case for the benefit of the Holders, or has otherwise caused there to be delivered to the Holders, cash (or, with respect to Notes to be converted, Conversion Consideration) sufficient to satisfy all amounts or other property due on all Notes then outstanding (other than Notes replaced pursuant to Section 2.13);

(C) the Company has paid all other amounts payable by it under this Indenture; and

(D) the Company has delivered to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that the conditions precedent to the discharge of this Indenture have been satisfied;

provided, however, that Article 10 and Section 11.01 will survive such discharge and, until no Notes remain outstanding, Section 2.15 and the obligations of the Trustee, the Paying Agent and the Conversion Agent with respect to money or other property deposited with them will survive such discharge.

At the Company’s request, the Trustee will acknowledge the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture.

Section 9.02. REPAYMENT TO COMPANY.

Subject to applicable unclaimed property law, the Trustee, the Paying Agent and the Conversion Agent will promptly notify the Company if there exists (and, at the Company’s request, promptly deliver to the Company) any cash, Conversion Consideration or other property held by any of them for payment or delivery on the Notes that remain unclaimed two (2) years after the date on which such payment or delivery was due. After such delivery to the Company, the Trustee, the Paying Agent and the Conversion Agent will have no further liability to any Holder with respect to such cash, Conversion Consideration or other property, and Holders entitled to the payment or delivery of such cash, Conversion Consideration or other property must look to the Company for payment as a general creditor of the Company.

Section 9.03. REINSTATEMENT.

If the Trustee, the Paying Agent or the Conversion Agent is unable to apply any cash or other property deposited with it pursuant to Section 9.01 because of any legal proceeding or any order or judgment of any court or other governmental authority that enjoins, restrains or otherwise prohibits such application, then the discharge of this Indenture pursuant to Section 9.01 will be rescinded; provided, however, that if the Company thereafter pays or delivers any cash or other property due on the Notes to the Holders thereof, then the Company will be subrogated to the rights of such Holders to receive such cash or other property from the cash or other property, if any, held by the Trustee, the Paying Agent or the Conversion Agent, as applicable.

 

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Article 10. TRUSTEE

Section 10.01. DUTIES OF THE TRUSTEE.

(A) If an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Trustee will exercise such of the rights and powers vested in it by this Indenture, and use the same degree of care and skill in its exercise, as a prudent person would exercise or use under the circumstances in the conduct of such person’s own affairs.

(B) Except during the continuance of an Event of Default:

(i) the duties of the Trustee will be determined solely by the express provisions of this Indenture, and the Trustee need perform only those duties that are specifically set forth in this Indenture and no others, and no implied covenants or obligations will be read into this Indenture against the Trustee; and

(ii) in the absence of gross negligence or willful misconduct on its part, the Trustee may conclusively rely, as to the truth of the statements and the correctness of the opinions expressed therein, upon any certificate or opinions that are provided to the Trustee and conform to the requirements of this Indenture. However, the Trustee will examine the certificates and opinions to determine whether or not they conform to the requirements of this Indenture.

(C) The Trustee may not be relieved from liabilities for its gross negligence or willful misconduct, except that:

(i) this paragraph will not limit the effect of Section 10.01(B);

(ii) the Trustee will not be liable for any error of judgment made in good faith by a Responsible Officer, unless it is proved that the Trustee was negligent in ascertaining the pertinent facts; and

(iii) the Trustee will not be liable with respect to any action it takes or omits to take in good faith in accordance with a direction received by it pursuant to Section 7.06.

(D) Each provision of this Indenture that in any way relates to the Trustee is subject to clauses (A), (B), (C) and (E) of this Section 10.01, regardless of whether such provision so expressly provides.

(E) No provision of this Indenture will require the Trustee to expend or risk its own funds or incur any liability.

(F) The Trustee will not be liable for interest on any money received by it, except as the Trustee may agree in writing with the Company. Money held in trust by the Trustee need not be segregated from other funds, except to the extent required by law.

 

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Section 10.02. RIGHTS OF THE TRUSTEE.

(A) The Trustee may conclusively rely on any document that it believes to be genuine and signed or presented by the proper Person, and the Trustee need not investigate any fact or matter stated in such document.

(B) Before the Trustee acts or refrains from acting, it may require an Officer’s Certificate, an Opinion of Counsel or both. The Trustee will not be liable for any action it takes or omits to take in good faith in reliance on such Officer’s Certificate or Opinion of Counsel. The Trustee may consult with counsel; and the advice of such counsel, or any Opinion of Counsel, will constitute full and complete authorization of the Trustee to take or omit to take any action in good faith in reliance thereon without liability.

(C) The Trustee may act through its attorneys and agents and will not be responsible for the misconduct or negligence of any such agent appointed with due care.

(D) The Trustee will not be liable for any action it takes or omits to take in good faith and that it believes to be authorized or within the rights or powers vested in it by this Indenture.

(E) Unless otherwise specifically provided in this Indenture, any demand, request, direction or notice from the Company will be sufficient if signed by an Officer of the Company.

(F) The Trustee need not exercise any rights or powers vested in it by this Indenture at the request or direction of any Holder unless such Holder has offered the Trustee and if requested, provided security or indemnity satisfactory to the Trustee against any loss, liability or expense that it may incur in complying with such request or direction.

(G) The Trustee will not be responsible or liable for any punitive, special, indirect or consequential loss or damage (including lost profits), even if the Trustee has been advised of the likelihood of such loss or damage and regardless of the form of action.

(H) The permissive rights of the Trustee set forth in this Indenture will not be construed as duties imposed on the Trustee.

(I) The Trustee will not be required to give any bond or surety in respect of the execution or performance of this Indenture or otherwise.

(J) The Trustee will not be deemed to have notice of any Default or Event of Default unless written notice of any event that is a Default or Event of Default is received by a Responsible Officer pursuant to Section 11.01, and such notice references the Notes and this Indenture and states that it is a “Notice of Default”.

(K) The rights, privileges, protections, immunities and benefits given to the Trustee, including its right to be indemnified, are extended to, and will be enforceable by, the Trustee in each of its capacities under this Indenture.

 

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Section 10.03. INDIVIDUAL RIGHTS OF THE TRUSTEE.

The Trustee, in its individual or any other capacity, may become the owner or pledgee of any Note and may otherwise deal with the Company or any of its Affiliates with the same rights that it would have if it were not Trustee; provided, however, that if the Trustee acquires a “conflicting interest” (within the meaning of Section 310(b) of the Trust Indenture Act), then it must eliminate such conflict within ninety (90) days or resign as Trustee. Each Note Agent will have the same rights and duties as the Trustee under this Section 10.03.

Section 10.04. TRUSTEES DISCLAIMER.

The Trustee will not be (A) responsible for, and makes no representation as to, the validity or adequacy of this Indenture or the Notes; (B) accountable for the Company’s use of the proceeds from the Notes or any money paid to the Company or upon the Company’s direction under any provision of this Indenture; (C) responsible for the use or application of any money received by any Paying Agent other than the Trustee; and (D) responsible for any statement or recital in this Indenture, the Notes or any other document relating to the sale of the Notes or this Indenture, other than the Trustee’s certificate of authentication.

Section 10.05. NOTICE OF DEFAULTS.

If a Default or Event of Default occurs and is continuing and is actually known to a Responsible Officer of the Trustee, then the Trustee will send Holders a notice of such Default or Event of Default within ninety (90) days after it occurs or, if it is not actually known to a Responsible Officer of the Trustee at such time, promptly (and in any event within ten (10) Business Days) after it becomes actually known to a Responsible Officer of the Trustee; provided, however, that, except in the case of a Default or Event of Default in the payment of the principal of, or interest on, any Note, the Trustee may withhold such notice if and for so long as it in good faith determines that withholding such notice is in the interests of the Holders.

Section 10.06. COMPENSATION AND INDEMNITY.

(A) The Company will, from time to time, pay the Trustee compensation for its acceptance of this Indenture and services under this Indenture as the Company and the Trustee will from time to time agree in writing. The Trustee’s compensation will not be limited by any law on compensation of a trustee of an express trust. In addition to the compensation for the Trustee’s services, the Company will reimburse the Trustee promptly upon request for all reasonable disbursements, advances and expenses incurred or made by it under this Indenture, including the reasonable compensation, disbursements and expenses of the Trustee’s agents and counsel.

(B) The Company will indemnify the Trustee and its directors, officers, employees and agents against any and all losses, liabilities or expenses (including attorney’s fees and expenses) incurred by it arising out of or in connection with the acceptance or administration of its duties under this Indenture, including the costs and expenses of enforcing this Indenture against the Company (including this Section 10.06) and defending itself against any claim (whether asserted by the Company, any Holder or any other Person) or liability in connection

 

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with the exercise or performance of any of its powers or duties under this Indenture, except to the extent any such loss, liability or expense is attributable to its gross negligence or willful misconduct (as determined by a final non-appealable order of a court of competent jurisdiction). The Trustee will promptly notify the Company of any claim for which it may seek indemnity, but the Trustee’s failure to so notify the Company will not relieve the Company of its obligations under this Section 10.06(B). The Company will defend such claim, and the Trustee will cooperate in such defense. If the Trustee is advised by counsel that it may have defenses available to it that are in conflict with the defenses available to the Company, or that there is an actual or potential conflict of interest, then the Trustee may retain separate counsel, and the Company will pay the reasonable fees and expenses of such counsel (including the reasonable fees and expenses of counsel to the Trustee incurred in evaluating whether such a conflict exists). The Company need not pay for any settlement of any such claim made without its consent, which consent will not be unreasonably withheld.

(C) The obligations of the Company under this Section 10.06 will survive the resignation or removal of the Trustee and the discharge of this Indenture.

(D) To secure the Company’s payment obligations in this Section 10.06, the Trustee will have a lien prior to the Notes on all money or property held or collected by the Trustee, except that held in trust to pay principal of, or interest on, particular Notes, which lien will survive the discharge of this Indenture.

(E) If the Trustee incurs expenses or renders services after an Event of Default pursuant to clause (ix) or (x) of Section 7.01(A) occurs, then such expenses and the compensation for such services (including the fees and expenses of its agents and counsel) are intended to constitute expenses of administration under any Bankruptcy Law.

Section 10.07. REPLACEMENT OF THE TRUSTEE.

(A) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 10.07, a resignation or removal of the Trustee, and the appointment of a successor Trustee, will become effective only upon such successor Trustee’s acceptance of appointment as provided in this Section 10.07.

(B) The Trustee may resign at any time and be discharged from the trust created by this Indenture by so notifying the Company. The Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding may remove the Trustee by so notifying the Trustee and the Company in writing with thirty (30) days prior notice. The Company may remove the Trustee if:

(i) the Trustee fails to comply with Section 10.09;

(ii) the Trustee is adjudged to be bankrupt or insolvent or an order for relief is entered with respect to the Trustee under any Bankruptcy Law;

(iii) a custodian or public officer takes charge of the Trustee or its property; or

(iv) the Trustee becomes incapable of acting.

 

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(C) If the Trustee resigns or is removed, or if a vacancy exists in the office of the Trustee for any reason, then (i) the Company will promptly appoint a successor Trustee; and (ii) at any time within one (1) year after the successor Trustee takes office, the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding may appoint a successor Trustee to replace such successor Trustee appointed by the Company.

(D) If a successor Trustee does not take office within thirty (30) days after the retiring Trustee resigns or is removed, then the retiring Trustee, the Company or the Holders of at least ten percent (10%) in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding may petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Trustee.

(E) If the Trustee, after written request by a Holder of at least six (6) months, fails to comply with Section 10.09, then such Holder may petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the removal of the Trustee and the appointment of a successor Trustee.

(F) A successor Trustee will deliver a written acceptance of its appointment to the retiring Trustee and to the Company, upon which notice the resignation or removal of the retiring Trustee will become effective and the successor Trustee will have all the rights, powers and duties of the Trustee under this Indenture. The successor Trustee will send notice of its succession to Holders. The retiring Trustee will, upon payment of all amounts due to it under this Indenture, promptly transfer all property held by it as Trustee to the successor Trustee, which property will, for the avoidance of doubt, be subject to the lien provided for in Section 10.06(D).

Section 10.08. SUCCESSOR TRUSTEE BY MERGER, ETC.

If the Trustee consolidates, merges or converts into, or transfers all or substantially all of its corporate trust business to, another corporation, then such corporation will become the successor Trustee without any further act.

Section 10.09. ELIGIBILITY; DISQUALIFICATION.

There will at all times be a Trustee under this Indenture that is a corporation organized and doing business under the laws of the United States of America or of any state thereof, that is authorized under such laws to exercise corporate trustee power, that is subject to supervision or examination by federal or state authorities and that has a combined capital and surplus of at least $100.0 million as set forth in its most recent published annual report of condition.

 

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Article 11. MISCELLANEOUS

Section 11.01. NOTICES.

Any notice or communication by the Company or the Trustee to the other will be deemed to have been duly given if in writing and delivered in person or by first class mail (registered or certified, return receipt requested), facsimile transmission, electronic transmission or other similar means of unsecured electronic communication or overnight air courier guaranteeing next day delivery, or to the other’s address, which initially is as follows:

If to the Company:

Northern Oil and Gas, Inc.

4350 Baker Road, Suite 400

Minnetonka, Minnesota 55343

Attention: Chief Financial Officer

with a copy (which will not constitute notice) to:

Kirkland & Ellis LLP

609 Main Street

Houston, Texas 77002

Attention: Matthew Pacey; Bryan Flannery

If to the Trustee:

Wilmington Trust, National Association

1100 North Market Street

Wilmington, Delaware 19890

Attention: Northern Oil and Gas Administrator

The Company or the Trustee, by notice to the other, may designate additional or different addresses (including facsimile numbers and electronic addresses) for subsequent notices or communications.

All notices and communications (other than those sent to Holders) will be deemed to have been duly given: (A) at the time delivered by hand, if personally delivered; (B) five (5) Business Days after being deposited in the mail, postage prepaid, if mailed; (C) when receipt acknowledged, if transmitted by facsimile, electronic transmission or other similar means of unsecured electronic communication; and (D) the next Business Day after timely delivery to the courier, if sent by overnight air courier guaranteeing next day delivery.

All notices or communications required to be made to a Holder pursuant to this Indenture must be made in writing and will be deemed to be duly sent or given in writing if mailed by first class mail, certified or registered, return receipt requested, or by overnight air courier guaranteeing next day delivery, to its address shown on the Register; provided, however, that a notice or communication to a Holder of a Global Note may, but need not, instead be sent

 

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pursuant to the Depositary Procedures (in which case, such notice will be deemed to be duly sent or given in writing). The failure to send a notice or communication to a Holder, or any defect in such notice or communication, will not affect its sufficiency with respect to any other Holder; provided that, any notice to the Trustee or any Note Agent will be deemed given upon actual receipt by the Trustee or such Note Agent.

If the Trustee is then acting as the Depositary’s custodian for the Notes, then, at the reasonable request of the Company to the Trustee, the Trustee will cause any notice prepared by the Company to be sent to any Holder(s) pursuant to the Depositary Procedures, provided such request is evidenced in a Company Order delivered, together with the text of such notice, to the Trustee at least two (2) Business Days before the date such notice is to be so sent. For the avoidance of doubt, such Company Order need not be accompanied by an Officer’s Certificate or Opinion of Counsel. The Trustee will not have any liability relating to the contents of any notice that it sends to any Holder pursuant to any such Company Order.

If a notice or communication is mailed or sent in the manner provided above within the time prescribed, it will be deemed to have been duly given, whether or not the addressee receives it.

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Indenture or the Notes, (A) whenever any provision of this Indenture requires a party to send notice to another party, no such notice need be sent if the sending party and the recipient are the same Person acting in different capacities; and (B) whenever any provision of this Indenture requires a party to send notice to more than one receiving party, and each receiving party is the same Person acting in different capacities, then only one such notice need be sent to such Person.

Section 11.02. DELIVERY OF OFFICERS CERTIFICATE AND OPINION OF COUNSEL AS TO CONDITIONS PRECEDENT.

Upon any request or application by the Company to the Trustee to take any action under this Indenture (other than the initial authentication of Notes under this Indenture), the Company will furnish to the Trustee:

(A) an Officer’s Certificate in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee that complies with Section 11.03 and states that, in the opinion of the signatory thereto, all conditions precedent and covenants, if any, provided for in this Indenture relating to such action have been satisfied; and

(B) an Opinion of Counsel in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee that complies with Section 11.03 and states that, in the opinion of such counsel, all such conditions precedent and covenants, if any, have been satisfied.

 

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Section 11.03. STATEMENTS REQUIRED IN OFFICERS CERTIFICATE AND OPINION OF COUNSEL.

Each Officer’s Certificate (other than an Officer’s Certificate pursuant to Section 3.05) or Opinion of Counsel with respect to compliance with a covenant or condition provided for in this Indenture will include:

(A) a statement that the signatory thereto has read such covenant or condition;

(B) a brief statement as to the nature and scope of the examination or investigation upon which the statements or opinions contained therein are based;

(C) a statement that, in the opinion of such signatory, he, she or it has made such examination or investigation as is necessary to enable him, her or it to express an informed opinion as to whether or not such covenant or condition has been satisfied; and

(D) a statement as to whether, in the opinion of such signatory, such covenant or condition has been satisfied.

Section 11.04. RULES BY THE TRUSTEE, THE REGISTRAR AND THE PAYING AGENT.

The Trustee may make reasonable rules for action by or at a meeting of Holders. The Registrar or Paying Agent may make reasonable rules and set reasonable requirements for its functions.

Section 11.05. NO PERSONAL LIABILITY OF DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES AND STOCKHOLDERS.

No past, present or future director, officer, employee, incorporator or stockholder of the Company, as such, will have any liability for any obligations of the Company under this Indenture or the Notes or for any claim based on, in respect of, or by reason of, such obligations or their creation. By accepting any Note, each Holder waives and releases all such liability. Such waiver and release are part of the consideration for the issuance of the Notes.

Section 11.06. GOVERNING LAW; WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL.

THIS INDENTURE AND THE NOTES, AND ANY CLAIM, CONTROVERSY OR DISPUTE ARISING UNDER OR RELATED TO THIS INDENTURE OR THE NOTES, WILL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK. EACH OF THE COMPANY AND THE TRUSTEE IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY AND ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS INDENTURE, THE NOTES OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED BY THIS INDENTURE OR THE NOTES.

 

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Section 11.07. SUBMISSION TO JURISDICTION.

Any legal suit, action or proceeding arising out of or based upon this Indenture or the transactions contemplated by this Indenture may be instituted in the federal courts of the United States of America located in the City of New York or the courts of the State of New York, in each case located in the City of New York (collectively, the “Specified Courts”), and each party irrevocably submits to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of such courts in any such suit, action or proceeding. Service of any process, summons, notice or document by mail (to the extent allowed under any applicable statute or rule of court) to such party’s address set forth in Section 11.01 will be effective service of process for any such suit, action or proceeding brought in any such court. Each of the Company, the Trustee and each Holder (by its acceptance of any Note) irrevocably and unconditionally waives any objection to the laying of venue of any suit, action or other proceeding in the Specified Courts and irrevocably and unconditionally waives and agrees not to plead or claim any such suit, action or other proceeding has been brought in an inconvenient forum.

Section 11.08. NO ADVERSE INTERPRETATION OF OTHER AGREEMENTS.

Neither this Indenture nor the Notes may be used to interpret any other indenture, note, loan or debt agreement of the Company or its Subsidiaries or of any other Person, and no such indenture, note, loan or debt agreement may be used to interpret this Indenture or the Notes.

Section 11.09. SUCCESSORS.

All agreements of the Company in this Indenture and the Notes will bind its successors. All agreements of the Trustee in this Indenture will bind its successors.

Section 11.10. FORCE MAJEURE.

The Trustee and each Note Agent will not incur any liability for not performing any act or fulfilling any duty, obligation or responsibility under this Indenture or the Notes by reason of any occurrence beyond its control (including any act or provision of any present or future law or regulation or governmental authority, act of God or war, civil unrest, local or national disturbance or disaster, act of terrorism, any epidemic or pandemic, or unavailability of the Federal Reserve Bank wire or facsimile or other wire or communication facility).

Section 11.11. U.S.A. PATRIOT ACT.

The Company acknowledges that, in accordance with Section 326 of the U.S.A. PATRIOT Act, the Trustee, like all financial institutions, in order to help fight the funding of terrorism and money laundering, is required to obtain, verify and record information that identifies each person or legal entity that establishes a relationship or opens an account with the Trustee. The Company agrees to provide the Trustee with such information as it may request to enable the Trustee to comply with the U.S.A. PATRIOT Act.

Section 11.12. CALCULATIONS.

Except as otherwise provided in this Indenture, the Company will be responsible for making all calculations called for under this Indenture or the Notes, including determinations of the Last Reported Sale Price, the Daily Conversion Value, the Daily Cash Amount, the Daily Share Amount, accrued interest on the Notes, any Additional Interest or Special Interest on the Notes and the Conversion Rate.

 

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The Company will make all calculations in good faith, and, absent manifest error, its calculations will be final and binding on all Holders. The Company will provide a schedule of its calculations to the Trustee and the Conversion Agent, and each of the Trustee and the Conversion Agent may rely conclusively on the accuracy of the Company’s calculations without independent verification. The Company will promptly forward a copy of each such schedule to a Holder upon its written request therefor.

Section 11.13. SEVERABILITY.

If any provision of this Indenture or the Notes is invalid, illegal or unenforceable, then the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Indenture or the Notes will not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.

Section 11.14. COUNTERPARTS; ELECTRONIC SIGNATURE.

The parties may sign any number of copies of this Indenture, and each party hereto may sign any number of separate copies of this Indenture. Each signed copy will be an original, but all of them together represent the same agreement. The exchange of copies of this Indenture and of signature pages by facsimile, PDF or other electronic transmission will constitute effective execution and delivery of this Indenture as to the parties hereto and may be used in lieu of the original Indenture for all purposes. Signatures of the parties hereto transmitted by facsimile, PDF or other electronic transmission will be deemed to be their original signatures for all purposes. In furtherance of the foregoing, the words “execute”, “execution”, “signed”, “signature”, “delivery” and words of like import in or relating to any document to be signed in connection with this Indenture and the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby will be deemed to include Electronic Signatures, deliveries or the keeping of records in electronic form, each of which will be of the same legal effect, validity or enforceability as a manually executed signature, physical delivery thereof or the use of a paper-based recordkeeping system, as the case may be, to the extent and as provided for in any applicable law, including the Federal Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act, the New York State Electronic Signatures and Records Act, or any other similar state laws based on the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act; provided that, notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Trustee is under no obligation to agree to accept electronic signatures in any form or in any format unless expressly agreed to by the Trustee pursuant to reasonable procedures approved by the Trustee. As used herein, “Electronic Signature” means an electronic sound, symbol, or process attached to, or associated with, a contract or other record and adopted by a Person with the intent to sign, authenticate or accept such contract or other record.

Section 11.15. TABLE OF CONTENTS, HEADINGS, ETC.

The table of contents and the headings of the Articles and Sections of this Indenture have been inserted for convenience of reference only, are not to be considered a part of this Indenture and will in no way modify or restrict any of the terms or provisions of this Indenture.

 

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Section 11.16. WITHHOLDING TAXES.

Each Holder of a Note agrees, and each beneficial owner of an interest in a Global Note, by its acquisition of such interest, is deemed to agree, that if the Company or other applicable withholding agent pays withholding taxes or backup withholding on behalf of such Holder or beneficial owner as a result of an adjustment or the non-occurrence of an adjustment to the Conversion Rate, then the Company or such withholding agent, as applicable, may, at its option, set off such payments against payments of cash or the delivery of other Conversion Consideration on such Note, any payments on the Common Stock or sales proceeds received by, or other funds or assets of, such Holder or the beneficial owner of such Note.

[The Remainder of This Page Intentionally Left Blank; Signature Page Follows]

 

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties to this Indenture have caused this Indenture to be duly executed as of the date first written above.

 

NORTHERN OIL AND GAS, INC.
By:  

/s/ Chad Allen

  Name: Chad Allen
  Title: Chief Financial Officer
WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE
By:  

/s/ Iris Munoz

  Name: Iris Munoz
  Title: Assistant Vice President

[Signature Page to Indenture]


EXHIBIT A

FORM OF NOTE

[Insert Global Note Legend, if applicable]

[Insert Restricted Note Legend, if applicable]

[Insert Non-Affiliate Legend]

NORTHERN OIL AND GAS, INC.

3.625% Convertible Senior Note due 2029

 

CUSIP No.:    [___][Insert for a restricted CUSIP number: *]    Certificate No. [___]
ISIN No.:    [___][Insert for a “restricted” ISIN number: *]   

Northern Oil and Gas, Inc., a Delaware corporation, for value received, promises to pay to [Cede & Co.], or its registered assigns, the principal sum of [___] dollars ($[___]) [(as revised by the attached Schedule of Exchanges of Interests in the Global Note)] on April 15, 2029 and to pay interest thereon, as provided in the Indenture referred to below, until the principal and all accrued and unpaid interest are paid or duly provided for.

Interest Payment Dates:     April 15 and October 15 of each year, commencing on [date].

Regular Record Dates:       April 1 and October 1.

Additional provisions of this Note are set forth on the other side of this Note.

[The Remainder of This Page Intentionally Left Blank; Signature Page Follows]

 

 

* 

This Note will be deemed to be identified by CUSIP No. [___] and ISIN No. [___] from and after such time when the Company delivers, pursuant to Section 2.12 of the within-mentioned Indenture, written notice to the Trustee of the deemed removal of the Restricted Note Legend affixed to this Note and compliance with the procedures of the Depositary.

 

Insert bracketed language for Global Notes only.

 

 

A-1


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Northern Oil and Gas, Inc. has caused this instrument to be duly executed as of the date set forth below.

 

    NORTHERN OIL AND GAS, INC.
Date: _______________     By:  

 

      Name:
      Title:

 

A-2


TRUSTEE’S CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION

Wilmington Trust, National Association, as Trustee, certifies that this is one of the Notes referred to in the within-mentioned Indenture.

 

Date: _______________     By:  

 

      Authorized Signatory

 

A-3


NORTHERN OIL AND GAS, INC.

3.625% Convertible Senior Note due 2029

This Note is one of a duly authorized issue of notes of Northern Oil and Gas, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), designated as its 3.625% Convertible Senior Notes due 2029 (the “Notes”), all issued or to be issued pursuant to an indenture, dated as of October 14, 2022 (as the same may be amended from time to time, the “Indenture”), between the Company and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as trustee. Capitalized terms used in this Note without definition have the respective meanings ascribed to them in the Indenture.

The Indenture sets forth the rights and obligations of the Company, the Trustee and the Holders and the terms of the Notes. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Note, to the extent that any provision of this Note conflicts with the provisions of the Indenture, the provisions of the Indenture will control.

1. Interest. This Note will accrue interest at a rate and in the manner set forth in Section 2.05 of the Indenture. Stated Interest on this Note will begin to accrue from, and including, [date].

2. Maturity. This Note will mature on April 15, 2029, unless earlier repurchased, redeemed or converted.

3. Method of Payment. Cash amounts due on this Note will be paid in the manner set forth in Section 2.04 of the Indenture.

4. Persons Deemed Owners. The Holder of this Note will be treated as the owner of this Note for all purposes.

5. Denominations; Transfers and Exchanges. All Notes will be in registered form, without coupons, in principal amounts equal to any Authorized Denominations. Subject to the terms of the Indenture, the Holder of this Note may transfer or exchange this Note by presenting it to the Registrar and delivering any required documentation or other materials.

6. Right of Holders to Require the Company to Repurchase Notes Upon a Fundamental Change. If a Fundamental Change (other than an Exempted Fundamental Change) occurs, then each Holder will have the right to require the Company to repurchase such Holder’s Notes (or any portion thereof in an Authorized Denomination) for cash in the manner, and subject to the terms, set forth in Section 4.02 of the Indenture.

7. Right of the Company to Redeem the Notes. The Company will have the right to redeem the Notes for cash in the manner, and subject to the terms, set forth in Section 4.03 of the Indenture.

8. Conversion. The Holder of this Note may convert this Note into Conversion Consideration in the manner, and subject to the terms, set forth in Article 5 of the Indenture.

 

A-4


9. When the Company May Merge, Etc. Article 6 of the Indenture places limited restrictions on the Company’s ability to be a party to a Business Combination Event.

10. Defaults and Remedies. If an Event of Default occurs, then the principal amount of, and all accrued and unpaid interest on, all of the Notes then outstanding may (and, in certain circumstances, will automatically) become due and payable in the manner, and subject to the terms, set forth in Article 7 of the Indenture.

11. Amendments, Supplements and Waivers. The Company and the Trustee may amend or supplement the Indenture or the Notes or waive compliance with any provision of the Indenture or the Notes in the manner, and subject to the terms, set forth in Section 7.05 and Article 8 of the Indenture.

12. No Personal Liability of Directors, Officers, Employees and Stockholders. No past, present or future director, officer, employee, incorporator or stockholder of the Company, as such, will have any liability for any obligations of the Company under the Indenture or the Notes or for any claim based on, in respect of, or by reason of, such obligations or their creation. By accepting any Note, each Holder waives and releases all such liability. Such waiver and release are part of the consideration for the issuance of the Notes.

13. Authentication. No Note will be valid until it is authenticated by the Trustee. A Note will be deemed to be duly authenticated only when an authorized signatory of the Trustee (or a duly appointed authenticating agent) manually signs the certificate of authentication of such Note.

14. Abbreviations. Customary abbreviations may be used in the name of a Holder or its assignee, such as TEN COM (tenants in common), TEN ENT (tenants by the entireties), JT TEN (joint tenants with right of survivorship and not as tenants in common), CUST (custodian), and U/G/M/A (Uniform Gift to Minors Act).

15. Governing Law. THIS NOTE, AND ANY CLAIM, CONTROVERSY OR DISPUTE ARISING UNDER OR RELATED TO THIS NOTE, WILL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

* * *

To request a copy of the Indenture, which the Company will provide to any Holder at no charge, please send a written request to the following address:

Northern Oil and Gas, Inc.

4350 Baker Road, Suite 400

Minnetonka, Minnesota 55343

Attention: Chief Financial Officer

 

A-5


SCHEDULE OF EXCHANGES OF INTERESTS IN THE GLOBAL NOTE*

INITIAL PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF THIS GLOBAL NOTE: $[___]

The following exchanges, transfers or cancellations of this Global Note have been made:

 

Date

 

Amount of Increase

(Decrease) in

Principal Amount of

this Global Note

 

Principal Amount of

this Global Note

After Such Increase

(Decrease)

  

Signature of

Authorized

Signatory of Trustee

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

* 

Insert for Global Notes only.

 

A-6


CONVERSION NOTICE

NORTHERN OIL AND GAS, INC.

3.625% Convertible Senior Notes due 2029

Subject to the terms of the Indenture, by executing and delivering this Conversion Notice, the undersigned Holder of the Note identified below directs the Company to convert (check one):

 

the entire principal amount of

 

$______________ * aggregate principal amount of

the Note identified by CUSIP No. ________________ and Certificate No. _________________.

The undersigned acknowledges that if the Conversion Date of a Note to be converted is after a Regular Record Date and before the next Interest Payment Date, then such Note, when surrendered for conversion, must, in certain circumstances, be accompanied with an amount of cash equal to the interest that would have accrued on such Note to, but excluding, such Interest Payment Date.

 

Date: ________________    

 

    (Legal Name of Holder)
    By:  

 

      Name:
      Title:
    Signature Guaranteed:
   

 

    Participant in a Recognized Signature
    Guarantee Medallion Program
    By:  

 

      Authorized Signatory

 

 

* 

Must be an Authorized Denomination.

 

A-7


FUNDAMENTAL CHANGE REPURCHASE NOTICE

NORTHERN OIL AND GAS, INC.

3.625% Convertible Senior Notes due 2029

Subject to the terms of the Indenture, by executing and delivering this Fundamental Change Repurchase Notice, the undersigned Holder of the Note identified below is exercising its Fundamental Change Repurchase Right with respect to (check one):

 

the entire principal amount of

 

$_____________ * aggregate principal amount of

the Note identified by CUSIP No._______________ and Certificate No. ________________.

The undersigned acknowledges that this Note, duly endorsed for transfer, must be delivered to the Paying Agent before the Fundamental Change Repurchase Price will be paid.

 

Date:    

 

    (Legal Name of Holder)
    By:  

 

      Name:
      Title:
    Signature Guaranteed:
   

 

    Participant in a Recognized Signature
    Guarantee Medallion Program
    By:  

 

      Authorized Signatory

 

 

* 

Must be an Authorized Denomination.

 

A-8


ASSIGNMENT FORM

NORTHERN OIL AND GAS, INC.

3.625% Convertible Senior Notes due 2029

Subject to the terms of the Indenture, the undersigned Holder of the Notes identified below assigns (check one):

 

the entire principal amount of

 

$_____________ * aggregate principal amount of

the Notes identified by CUSIP No.____________________ and Certificate No. __________________, and all rights thereunder, to:

 

Name:

  

 

Address:

  

 

Social security or tax id. #:

  

 

and irrevocably appoints:

  

 

 

as agent to transfer the within Note on the books of the Company. The agent may substitute another to act for him/her.

 

Date: ________________    

 

    (Legal Name of Holder)
    By:  

 

      Name:
      Title:
    Signature Guaranteed:
   

 

    Participant in a Recognized Signature
    Guarantee Medallion Program
    By:  

 

      Authorized Signatory

 

 

* 

Must be an Authorized Denomination.

 

A-9


TRANSFEROR ACKNOWLEDGMENT

If the within Note bears a Restricted Note Legend, the undersigned further certifies that (check one):

 

1.  ☐

Such Transfer is being made to the Company or a Subsidiary of the Company.

 

2.  ☐

Such Transfer is being made pursuant to, and in accordance with, a registration statement that is effective under the Securities Act at the time of the Transfer.

 

3.  ☐

Such Transfer is being made pursuant to, and in accordance with, Rule 144A under the Securities Act, and, accordingly, the undersigned further certifies that the within Note is being transferred to a Person that the undersigned reasonably believes is purchasing the within Note for its own account, or for one or more accounts with respect to which such Person exercises sole investment discretion, and such Person and each such account is a “qualified institutional buyer” within the meaning of Rule 144A under the Securities Act in a transaction meeting the requirements of Rule 144A. If this item is checked, then the transferee must complete and execute the acknowledgment contained on the next page.

 

4.  ☐

Such Transfer is being made pursuant to, and in accordance with, any other available exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act (including, if available, the exemption provided by Rule 144 under the Securities Act).

Dated: _________________

 

 

(Legal Name of Holder)
By:  

 

  Name:
  Title:

Signature Guaranteed:

 

(Participant in a Recognized Signature
Guarantee Medallion Program)
By:  

 

  Authorized Signatory

 

A-10


TRANSFEREE ACKNOWLEDGMENT

The undersigned represents that it is purchasing the within Note for its own account, or for one or more accounts with respect to which the undersigned exercises sole investment discretion, and that and the undersigned and each such account is a “qualified institutional buyer” within the meaning of Rule 144A under the Securities Act. The undersigned acknowledges that the transferor is relying, in transferring the within Note, on the exemption from the registration and prospectus-delivery requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, provided by Rule 144A and that the undersigned has received such information regarding the Company as the undersigned has requested pursuant to Rule 144A.

Dated: __________________

 

 

(Name of Transferee)

By:  

 

  Name:
  Title:

 

A-11


EXHIBIT B-1

FORM OF RESTRICTED NOTE LEGEND

THE OFFER AND SALE OF THIS NOTE AND THE SHARES OF COMMON STOCK, IF ANY, ISSUABLE UPON CONVERSION OF THIS NOTE HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “SECURITIES ACT”), AND THIS NOTE MAY NOT BE OFFERED, SOLD OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED EXCEPT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE FOLLOWING SENTENCE. BY ITS ACQUISITION HEREOF OR OF A BENEFICIAL INTEREST HEREIN, THE ACQUIRER:

 

(1)

REPRESENTS THAT IT AND ANY ACCOUNT FOR WHICH IT IS ACTING IS A “QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER” (WITHIN THE MEANING OF RULE 144A UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT) AND THAT IT EXERCISES SOLE INVESTMENT DISCRETION WITH RESPECT TO EACH SUCH ACCOUNT; AND

 

(2)

AGREES FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE COMPANY THAT IT WILL NOT OFFER, SELL OR OTHERWISE TRANSFER THIS NOTE OR ANY BENEFICIAL INTEREST HEREIN, EXCEPT ONLY:

 

  (A)

TO THE COMPANY OR ANY SUBSIDIARY THEREOF;

 

  (B)

PURSUANT TO A REGISTRATION STATEMENT THAT IS EFFECTIVE UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT;

 

  (C)

TO A QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER IN COMPLIANCE WITH RULE 144A UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT;

 

  (D)

PURSUANT TO RULE 144 UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT; OR

 

  (E)

PURSUANT TO ANY OTHER EXEMPTION FROM, OR IN A TRANSACTION NOT SUBJECT TO, THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT.

BEFORE THE REGISTRATION OF ANY SALE OR TRANSFER IN ACCORDANCE WITH (2)(C), (D) OR (E) ABOVE, THE COMPANY, THE TRUSTEE AND THE REGISTRAR RESERVE THE RIGHT TO REQUIRE THE DELIVERY OF SUCH CERTIFICATES OR OTHER DOCUMENTATION OR EVIDENCE AS THEY MAY REASONABLY REQUIRE IN ORDER TO DETERMINE THAT THE PROPOSED SALE OR TRANSFER IS BEING MADE IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE SECURITIES ACT AND APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAWS.*

 

 

* 

This paragraph and the immediately preceding paragraph will be deemed to be removed from the face of this Note at such time when the Company delivers written notice to the Trustee of such deemed removal pursuant to Section 2.12 of the within-mentioned Indenture.

 

B1-1


EXHIBIT B-2

FORM OF GLOBAL NOTE LEGEND

THIS IS A GLOBAL NOTE WITHIN THE MEANING OF THE INDENTURE HEREINAFTER REFERRED TO AND IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF THE DEPOSITARY OR A NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY, WHICH MAY BE TREATED BY THE COMPANY, THE TRUSTEE AND ANY AGENT THEREOF AS THE OWNER AND HOLDER OF THIS NOTE FOR ALL PURPOSES.

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

TRANSFERS OF THIS GLOBAL NOTE WILL BE LIMITED TO TRANSFERS IN WHOLE, BUT NOT IN PART, TO NOMINEES OF DTC, OR TO A SUCCESSOR THEREOF OR SUCH SUCCESSOR’S NOMINEE, AND TRANSFERS OF PORTIONS OF THIS GLOBAL NOTE WILL BE LIMITED TO TRANSFERS MADE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RESTRICTIONS SET FORTH IN ARTICLE 2 OF THE INDENTURE HEREINAFTER REFERRED TO.

 

B2-1


EXHIBIT B-3

FORM OF NON-AFFILIATE LEGEND

NO AFFILIATE (AS DEFINED IN RULE 144 UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED) OF THE COMPANY MAY PURCHASE OR OTHERWISE ACQUIRE THIS NOTE OR ANY BENEFICIAL INTEREST HEREIN.

 

B3-1

Exhibit 10.1

Execution Version

Northern Oil and Gas, Inc.

$435,000,000 3.625% Convertible Senior Notes due 2029

Purchase Agreement

October 11, 2022

Citigroup Global Markets Inc.

As representative of the several Initial

Purchasers listed in Schedule 1 hereto

 

c/o

Citigroup Global Markets Inc.

388 Greenwich Street

New York, New York 10013

Ladies and Gentlemen:

Northern Oil and Gas, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), proposes to issue and sell to the several initial purchasers listed in Schedule 1 hereto (the “Initial Purchasers”), for whom you are acting as representative (the “Representative”) an aggregate of $435,000,000 principal amount of its 3.625% Convertible Senior Notes due 2029 (the “Firm Securities”) and, at the option of the Initial Purchasers, up to an additional $65,000,000 principal amount of its 3.625% Convertible Senior Notes due 2029 (the “Option Securities”) if and to the extent that the Initial Purchasers shall have determined to exercise the option to purchase such 3.625% Convertible Senior Notes due 2029 granted to the Initial Purchasers in Section 1 hereof. The Firm Securities and the Option Securities are herein referred to as the “Securities.” The Securities will be convertible into cash and, if applicable, shares of common stock of the Company, par value $0.001 per share (the “Common Stock”) (any such shares, the “Conversion Shares”), on the terms, and subject to the conditions, set forth in the Indenture (as defined below). The Securities will be issued pursuant to an Indenture to be dated as of October 14, 2022 (the “Indenture”), between the Company and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as trustee (the “Trustee”).

The Securities will be sold to the Initial Purchasers without being registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), in reliance upon an exemption therefrom. The Company has prepared a preliminary offering memorandum dated October 11, 2022 (the “Preliminary Offering Memorandum”) and will prepare an offering memorandum dated the date hereof (the “Final Offering Memorandum”) setting forth information concerning the Company and the Securities. Copies of the Preliminary Offering Memorandum have been, and copies of the Final Offering Memorandum will be, delivered by the Company to the Initial Purchasers pursuant to the terms of this purchase agreement (the “Agreement”). The Company hereby confirms that it has authorized the use of the Preliminary Offering Memorandum, the other Time of Sale Information (as defined below) and the Final Offering Memorandum in connection with the offering and resale of the Securities by the Initial Purchasers in the manner contemplated by this Agreement. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings given to such terms in the Preliminary Offering Memorandum.


In connection with the offering of the Firm Securities, the Company is separately entering into capped call transactions with one or more of the Initial Purchasers or affiliates thereof and/or other financial institutions (each, a “Capped Call Counterparty”), in each case pursuant to a capped call confirmation (each, a “Base Capped Call Confirmation”), each dated the date hereof, and in connection with the issuance of any Option Securities, the Company and each Capped Call Counterparty may enter into additional capped call transactions, in each case pursuant to an additional capped call confirmation, each to be dated the date on which the option granted to the Initial Purchasers to purchase such Option Securities pursuant to Section 1 hereof is exercised (each, an “Option Capped Call Confirmation” and, together with the Base Capped Call Confirmations, the “Capped Call Confirmations”).

At or prior to the time when sales of the Securities were first made (the “Time of Sale”), the Company had prepared the following information (collectively, the “Time of Sale Information”): the Preliminary Offering Memorandum, as supplemented and amended by the written communications listed on Annex A hereto.

The Company hereby confirms its agreement with the several Initial Purchasers concerning the purchase and resale of the Securities, as follows:

1. Purchase and Resale of the Securities.

(a) The Company agrees to issue and sell the Firm Securities to the several Initial Purchasers as provided in this Agreement, and each Initial Purchaser, on the basis of the representations, warranties and agreements set forth herein and subject to the conditions set forth herein, agrees, severally and not jointly, to purchase from the Company 100.00% of the respective principal amount of Firm Securities set forth opposite such Initial Purchaser’s name in Schedule 1 hereto at a price equal to 97.305% of the principal amount thereof (the “Purchase Price”) plus accrued interest, if any, from October 14, 2022 to the Closing Date. The Company will not be obligated to deliver any of the Securities except upon payment for all the Securities to be purchased as provided herein.

In addition, the Company agrees to issue and sell the Option Securities to the several Initial Purchasers as provided in this Agreement, and the Initial Purchasers, on the basis of the representations, warranties and agreements set forth herein and subject to the conditions set forth herein, shall have the option to purchase, severally and not jointly, from the Company the Option Securities at the Purchase Price plus accrued interest, if any, from, and including, October 14, 2022 to, but excluding, the date of payment and delivery.

 

2


If any Option Securities are to be purchased, the principal amount of Option Securities to be purchased by each Initial Purchaser shall be the principal amount of Option Securities which bears the same ratio to the aggregate principal amount of Option Securities being purchased as the principal amount of Firm Securities set forth opposite the name of such Initial Purchaser in Schedule 1 hereto (or such amount increased as set forth in Section 9 hereof) bears to the aggregate principal amount of Firm Securities being purchased from the Company by the several Initial Purchasers, subject, however, to such adjustments to eliminate Securities in denominations other than $1,000 as the Representative in its sole discretion shall make.

The Initial Purchasers may exercise the option to purchase the Option Securities at any time in whole, or from time to time in part, for settlement within a period of 13 calendar days from, and including, the Closing Date, by written notice from the Representative to the Company. Such notice shall set forth the aggregate principal amount of Option Securities plus accrued interest as to which the option is being exercised and the date and time when the Option Securities are to be delivered and paid for which may be the same date and time as the Closing Date (as hereinafter defined) but shall not be earlier than the Closing Date nor later than the last day of the 13 calendar day period from, and including, the Closing Date. Any such notice shall be given at least one business day prior to the date and time of delivery specified therein.

(b) The Company understands that the Initial Purchasers intend to offer the Securities for resale on the terms set forth in the Time of Sale Information and Final Offering Memorandum. Each Initial Purchaser, severally and not jointly, represents, warrants and agrees that:

(i) it is a qualified institutional buyer within the meaning of Rule 144A under the Securities Act (a “QIB”) and an accredited investor within the meaning of Rule 501(a) of Regulation D under the Securities Act (“Regulation D”);

(ii) it has not solicited offers for, or offered or sold, and will not solicit offers for, or offer or sell, the Securities by means of any form of general solicitation or general advertising within the meaning of Rule 502(c) of Regulation D or in any manner involving a public offering within the meaning of Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act; and

(iii) it has not solicited offers for, or offered or sold, and will not solicit offers for, or offer or sell, the Securities as part of their initial offering except:

(A) within the United States to persons whom it reasonably believes to be QIBs in transactions pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act (“Rule 144A”) and in connection with each such sale, it has taken or will take reasonable steps to ensure that the purchaser of the Securities is aware that such sale is being made in reliance on Rule 144A; or

 

3


(B) in accordance with the restrictions set forth in Annex C hereto.

(c) Each Initial Purchaser acknowledges and agrees that the Company and, for purposes of the “no registration” opinions to be delivered to the Initial Purchasers pursuant to Sections 6(h) and 6(i), counsel for the Company and counsel for the Initial Purchasers, respectively, may rely upon the accuracy of the representations and warranties of the Initial Purchasers, and compliance by the Initial Purchasers with their agreements, contained in paragraph (b) above (including Annex C hereto), and each Initial Purchaser hereby consents to such reliance.

(d) The Company acknowledges and agrees that the Initial Purchasers may offer and sell Securities to or through any affiliate of an Initial Purchaser and that any such affiliate may offer and sell Securities purchased by it to or through any Initial Purchaser.

(e) The Company acknowledges and agrees that each Initial Purchaser is acting solely in the capacity of an arm’s-length contractual counterparty to the Company with respect to the offering of Securities contemplated hereby (including in connection with determining the terms of the offering) and not as a financial advisor or a fiduciary to, or an agent of, the Company or any other person. Additionally, neither the Representative nor any other Initial Purchaser is advising the Company or any other person as to any legal, tax, investment, accounting or regulatory matters in any jurisdiction. The Company shall consult with its own advisors concerning such matters and shall be responsible for making its own independent investigation and appraisal of the transactions contemplated hereby, and neither the Representative nor any other Initial Purchaser shall have any responsibility or liability to the Company with respect thereto. Any review by the Representative or any of the Initial Purchasers of the Company and the transactions contemplated hereby or other matters relating to such transactions will be performed solely for the benefit of the Representative or such Initial Purchaser, as the case may be, and shall not be on behalf of the Company or any other person.

2. Payment and Delivery.

(a) Payment for and delivery of the Firm Securities will be made at the offices of Latham & Watkins LLP not later than 10:00 A.M., New York City time, on October 14, 2022, or at such other time or place on the same or such other date, not later than the fifth business day thereafter, as the Representative and the Company may agree upon in writing or, in the case of the Option Securities, on the date and at the time and place specified by the Representative in the written notice of the Initial Purchasers’ election to purchase such Option Securities. The time and date of such payment for the Firm Securities is referred to herein as the “Closing Date” and the time and date for such payment for the Option Securities, if other than the Closing Date, is herein referred to as the “Additional Closing Date.”

 

4


(b) Payment for the Securities to be purchased on the Closing Date or the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, shall be made by wire transfer in immediately available funds to the account(s) specified by the Company to the Representative against delivery to the nominee of The Depository Trust Company (“DTC”), for the account of the Initial Purchasers, of one or more global notes representing the Securities (collectively, the “Global Notes”), with any transfer taxes payable in connection with the sale of the Securities duly paid by the Company. The Global Notes will be made available through electronic transmission (e.g., “pdf” or “tif” format) for inspection by the Representative not later than 1:00 P.M., New York City time, on the business day prior to the Closing Date or the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be.

3. Representations and Warranties of the Company. The Company represents and warrants to, and agrees with, the Initial Purchasers that, as of the date hereof, as of the Closing Date and as of the Additional Closing Date, if different than the Closing Date:

(a) Preliminary Offering Memorandum, Time of Sale Information and Final Offering Memorandum. The Preliminary Offering Memorandum, as of its date, did not, the Time of Sale Information, at the Time of Sale, did not, and at the Closing Date or Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, will not, and the Final Offering Memorandum, as of its date and as of the Closing Date or the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, will not, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; provided that the Company makes no representation or warranty with respect to any statements or omissions made in reliance upon and in conformity with information relating to the Initial Purchasers furnished to the Company in writing by such Initial Purchaser through the Representative expressly for use in the Preliminary Offering Memorandum, the Time of Sale Information or the Final Offering Memorandum as set forth in Section 7(b).

(b) Incorporated Documents. The documents, in each case as amended, incorporated by reference in each of the Time of Sale Information and the Final Offering Memorandum, at the respective times they were filed or hereafter are filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) conformed or will conform, as the case may be, in all material respects to the requirements of the Exchange Act, and did and will not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.

(c) Additional Written Communications. The Company (including its agents and representatives, other than the Initial Purchasers in their capacity as such) has not prepared, made, used, authorized, approved or referred to and will not prepare, make, use, authorize, approve or refer to any written communication that constitutes an offer to sell or solicitation of an offer to buy the Securities (each such communication by the Company or its agents and representatives (other than a communication referred to in clauses (i) and (ii) below) an “Issuer Written Communication”) other than (i) the Preliminary Offering Memorandum, (ii) the Final Offering Memorandum, (iii) the documents listed on Annex A hereto, including a term sheet substantially in the form of

 

5


Annex B hereto, which constitute part of the Time of Sale Information and (iv) any electronic road show or other written communications, in each case used in accordance with Section 4(c). Each such Issuer Written Communication, when taken together with the Time of Sale Information at the Time of Sale, did not, and at the Closing Date or the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, will not, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; provided that the Company makes no representation or warranty with respect to any statements or omissions made in each such Issuer Written Communication in reliance upon and in conformity with information relating to any Initial Purchaser furnished to the Company in writing by such Initial Purchaser through the Representative expressly for use in any Issuer Written Communication.

(d) Financial Statements (Company). The financial statements of the Company filed with the Commission and included or incorporated by reference in each of the Time of Sale Information and the Final Offering Memorandum present fairly in all material respects the financial condition of the Company as of and at the dates indicated, and each of the statements of operations, cash flows and stockholders’ equity of the Company for the periods specified; such financial statements have been prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“GAAP”) applied on a consistent basis throughout the periods covered thereby, except to the extent disclosed in the notes thereto, and the requirements of Regulation S-X; the financial data set forth under the caption “Summary Historical and Pro Forma Financial Data” in the Time of Sale Information and the Final Offering Memorandum has been prepared on a basis consistent with that of the financial statements referred to above and present fairly in all material respects the financial position of the Company as of the dates indicated and the results of operations and the changes in its cash flows for the periods specified; and the other financial information included or incorporated by reference in each of the Time of Sale Information and the Final Offering Memorandum has been derived from the accounting records of the Company and presents fairly in all material respects the information shown thereby; and the pro forma financial information and the related notes thereto included or incorporated by reference in each of the Time of Sale Information and the Final Offering Memorandum has been prepared in accordance with Regulation S-X, and the assumptions underlying such pro forma financial information are reasonable and the adjustments used therein are appropriate to give effect to the transactions and circumstances referred to therein, in each case as set forth in each of the Time of Sale Information and the Final Offering Memorandum. The interactive data in eXtensible Business Reporting Language included or incorporated by reference in each of the Preliminary Offering Memorandum, the Time of Sale Information and the Final Offering Memorandum fairly presents the information called for in all material respects and has been prepared in all material respects in accordance with the Commission’s rules and guidelines applicable thereto.

(e) Financial Statements (Veritas). The historical statements of operations, changes in members’ equity, and cash flows for the year then ended and related notes of certain oil and gas properties, interests and related assets (the “Veritas Assets”) held by Veritas Energy, LLC (“Veritas”) and acquired by the Company for the period specified,

 

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which is incorporated by reference in the Time of Sale Information and the Final Offering Memorandum, were audited using the AICPA standards, as described therein, by Weaver and Tidwell, L.L.P.; to the knowledge of the Company, such historical financial statement relating to the Veritas Assets presents fairly in all material respects the revenues and direct operating expenses associated with the Veritas Assets for the period indicated, and has been prepared in accordance with GAAP applied on a consistent basis throughout the period involved except to the extent disclosed in the notes thereto.

(f) No Material Adverse Effect. Except as disclosed in the Time of Sale Information and the Final Offering Memorandum, since the date of the latest audited financial statements of the Company included or incorporated by reference in each of the Time of Sale Information and the Final Offering Memorandum there has been no (i) material adverse change, or any development involving a prospective material adverse change, in or affecting the condition, financial or otherwise, or in the earnings, business, properties, management, results of operations, or prospects of the Company, whether or not arising in the ordinary course of business or the ability of the Company to perform its obligations under this Agreement (a “Material Adverse Effect”); (ii) transaction which is material to the Company; (iii) obligation, direct or contingent (including any off-balance sheet obligations), incurred by the Company, which is material to the Company; (iv) change in the capital stock of the Company (other than the issuance or retention of shares of common stock upon the exercise of stock options or the vesting, exercise or settlement of other awards described as outstanding in, and the grant of options and awards under other existing equity incentive plans described in, the Time of Sale Information and the Final Offering Memorandum); (v) material change in the outstanding indebtedness of the Company; or (vi) dividend or distribution of any kind declared, paid or made on the common stock of the Company.

(g) Organization and Good Standing. The Company has been duly incorporated and is validly existing as a corporation in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware with power and authority (corporate and other) to own, lease and operate its properties and conduct its business as described in the Time of Sale Information and the Final Offering Memorandum and to enter into and perform its obligations under this Agreement, and has been duly qualified as a foreign corporation for the transaction of business and is in good standing under the laws of each other jurisdiction in which it owns or leases properties or conducts any business so as to require such qualification, except where the failure so to qualify or be in good standing would not have a Material Adverse Effect.

(h) Subsidiaries. The Company has no subsidiaries.

(i) Capitalization. The Company has an authorized capitalization as set forth in the Time of Sale Information and the Final Offering Memorandum, and all of the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of the Company have been duly and validly authorized and issued, are fully paid and non-assessable and conform to the descriptions thereof contained in the Time of Sale Information and the Final Offering Memorandum; and none of the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of the Company are subject to any preemptive or similar rights.

 

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(j) Due Authorization. The Company has full right, power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement, the Securities, the Capped Call Confirmations and the Indenture (collectively, the “Transaction Documents”), including to perform its obligations hereunder and thereunder; and all action required to be taken for the due and proper authorization, execution and delivery of each of the Transaction Documents and the consummation of the transactions contemplated thereby has been duly and validly taken.

(k) The Indenture. The Indenture has been, or prior to the Time of Sale Information will have been, duly authorized and, when executed and delivered by the Company, will constitute a valid and legally binding agreement of the Company enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms, except as enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, fraudulent conveyance, transfer moratorium or other similar laws affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally or by equitable principles (whether considered in a proceeding in equity or at law) relating to enforceability (collectively, the “Enforceability Exceptions”).

(l) The Securities. The Securities have been duly authorized by the Company and, when duly executed, authenticated, issued and delivered as provided in the Indenture and paid for as provided herein, will be duly and validly issued and outstanding and will constitute valid and legally binding obligations of the Company enforceable against the Company in accordance with their terms, subject to the Enforceability Exceptions, and will be entitled to the benefits of the Indenture.

(m) This Agreement. This Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Company.

(n) No Violation or Default. The Company is not (i) in violation of its certificate of incorporation or bylaws, (ii) in violation of any law, ordinance, administrative or governmental rule or regulation applicable to the Company, (iii) in violation of any decree of any court or governmental agency or body having jurisdiction over the Company or (iv) in default in the performance of any obligation, agreement or condition contained in any bond, debenture, note or any other evidence of indebtedness or in any agreement, indenture, lease or other instrument to which the Company is a party or by which it or any of its properties may be bound, except, in the case of clauses (ii), (iii) and (iv), where any such violation or default, individually or in the aggregate, would not have a Material Adverse Effect.

(o) No Conflicts. The issuance and sale of the Securities by the Company hereunder, the execution, delivery and performance by the Company of each of the Transaction Documents to which it is a party, and the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents will not (i) conflict with or result in a breach or violation of any of the terms or provisions of, or constitute a default under, result in the termination, modification or acceleration of, or result in the creation or imposition of any lien, charge or encumbrance upon any property, right or asset of the Company pursuant to, any indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, loan agreement, or other agreement or instrument to which the Company is a party or by which the Company is bound or to which any of the property or assets of the Company are subject; (ii) result in any violation

 

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of the provisions of the certificate incorporation or bylaws of the Company; or (iii) result in any violation of any statute or any order, rule or regulation of any court or governmental agency or body having jurisdiction over the Company or any of its properties, except, in the case of clauses (i) and (iii) above, where such breaches, violations or defaults would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect.

(p) No Consents Required. No consent, approval, authorization, order, license, registration or qualification of or with any court, arbitrator, governmental or regulatory authority is required for the execution, delivery and performance by the Company of each of the Transaction Documents to which each is a party, the issuance and sale of the Securities and the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents, except for such consents, approvals, authorizations, orders and registrations or qualifications as may be required under applicable state securities laws in connection with the purchase and resale of the Securities by the Initial Purchasers.

(q) Legal Proceedings. Other than as set forth in each of the Time of Sale Information and the Final Offering Memorandum, there are no legal or governmental proceedings pending to which the Company is a party or of which any property of the Company is the subject which, if determined adversely to the Company, individually or in the aggregate, would have or may reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, or would prevent or impair the consummation of the offering of the Securities; and, to the best of the Company’s knowledge, no such proceedings are threatened or contemplated by governmental authorities or others.

(r) Independent Accountants (Company). Deloitte & Touche LLP, who has certified certain financial statements of the Company, is an independent public accounting firm with respect to the Company within the applicable rules and regulations adopted by the Commission and the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) and as required by the Securities Act.

(s) Independent Accountants (Veritas). Weaver and Tidwell, L.L.P., who has audited the statement of revenues and direct operating expenses of the Veritas Assets for the year ended December 31, 2021, is an independent public accounting firm with respect to Veritas.

(t) Real and Personal Property. Except (a) as otherwise set forth in each of the Time of Sale Information and the Final Offering Memorandum, (b) for liens, security interests and similar encumbrances under any liens, security interests or similar encumbrances made pursuant to credit facilities or indentures of the Company or (c) as would not have a Material Adverse Effect, the Company has title to its properties as follows: (i) with respect to wells (including leasehold interests and appurtenant personal property) and non-producing oil and natural gas properties (including undeveloped locations on leases held by production and those leases not held by production), such title is good and free and clear of all liens, security interests, pledges, charges, encumbrances, mortgages and restrictions, (ii) with respect to non-producing properties in exploration prospects, such title was investigated in accordance with customary industry procedures prior to the acquisition thereof by the Company, (iii) with respect to real property other

 

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than oil and gas interests, such title is good and marketable free and clear of all liens, security interests, pledges, charges, encumbrances, mortgages and restrictions and (iv) with respect to personal property other than that appurtenant to oil and gas interests, such title is free and clear of all liens, security interests, pledges, charges, encumbrances, mortgages and restrictions. No real property owned, leased, licensed, or used by the Company lies in an area which is, or will be, subject to restrictions which would prohibit, and no statements of facts relating to the actions or inaction of another person or entity or his or its ownership, leasing, licensing, or use of any real or personal property exists or will exist which would prevent, the continued effective ownership, leasing, licensing, exploration, development or production or use of such real property in the business of the Company as presently conducted or as each of the Time of Sale Information and the Final Offering Memorandum indicates the Company contemplates conducting, except as may be properly described in each of the Time of Sale Information and the Final Offering Memorandum or such as in the aggregate do not now cause and will not in the future cause a Material Adverse Effect.

(u) Intellectual Property. The Company owns or possesses, or can acquire on reasonable terms, all licenses, inventions, copyrights, know-how (including trade secrets and other unpatented and/or unpatentable proprietary or confidential information, systems or procedures), trademarks, service marks and trade names, patents and patent rights (collectively “Intellectual Property”) material to carrying on its businesses as described in each of the Time of Sale Information and the Final Offering Memorandum, and the Company has not received any correspondence relating to any Intellectual Property or notice of infringement of or conflict with asserted Intellectual Property rights of others with respect to any Intellectual Property which would render any Intellectual Property invalid or inadequate to protect the interest of the Company and which infringement or conflict (if the subject of any unfavorable decision, ruling or finding) or invalidity or inadequacy, individually or in the aggregate, would have or may reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(v) Related Party Transactions. No relationship, direct or indirect, exists between or among the Company, on the one hand, and the directors, officers, stockholders, customers or suppliers of the Company, on the other hand, that is required by the Exchange Act to be disclosed in an annual report on Form 10-K which is not so disclosed in each of the Time of Sale Information and the Offering Memorandum.

(w) Investment Company Act. The Company is not and, after giving effect to the offering and sale of the Securities as contemplated herein and the application of the net proceeds therefrom (including the transactions contemplated in the Capped Call Confirmations) as described in each of the Time of Sale Information and the Final Offering Memorandum, will not be required to register as an “investment company,” as such term is defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.

 

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(x) Taxes. All United States federal income tax returns of the Company required by law to be filed have been filed and all material taxes shown by such returns or otherwise assessed, which are due and payable, have been paid, except for such taxes, if any, as are being or will be contested in good faith and as to which adequate reserves have been provided. The Company has filed all other tax returns that are required to have been filed by it pursuant to applicable foreign, state, local or other law, except insofar as the failure to file such returns, individually or in the aggregate, would not result in a Material Adverse Effect; and the Company has paid all taxes due pursuant to such returns or pursuant to any assessment received by the Company except for such taxes, if any, as are being or will be contested in good faith and as to which adequate reserves have been provided or insofar as the non-payment of such taxes, individually or in the aggregate, would not result in a Material Adverse Effect. The charges, accruals and reserves on the books of the Company in respect of any income and corporation tax liability for any years not finally determined are adequate to meet any assessments or re-assessments for additional income tax known or anticipated by the Company for any years not finally determined, except to the extent of any inadequacy that would not result in a Material Adverse Effect.

(y) Licenses and Permits. The Company possesses all permits, licenses, approvals, consents and other authorizations (collectively, “Permits”) issued by the appropriate federal, state, local or foreign regulatory agencies or bodies necessary to conduct the businesses now operated by it; the Company is in compliance with the terms and conditions of all such Permits and all of the Permits are valid and in full force and effect, except, in each case, where the failure so to comply or where the invalidity of such Permits or the failure of such Permits to be in full force and effect, individually or in the aggregate, would not have a Material Adverse Effect; and the Company has not received any notice of proceedings relating to the revocation or material modification of any such Permits.

(z) No Labor Disputes. No material labor dispute with the employees of the Company exists, or, to the knowledge of the Company, is imminent. The Company is not aware of any existing or imminent labor disturbance by the employees of any of its principal suppliers, manufacturers, customers or contractors, which, individually or in the aggregate, may reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

(aa) Compliance with and Liability under Environmental Laws. Except as described in each of the Time of Sale Information and the Final Offering Memorandum, (i) the Company is and has been in compliance with all applicable federal, state, local and foreign laws, ordinances, rules, regulations, requirements, orders, judgments, and decrees relating to the protection of human health or safety (to the extent related to exposure to hazardous substances or hazardous wastes), the environment, natural resources, hazardous substances or hazardous wastes (collectively, “Environmental Laws”), (ii) the Company has obtained and is in compliance with all permits, licenses, certificates or other authorizations or approvals required of them under applicable Environmental Laws to conduct its businesses (“Environmental Permits”) and (iii) there has been no storage, disposal, generation, manufacture, transportation, handling or treatment of hazardous substances or hazardous wastes by the Company (or, to the knowledge of the Company, any of its predecessors in interest), at, upon or from any of the property now or previously owned, leased or operated by the Company in violation of any applicable Environmental Law or Environmental Permit that would require the Company to undertake any remedial action under any such applicable Environmental Law or Environmental Permit, except in the case of (i) through (iii) above, for any failure to

 

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comply with or violation of applicable Environmental Laws, failure to obtain or comply with or violation of all Environmental Permits, or remedial action that would not, individually or in the aggregate, result in a Material Adverse Effect. Except as described in each of the Time of Sale Information and the Final Offering Memorandum and except for abandonment and similar costs incurred or to be incurred in the ordinary course of business of the Company, there has been no material spill, discharge, leak, emission, injection, escape, dumping or release of any kind onto any property now or previously owned, leased or operated by the Company or into the environment surrounding such property of any hazardous substances or hazardous wastes due to or caused by the Company (or, to the knowledge of the Company, any of its predecessors in interest), except for any such spill, discharge, leak, emission, injection, escape, dumping or release of any kind that would not, individually or in the aggregate with all such spills, discharges, leaks, emissions, injections, escapes, dumpings and releases of any kind, result in a Material Adverse Effect. The terms “hazardous substances,” and “hazardous wastes” shall be construed to include such terms and similar terms, all of which shall have the meanings specified in any applicable Environmental Law. Except as set forth in each of the Time of Sale Information and the Final Offering Memorandum, (i) the Company has not been named as a “potentially responsible party” under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980, as amended and (ii) there are no proceedings that are pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened against the Company under any Environmental Laws in which a governmental entity is also a party, other than such status as a “potentially responsible party” or proceedings regarding which it is reasonably believed no monetary sanctions or remedial costs payable by the Company of $300,000 or more will be imposed.

(bb) Compliance with ERISA. Each employee benefit plan, within the meaning of Section 3(3) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”), (whether or not subject to ERISA) that is sponsored, maintained, administered, contributed or required to be contributed to by the Company or any entity that would be treated as a single employer with any of the foregoing pursuant to Section 414 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) (each such plan, a “Plan”) has been maintained, administered and operated in compliance with its terms and the requirements of any applicable statutes, orders, rules and regulations, including but not limited to ERISA and the Code), except to the extent that failure to so comply, individually or in the aggregate, would not have a Material Adverse Effect. No prohibited transaction, within the meaning of Section 406 of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code, has occurred with respect to any Plan, excluding transactions (1) effected pursuant to a statutory or administrative exemption, or (2) that have not resulted in or would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. The Company could not reasonably be expected to have any liability (whether actual, contingent or otherwise) (i) with respect to any Plan subject to Section 412 of the Code or to Title IV of ERISA or (ii) with respect to any Plan or other contract, agreement, arrangement or policy that provides for retiree or post-employment welfare benefits other than as required by Section 4980B of the Code or similar state laws, in each case, except as would not have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

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(cc) Disclosure Controls. The Company has established and maintains disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) which (i) are designed to ensure that material information relating to the Company is made known to the Company’s principal executive officer and its principal financial officer by others within the Company, particularly during the periods in which the periodic reports required under the Exchange Act are being prepared; (ii) have been evaluated for effectiveness as of a date within 90 days prior to the earlier of the date that the Company filed its most recent annual or quarterly report with the Commission and in each of the Time of Sale Information and the Final Offering Memorandum; and (iii) are designed to be effective in all material respects to perform the functions for which they were established. The Company also maintains a system of “internal control over financial reporting” (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) of the Exchange Act) that complies with the requirements of the Exchange Act and has been designed by, or under the supervision of, its principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with GAAP. Except as described in each of the Time of Sale Information and the Final Offering Memorandum, since the date of the latest audited financial statements included or incorporated by reference into the Time of Sale Information and the Final Offering Memorandum, the Company has not been advised of any (i) significant deficiencies or material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal controls over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the Company’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information or (ii) fraud, whether or not material, that involves executive officers or other employees who have a significant role in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting.

(dd) Accounting Controls. The Company maintains a system of internal accounting controls sufficient to provide reasonable assurance that (i) transactions are executed in accordance with management’s general or specific authorizations; (ii) transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP as applied in the United States and to maintain asset accountability; (iii) access to assets is permitted only in accordance with management’s general or specific authorization; (iv) the recorded accountability for assets is compared with the existing assets at reasonable intervals and appropriate action is taken with respect to any differences; and (v) the interactive data in eXtensible Business Reporting Language incorporated by reference in the Time of Sale Information and the Final Offering Memorandum fairly presents the information called for in all material respects and is prepared in accordance with the Commission’s rules and guidelines applicable thereto. Since the date of the latest audited financial statements included in the Time of Sale Information and the Final Offering Memorandum, (a) the Company has not been advised of (1) any significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls that could adversely affect the ability of the Company to record, process, summarize and report financial data, or any material weaknesses in internal controls and (2) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the internal controls of the Company, and (b) since that date, there has been (1) no material weakness in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (whether or not remediated) and (2) no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

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(ee) Insurance. The Company is insured by insurers of recognized financial responsibility against such losses and risks and in such amounts as are prudent and customary in the businesses in which the Company is engaged; the Company has not been refused any insurance coverage sought or applied for; and the Company has no reason to believe that it will not be able to renew its existing insurance coverage as and when such coverage expires or to obtain similar coverage from similar insurers as may be necessary to continue its business at a cost that would not have a Material Adverse Effect.

(ff) No Unlawful Payments. Neither the Company nor any director, officer or employee of the Company nor, to the knowledge of the Company, any agent, affiliate or other person associated with or acting on behalf of the Company has (i) used any corporate funds for any unlawful contribution, gift, entertainment or other unlawful expense relating to political activity; (ii) made or taken an act in furtherance of an offer, promise or authorization of any direct or indirect unlawful payment or benefit to any foreign or domestic government official or employee, including of any government-owned or controlled entity or of a public international organization, or any person acting in an official capacity for or on behalf of any of the foregoing, or any political party or party official or candidate for political office; (iii) violated or is in violation of any provision of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended, or any applicable law or regulation implementing the OECD Convention on Combating Bribery of Foreign Public Officials in International Business Transactions, or committed an offence under the Bribery Act 2010 of the United Kingdom or any other applicable anti-bribery or anti-corruption law; or (iv) made, offered, agreed, requested or taken an act in furtherance of any unlawful bribe or other unlawful benefit, including, without limitation, any rebate, payoff, influence payment, kickback or other unlawful or improper payment or benefit. The Company has instituted, maintained and enforced, and will continue to maintain and enforce policies and procedures designed to promote and ensure compliance with all applicable anti-bribery and anti-corruption laws.

(gg) Compliance with Anti-Money Laundering Laws. The operations of the Company, if any, are and have been conducted at all times in compliance with applicable financial recordkeeping and reporting requirements, including those of the Currency and Foreign Transactions Reporting Act of 1970, as amended, the applicable money laundering statutes of all jurisdictions where the Company, if any, conducts business, the rules and regulations thereunder and any related or similar rules, regulations or guidelines issued, administered or enforced by any governmental agency (collectively, the “Anti-Money Laundering Laws”) and no action, suit or proceeding by or before any court or governmental agency, authority or body or any arbitrator involving the Company, if any, with respect to the Anti-Money Laundering Laws is pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened.

 

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(hh) No Conflicts with Sanctions Laws. Neither the Company nor any of its, directors, officers or employees, nor, to the knowledge of the Company, any agent, affiliate or other person associated with or acting on behalf of the Company is currently the subject or the target of any sanctions administered or enforced by the U.S. government (including, without limitation, the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. Department of the Treasury or the U.S. Department of State and including, without limitation, the designation as a “specially designated national” or “blocked person”), the United Nations Security Council, the European Union, His Majesty’s Treasury, or other relevant sanctions authority (collectively, “Sanctions”), nor is the Company located, organized or resident in a country or territory that is the subject or target of Sanctions, including, without limitation, Cuba, Burma (Myanmar), Iran, North Korea, Sudan, Syria, the Crimea Region of Ukraine, the so-called Donetsk People’s Republic, the so-called Luhansk People’s Republic and Russia (each, a “Sanctioned Country”); and the Company will not directly or indirectly use the proceeds of the offering of the Securities hereunder, or lend, contribute or otherwise make available such proceeds to any joint venture partner or other person or entity (i) to fund or facilitate any activities of or business with any person that, at the time of such funding or facilitation, is the subject or target of Sanctions, (ii) to fund or facilitate any activities of or business in any Sanctioned Country or (iii) in any other manner that will result in a violation by any person (including any person participating in the transaction, whether as underwriter, initial purchaser, advisor, investor or otherwise) of Sanctions. For the past five years, the Company has not knowingly engaged in, is not now knowingly engaged in any dealings or transactions with any person that at the time of the dealing or transaction is or was the subject or the target of Sanctions or with any Sanctioned Country.

(ii) Cybersecurity. (i) To the Company’s knowledge, there has been no security breach or incident, unauthorized access or disclosure, or other compromise of or relating to the Company’s information technology and computer systems, networks, hardware, software, data and databases (including the data and information of its customers, employees, suppliers, vendors and any third party data maintained, processed or stored by the Company and any such data processed or stored by third parties on behalf of the Company), equipment or technology (collectively, “IT Systems and Data”); (ii) the Company has not been notified of, and has no knowledge of any event or condition that could result in, any security breach or incident, unauthorized access or disclosure or other compromise to its IT Systems and Data and (iii) the Company has implemented appropriate controls, policies, procedures, and technological safeguards to maintain and protect the integrity, continuous operation, redundancy and security of its IT Systems and Data reasonably consistent with industry standards and practices, or as required by applicable regulatory standards, except in the case of (i), (ii) or (iii) where the breach, incident attack or other compromise, event or condition or failure to implement appropriate controls, policies, procedures and technological safeguards would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect. The Company is presently in material compliance with all applicable laws or statutes and all judgments, orders, rules and regulations of any court or arbitrator or governmental or regulatory authority, internal policies and contractual obligations relating to the privacy and security of IT Systems and Data and to the protection of such IT Systems and Data from unauthorized use, access, misappropriation or modification.

 

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(jj) Solvency. On and immediately after the Closing Date and the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, the Company (after giving effect to the issuance and sale of the Securities and the other transactions related thereto as described in each of the Time of Sale Information and the Final Offering Memorandum) will be Solvent. As used in this paragraph, the term “Solvent” means, with respect to a particular date and entity, that on such date (i) the fair value (and present fair saleable value) of the assets of such entity is not less than the total amount required to pay the probable liability of such entity on its total existing debts and liabilities (including contingent liabilities) as they become absolute and matured; (ii) such entity is able to realize upon its assets and pay its debts and other liabilities, contingent obligations and commitments as they mature and become due in the normal course of business; (iii) assuming consummation of the issuance and sale of the Securities as contemplated by this Agreement, the Time of Sale Information and the Final Offering Memorandum, such entity does not have, intend to incur or believe that it will incur debts or liabilities beyond its ability to pay as such debts and liabilities mature; (iv) such entity is not engaged in any business or transaction, and does not propose to engage in any business or transaction, for which its property would constitute unreasonably small capital; and (v) such entity is not a defendant in any civil action that would result in a judgment that such entity is or would become unable to satisfy.

(kk) No Brokers Fees. The Company is not a party to any contract, agreement or understanding with any person (other than this Agreement) that would give rise to a valid claim against it or any Initial Purchaser for a brokerage commission, finder’s fee or like payment in connection with the offering and sale of the Securities.

(ll) Rule 144A Eligibility. On the Closing Date and the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, the Securities will not be of the same class as securities listed on a national securities exchange registered under Section 6 of the Exchange Act or quoted in an automated inter-dealer quotation system, in each case within the meaning of Rule 144A under the Securities Act. Except as described in the Time of Sale Information and the Offering Memorandum, the Company has not sold, issued or distributed any shares of Common Stock during the six-month period preceding the date hereof, including any sales pursuant to Rule 144A under, or Regulation D or S of, the Securities Act, other than shares issued pursuant to employee benefit plans, qualified stock option plans or other employee compensation plans or pursuant to outstanding options, rights or warrant.

(mm) No Integration. Neither the Company nor any of its affiliates (as defined in Rule 501(b) of Regulation D) has, directly or through any agent, sold, offered for sale, solicited offers to buy or otherwise negotiated in respect of, any “security” (as defined in the Securities Act), that is or will be integrated with the sale of the Securities in a manner that would require registration of the Securities under the Securities Act.

(nn) No General Solicitation. None of the Company or any of its affiliates or any other person acting on its or their behalf (other than the Initial Purchasers, as to which no representation is made) has solicited offers for, or offered or sold, the Securities by means of any form of general solicitation or general advertising within the meaning of Rule 502(c) of Regulation D other than in any manner involving a public offering within the meaning of Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act.

 

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(oo) Securities Law Exemptions. Assuming the accuracy of the representations and warranties of the Initial Purchasers contained in Section 1(b) (including Annex C hereto) and their compliance with their agreements set forth therein, it is not necessary, in connection with the issuance and sale of the Securities to the Initial Purchasers and the offer, resale and delivery of the Securities by the Initial Purchasers in the manner contemplated by this Agreement, the Time of Sale Information and the Final Offering Memorandum, to register the Securities under the Securities Act or to qualify the Indenture under the Trust Indenture Act.

(pp) No Stabilization or Manipulation. Neither the Company nor any of its affiliates has taken, directly or indirectly, any action designed to or that could reasonably be expected to cause or result in any stabilization or manipulation of the price of the Securities.

(qq) No Applicable Registration or Other Similar Rights. Except as disclosed in the Time of Sale Information and the Final Offering Memorandum, there are no persons with registration or other similar rights to have any equity or debt securities of the Company or any “affiliate” registered for sale under a registration statement, except for rights as have been waived in writing in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or otherwise satisfied.

(rr) Margin Rules. Neither the issuance, sale and delivery of the Securities nor the application of the proceeds thereof by the Company as described in each of the Time of Sale Information and the Final Offering Memorandum will violate Regulation T, U or X of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System or any other regulation of such Board of Governors.

(ss) Forward-Looking Statements. No forward-looking statement (within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act) included or incorporated by reference in any of the Time of Sale Information or the Final Offering Memorandum has been made or reaffirmed without a reasonable basis or has been disclosed other than in good faith.

(tt) Industry Statistical and Market Data. Nothing has come to the attention of the Company that has caused the Company to believe that the industry statistical and market-related data included or incorporated by reference in each of the Time of Sale Information and the Final Offering Memorandum is not based on or derived from sources that are reliable and accurate in all material respects.

(uu) Sarbanes-Oxley Act. There is and has been no failure on the part of the Company or, to the knowledge of the Company, any of the Company’s directors or officers, in their capacities as such, in all material respects, to comply with any provision of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated in connection therewith (the “Sarbanes-Oxley Act”), including Section 402 related to loans and Sections 302 and 906 related to certifications.

(vv) Reserve Reports. The oil and natural gas reserve estimates of the Company included or incorporated by reference in each of the Time of Sale Information and the Final Offering Memorandum have been audited by Cawley, Gillespie & Associates, Inc. (“Cawley”) in accordance with Commission guidelines applied on a

 

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consistent basis throughout the periods involved, and such estimates fairly reflect, in all material respects, the oil and natural gas reserves of the Company as of the dates indicated. Other than production of the reserves in the ordinary course of business, intervening product price fluctuations, fluctuations in demand for such products, adverse weather conditions, unavailability or increased costs of rigs, services, supplies or personnel, the timing of third party operations and other facts, in each case in the ordinary course of business, and as described in each of the Time of Sale Information and the Final Offering Memorandum, the Company is not aware of any facts or circumstances that would cause a Material Adverse Effect in the reserves or the present value of future net cash flows therefrom as described in each of the Time of Sale Information and the Final Offering Memorandum.

(ww) The Common Stock. The outstanding shares of Common Stock have been duly authorized, are validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable, have been issued in compliance with applicable securities laws and were not issued in violation of any preemptive or similar rights. The Conversion Shares initially issuable upon conversion of the Securities (assuming, for these purposes, that (x) all the Securities are converted by a single holder thereof; and (y) such conversion is settled solely by the delivery of shares of Common Stock at the Initial Maximum Conversion Rate (as defined below)) have been duly authorized and reserved for issuance upon conversion of the Securities, and, when such Conversion Shares are issued and delivered upon conversion in accordance with the Indenture, such shares will be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable and free from pre-emptive rights under the certificate of incorporation of the Company, the Delaware General Corporation Law or any agreement to which the Company or any of its subsidiaries is a party. “Initial Maximum Conversion Rate” means the initial “Conversion Rate” (as defined in the Indenture) plus the initial maximum increase thereto in connection with a “Make-Whole Fundamental Change” (as defined in the Indenture). The Conversion Shares conform in all material respects to the description thereof in the Time of Sale Information and the Offering Memorandum.

(xx) Other Transaction Documents. The Capped Call Confirmations have been duly authorized by the Company. The Base Capped Call Confirmations have been executed and delivered by the Company and are, and any Option Capped Call Confirmation, when executed and delivered by the Company, will be, valid and binding agreements of the Company, enforceable in accordance with their respective terms, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency and similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and equitable principles of general applicability.

(yy) Descriptions of the Transaction Documents. Each Transaction Document conforms in all material respects to the description thereof contained in each of the Time of Sale Information and the Offering Memorandum.

(zz) Listing. The Common Stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (the “Exchange”).

 

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4. Further Agreements of the Company. The Company covenants and agrees with each Initial Purchaser that:

(a) Delivery of Copies. The Company will deliver, without charge, to the Initial Purchasers as many copies of the Preliminary Offering Memorandum, any other Time of Sale Information, any Issuer Written Communication and the Final Offering Memorandum (including all amendments and supplements thereto) as the Representative may reasonably request.

(b) Final Offering Memorandum, Amendments or Supplements. Before finalizing the Final Offering Memorandum or making or distributing any amendment or supplement to any of the Time of Sale Information or the Final Offering Memorandum, the Company will furnish to the Representative and counsel for the Initial Purchasers a copy of the proposed Final Offering Memorandum or such amendment or supplement (or document to be incorporated by reference therein) for review, and will not distribute any such proposed Final Offering Memorandum, amendment or supplement or file any such document with the Commission to which the Representative reasonably objects; provided that, if in the opinion of outside counsel of the Company such proposed amendment or supplement is required by law, the Company can make such amendment or supplement, notwithstanding any such reasonable objection.

(c) Additional Written Communications. Before using, authorizing, approving, distributing or referring to any Issuer Written Communication, the Company will furnish to the Representative and counsel for the Initial Purchasers a copy of such written communication for review and will not use, authorize, approve, distribute or refer to any such written communication to which the Representative reasonably objects.

(d) Compliance with Securities Laws. The Company will advise the Representative promptly, and confirm such advice in writing, (i) of the issuance by any governmental or regulatory authority of any order preventing or suspending the use of any of the Time of Sale Information, any Issuer Written Communication or the Final Offering Memorandum or the initiation or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatening of any proceeding for that purpose; (ii) of the occurrence of any event at any time prior to the completion of the initial offering of the Securities as a result of which any of the Time of Sale Information, any Issuer Written Communication or the Final Offering Memorandum as then amended or supplemented would include any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances existing when such Time of Sale Information, such Issuer Written Communication or the Final Offering Memorandum is delivered to a purchaser, not misleading; and (iii) of the receipt by the Company of any notice with respect to any suspension of the qualification of the Securities for offer and sale in any jurisdiction or the initiation or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatening of any proceeding for such purpose; and the Company will use its reasonable best efforts to prevent the issuance of any such order preventing or suspending the use of any of the Time of Sale Information, any Issuer Written Communication or the Final Offering Memorandum or suspending any such qualification of the Securities and, if any such order is issued, will use its reasonable best efforts to obtain as soon as possible the withdrawal thereof.

 

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(e) Time of Sale Information. If at any time prior to the Closing Date or the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, (i) any event shall occur or condition shall exist as a result of which any of the Time of Sale Information as then amended or supplemented would include any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading or (ii) it is necessary to amend or supplement the Time of Sale Information to comply with law, the Company will promptly notify the Initial Purchasers thereof and forthwith prepare and, subject to paragraph (b) above, furnish to the Initial Purchasers such amendments or supplements to the Time of Sale Information (or any document to be filed with the Commission and incorporated by reference therein) as may be necessary so that the statements in any of the Time of Sale Information as so amended or supplemented (including such documents to be incorporated by reference therein) will not, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, be misleading or so that any of the Time of Sale Information will comply with Law.

(f) Ongoing Compliance of the Final Offering Memorandum. If at any time prior to the completion of the initial offering of the Securities (i) any event shall occur or condition shall exist as a result of which the Final Offering Memorandum as then amended or supplemented would include any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances existing when the Final Offering Memorandum is delivered to a purchaser, not misleading or (ii) it is necessary to amend or supplement the Final Offering Memorandum to comply with Law, the Company will promptly notify the Initial Purchasers thereof and forthwith prepare and, subject to paragraph (b) above, furnish to the Initial Purchasers such amendments or supplements (or any document to be filed with the Commission and incorporated by reference therein) to the Final Offering Memorandum as may be necessary so that the statements in the Final Offering Memorandum as so amended or supplemented (including such document to be incorporated by reference therein) will not, in the light of the circumstances existing when the Final Offering Memorandum is delivered to a purchaser, be misleading or so that the Final Offering Memorandum will comply with Law.

(g) Blue Sky Compliance. The Company will qualify the Securities for offer and sale under the securities or Blue Sky laws of such jurisdictions as the Representative shall reasonably request and will continue such qualifications in effect so long as required for the offering and resale of the Securities; provided that the Company shall not be required to (i) qualify as a foreign corporation or other entity or as a dealer in securities in any such jurisdiction where it would not otherwise be required to so qualify, (ii) file any general consent to service of process in any such jurisdiction or (iii) subject itself to taxation in any such jurisdiction if it is not otherwise so subject.

(h) Clear Market. For a period of 60 days after the date of the offering of the Securities, the Company will not (i) offer, pledge, sell, contract to sell, sell any option or contract to purchase, purchase any option or contract to sell, grant any option, right or warrant to purchase, lend, or otherwise transfer or dispose of, directly or indirectly, or submit to, or file with, the Commission a registration statement under the Securities Act

 

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relating to, any shares of Common Stock or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Common Stock, or publicly disclose the intention to undertake any of the foregoing, or (ii) enter into any swap or other agreement that transfers, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of the Common Stock or any such other securities, whether any such transaction described in clause (i) or (ii) above is to be settled by delivery of Common Stock or such other securities, in cash or otherwise, without the prior written consent of the Representative, other than (a) the Securities to be sold hereunder, (b) the issuance of any shares of Common Stock upon conversion of the Securities, (c) the entry by the Company into the Capped Call Confirmations, (d) the issuance of options to acquire shares of Common Stock or other awards which may be settled in shares of Common Stock, in each case granted pursuant to the Company’s benefit plans existing on the date hereof that are referred to or incorporated by reference in the Time of Sale Information and the Final Offering Memorandum, as such plans may be amended, (e) the issuance or retention of shares of Common Stock upon the exercise of any options or the exercise, vesting or settlement of other awards granted pursuant to the Company’s benefit plans, (f) the issuance of any shares of Common Stock upon the conversion or exchange of securities convertible into or exchangeable for Common Stock in existence on the date hereof, (g) the issuance of any shares of Common Stock as consideration for any merger or acquisition transaction in an aggregate amount not to exceed 5% of the Company’s outstanding Common Stock as of the date hereof or (h) the issuance of shares of Common Stock in connection with the exercise of any of the Company’s warrants to purchase Common Stock that are outstanding as of the date of this Agreement, or the filing or submission of any registration statement with the Commission with respect thereto.

(i) Use of Proceeds. The Company will apply the net proceeds from the sale of the Securities as described in each of the Time of Sale Information and the Final Offering Memorandum under the heading “Use of Proceeds.”

(j) Supplying Information to Holders of Securities. While the Securities remain outstanding and are “restricted securities” within the meaning of Rule 144(a)(3) under the Securities Act, the Company will, during any period in which the Company is not subject to and in compliance with Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, furnish to holders of the Securities and prospective purchasers of the Securities designated by such holders, upon the request of such holders or such prospective purchasers, the information required to be delivered pursuant to Rule 144A(d)(4) under the Securities Act.

(k) DTC. The Company will assist the Initial Purchasers in arranging for the Securities to be eligible for clearance and settlement through DTC.

(l) No Resales by the Company. The Company will not, and will not permit any of its affiliates (as defined in Rule 144 under the Securities Act) to, resell any of the Securities that have been acquired by any of them, except for Securities purchased by the Company or any of its affiliates and resold in a transaction registered under the Securities Act.

 

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(m) No Integration. Neither the Company nor any of its affiliates (as defined in Rule 501(b) of Regulation D) will, directly or through any agent, sell, offer for sale, solicit offers to buy or otherwise negotiate in respect of, any “security” (as defined in the Securities Act), that is or will be integrated with the sale of the Securities in a manner that would require registration of the Securities under the Securities Act.

(n) No General Solicitation. None of the Company or any of its affiliates or any other person acting on its or their behalf (other than the Initial Purchasers, as to which no covenant is given) will solicit offers for, or offer or sell, the Securities by means of any form of general solicitation or general advertising within the meaning of Rule 502(c) of Regulation D or in any manner involving a public offering within the meaning of Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act.

(o) No Stabilization. The Company will not take, directly or indirectly, any action designed to or that could reasonably be expected to cause or result in any stabilization or manipulation of the price of the Securities or any other reference security, whether to facilitate the sale or resale of the Securities or otherwise.

(p) Legended Securities. Each certificate for a Security will bear a legend substantially the same as that contained in “Transfer Restrictions” in the Preliminary Offering Memorandum for the time period and upon the other terms stated in the Preliminary Offering Memorandum.

(q) Conversion Shares. The Company will reserve for issuance upon conversion of the Securities and keep available at all times, free of pre-emptive rights, the maximum number (assuming, for these purposes, that (x) all the Securities are converted by a single holder thereof; and (y) such conversion is settled solely by the delivery of shares of Common Stock at a conversion rate equal to the sum of the then-applicable Conversion Rate and the then-applicable maximum increase thereto in connection with a Make-Whole Fundamental Change in accordance with the Indenture) of Conversion Shares issuable upon conversion of the Securities.

(r) Exchange. The Company will use its best efforts to list and maintain, subject to notice of issuance, the Conversion Shares on the Exchange.

(s) No Adjustments. Between the date hereof and the Closing Date or the Additional Closing Date, if applicable, the Company will not do or authorize any act or thing that would result in an adjustment of the Conversion Rate of the Securities assuming they are outstanding.

The Representative, on behalf of the several Initial Purchasers, may, in its sole discretion, waive in writing the performance by the Company of any one or more of the foregoing covenants or extend time for their performance.

5. Certain Agreements of the Initial Purchasers. Each Initial Purchaser hereby represents and agrees that it has not and will not use, authorize use of, refer to, or participate in the planning for use of, any written communication that constitutes an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the Securities other than (i) the Preliminary

 

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Offering Memorandum and the Final Offering Memorandum, (ii) any written communication that contains either (a) no “issuer information” (as defined in Rule 433(h)(2) under the Securities Act) or (b) “issuer information” that was not included (including through incorporation by reference) in the Time of Sale Information or the Final Offering Memorandum, (iii) any written communication listed on Annex A or prepared in accordance with Section 4(c) (including any electronic road show) above, (iv) any written communication prepared by such Initial Purchaser and approved by the Company and the Representative in advance in writing or (v) any written communication relating to or that contains the terms of the Securities and/or other information that was included (including through incorporation by reference) in the Time of Sale Information or the Final Offering Memorandum.

6. Conditions of Initial Purchasers Obligations. The obligation of the Initial Purchasers to purchase the Firm Securities on the Closing Date or the Option Securities on the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, as provided herein is subject to the performance by the Company of its covenants and other obligations hereunder and to the following additional conditions:

(a) Representations and Warranties. The representations and warranties of the Company contained herein shall be true and correct on the date hereof and on and as of the Closing Date or the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be; and the statements of the Company and its officers made in any certificates delivered pursuant to this Agreement shall be true and correct on and as of the Closing Date or the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be.

(b) No Downgrade. Subsequent to the earlier of (A) the Time of Sale and (B) the execution and delivery of this Agreement, (i) no downgrading shall have occurred in the rating accorded the Securities or any other debt securities or preferred stock issued or guaranteed by the Company by any “nationally recognized statistical rating organization,” as such term is defined under Section 3(a)(62) under the Exchange Act and (ii) no such organization shall have publicly announced that it has under surveillance or review, or has changed its outlook with respect to, its rating of the Securities or of any other debt securities or preferred stock issued or guaranteed by the Company (other than an announcement with positive implications of a possible upgrading).

(c) No Material Adverse Change. No event or condition of a type described in Section 3(f) hereof shall have occurred or shall exist, which event or condition is not described in each of the Time of Sale Information (excluding any amendment or supplement thereto) and the Final Offering Memorandum (excluding any amendment or supplement thereto) the effect of which in the judgment of the Representative makes it impracticable or inadvisable to proceed with the offering, sale or delivery of the Securities on the Closing Date or the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, on the terms and in the manner contemplated by this Agreement, the Time of Sale Information and the Final Offering Memorandum.

 

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(d) Officers Certificate. The Representative shall have received on and as of the Closing Date or the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, a certificate signed by an executive officer of the Company who has specific knowledge of the Company’s financial matters and is satisfactory to the Representative (i) confirming that such officer has carefully reviewed the Time of Sale Information and the Final Offering Memorandum and, to the best knowledge of such officer, the representations set forth in Sections 3(a) and 3(b) hereof are true and correct, (ii) confirming that the other representations and warranties of the Company in this Agreement are true and correct and that the Company has complied with all agreements and satisfied all conditions on their part to be performed or satisfied hereunder at or prior to the Closing Date and (iii) to the effect set forth in paragraphs (b) and (c) above.

(e) Comfort Letters. On the date of this Agreement, the Closing Date and the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, each of Deloitte & Touche LLP and Weaver and Tidwell, L.L.P. shall have furnished to the Representative, at the request of the Company, letters, dated the respective dates of delivery thereof and addressed to the Initial Purchasers, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Representative, containing statements and information of the type customarily included in accountants’ “comfort letters” to underwriters with respect to the financial statements and certain financial information contained (or incorporated by reference) in each of the Time of Sale Information and the Final Offering Memorandum; provided that the letters delivered on the date of this Agreement, the Closing Date or the Additional Closing Day, as the case may be, shall use a “cut-off” date no more than three business days prior to the date of this Agreement, the Closing Date or Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, respectively.

(f) Reserve Engineer Letters. On the date of this Agreement, the Closing Date and the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, Cawley shall have furnished to the Representative, at the request of the Company, letters, dated the respective dates of delivery thereof and addressed to the Initial Purchasers, stating the conclusions and findings of such firm with respect to the oil and natural gas reserves of the Company in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Representative.

(g) Opinion and 10b-5 Statement of Counsel for the Company. Kirkland & Ellis LLP, counsel for the Company, shall have furnished to the Initial Purchasers, at the request of the Company, their written opinion and 10b-5 statement, dated the Closing Date and the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, and addressed to the Initial Purchasers, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Initial Purchasers.

(h) Opinion and 10b-5 Statement of Counsel for the Initial Purchasers. The Initial Purchasers shall have received on and as of the Closing Date and the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, an opinion and 10b-5 statement, addressed to the Initial Purchasers, of Latham & Watkins LLP, counsel for the Initial Purchasers, with respect to such matters as the Representative may reasonably request, and such counsel shall have received such documents and information as they may reasonably request to enable them to pass upon such matters.

 

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(i) Good Standing. The Representative shall have received on and as of the Closing Date and the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, satisfactory evidence of the good standing of the Company in Delaware and its good standing in such other jurisdictions as the Representative may reasonably request, in each case in writing or any standard form of telecommunication from the appropriate governmental authorities of such jurisdictions.

(j) DTC. The Securities shall be eligible for clearance and settlement through DTC.

(k) Indenture and Securities; No Default. The Indenture shall have been duly executed and delivered by the parties thereto, and the Securities shall have been duly executed and delivered by a duly authorized officer of the Company and duly authenticated by the Trustee. No event that would constitute a “Default” or “Event of Default” under the Indenture shall have occurred.

(l) Additional Documents. On or prior to the Closing Date or the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, the Company shall have furnished to the Initial Purchasers such further certificates and documents as the Initial Purchasers may reasonably request, including a secretary’s certificate dated the Closing Date or the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, executed by the secretary of the Company certifying such matters as the Initial Purchasers may reasonably request.

(m) Exchange Listing. On or prior to the Closing Date, the Company shall have received the approval of the Exchange of Supplemental Listing Application concerning the Conversion Shares.

(n) Lock-up Agreements. The “lock-up” agreements, each substantially in the form of Exhibit A hereto, between you and the officers and directors of the Company relating to sales and certain other dispositions of shares of Common Stock or certain other securities, delivered to you on or before the date hereof, shall be full force and effect on the Closing Date or Additional Closing Date, as the case may be.

(o) Adjustments. No event has occurred that would, if the Securities were outstanding, require an adjustment to the conversion rate for the Securities pursuant to the Indenture.

All opinions, letters, certificates and evidence mentioned above or elsewhere in this Agreement shall be deemed to be in compliance with the provisions hereof only if they are in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to counsel for the Initial Purchasers.

7. Indemnification and Contribution.

(a) Indemnification of the Initial Purchasers. The Company agrees to indemnify and hold harmless each Initial Purchaser, its affiliates, directors, employees, agents and officers and each person, if any, who controls such Initial Purchaser within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act, from and against any and all losses, claims, damages and liabilities (including, without limitation, legal fees and other expenses reasonably incurred in connection with any suit, action or proceeding or any claim asserted, as such fees and expenses are incurred), joint or

 

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several, that arise out of, or are based upon, (i) any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Preliminary Offering Memorandum, any of the other Time of Sale Information, any Issuer Written Communication or the Final Offering Memorandum (or any amendment or supplement thereto) or (ii) any omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, in each case except insofar as such losses, claims, damages or liabilities arise out of, or are based upon, any untrue statement or omission or alleged untrue statement or omission made in reliance upon and in conformity with any information relating to any Initial Purchaser furnished to the Company in writing by such Initial Purchaser through the Representative expressly for use therein.

(b) Indemnification of the Company. Each Initial Purchaser, severally and not jointly, agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Company, its directors and officers and each person, if any, who controls the Company within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act to the same extent as the indemnity set forth in paragraph (a) above, but only with respect to any losses, claims, damages or liabilities that arise out of, or are based upon, any untrue statement or omission or alleged untrue statement or omission made in reliance upon and in conformity with any information relating to such Initial Purchaser furnished to the Company in writing by such Initial Purchaser through the Representative expressly for use in the Preliminary Offering Memorandum, any of the other Time of Sale Information, any Issuer Written Communication or the Final Offering Memorandum (or any amendment or supplement thereto), it being understood and agreed that the only such information consists of the following paragraphs in the Preliminary Offering Memorandum and the Final Offering Memorandum: (i) the second paragraph and the fourth and fifth sentences of the third paragraph under the subcaption “New Issue of Notes” and (ii) the two paragraphs under the subcaption “Price Stabilization and Short Positions; Repurchase of Common Stock,” in each case under the caption “Plan of Distribution” in the Time of Sale Information and the Final Offering Memorandum.

(c) Notice and Procedures. If any suit, action, proceeding (including any governmental or regulatory investigation), claim or demand shall be brought or asserted against any person in respect of which indemnification may be sought pursuant to either paragraph (a) or (b) above, such person (the “Indemnified Person”) shall promptly notify the person against whom such indemnification may be sought (the “Indemnifying Person”) in writing; provided that the failure to notify the Indemnifying Person shall not relieve it from any liability that it may have under paragraph (a) or (b) above except to the extent that it has been materially prejudiced (through the forfeiture of substantive rights or defenses) by such failure; and provided, further, that the failure to notify the Indemnifying Person shall not relieve it from any liability that it may have to an Indemnified Person otherwise than under paragraph (a) or (b) above. If any such proceeding shall be brought or asserted against an Indemnified Person and it shall have notified the Indemnifying Person thereof, the Indemnifying Person shall retain counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Indemnified Person (who shall not, without the consent of the Indemnified Person, be counsel to the Indemnifying Person) to represent the Indemnified Person and any others entitled to indemnification pursuant to this Section 7 that the Indemnifying Person may

 

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designate in such proceeding and shall pay the reasonable fees and expenses of such proceeding and shall pay the fees and expenses of such counsel related to such proceeding, as incurred. In any such proceeding, any Indemnified Person shall have the right to retain its own counsel, but the fees and expenses of such counsel shall be at the expense of such Indemnified Person unless (i) the Indemnifying Person and the Indemnified Person shall have mutually agreed to the contrary; (ii) the Indemnifying Person has failed within a reasonable time to retain counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Indemnified Person; (iii) the Indemnified Person shall have reasonably concluded that there may be legal defenses available to it that are different from or in addition to those available to the Indemnifying Person; or (iv) the named parties in any such proceeding (including any impleaded parties) include both the Indemnifying Person and the Indemnified Person and representation of both parties by the same counsel would be inappropriate due to actual or potential differing interests between them. It is understood and agreed that the Indemnifying Person shall not, in connection with any proceeding or related proceeding in the same jurisdiction, be liable for the reasonable fees and expenses of more than one separate firm (in addition to any local counsel) for all Indemnified Persons, and that all such reasonable fees and expenses shall be reimbursed as they are incurred. Any such separate firm for any Initial Purchaser, its affiliates, directors and officers and any control persons of such Initial Purchaser shall be designated in writing by the Representative and any such separate firm for the Company, its directors and officers and any control persons of the Company shall be designated in writing by the Company. The Indemnifying Person shall not be liable for any settlement of any proceeding effected without its written consent (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed), but if settled with such consent or if there be a final judgment for the plaintiff, the Indemnifying Person agrees to indemnify each Indemnified Person from and against any loss or liability by reason of such settlement or judgment. Notwithstanding the foregoing sentence, if at any time an Indemnified Person shall have requested that an Indemnifying Person reimburse the Indemnified Person for fees and expenses of counsel as contemplated by this paragraph, the Indemnifying Person shall be liable for any settlement of any proceeding effected without its written consent if (i) such settlement is entered into more than 30 days after receipt by the Indemnifying Person of such request and (ii) the Indemnifying Person shall not have reimbursed the Indemnified Person in accordance with such request prior to the date of such settlement. No Indemnifying Person shall, without the written consent of the Indemnified Person, effect any settlement of any pending or threatened proceeding in respect of which any Indemnified Person is or could have been a party and indemnification could have been sought hereunder by such Indemnified Person, unless such settlement (x) includes an unconditional release of such Indemnified Person, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to such Indemnified Person, from all liability on claims that are the subject matter of such proceeding and (y) does not include any statement as to or any admission of fault, culpability or a failure to act by or on behalf of any Indemnified Person.

(d) Contribution. If the indemnification provided for in paragraph (a) or (b) above is unavailable to an Indemnified Person or insufficient in respect of any losses, claims, damages, expenses or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof) referred to therein, then each Indemnifying Person under such paragraph, in lieu of indemnifying such Indemnified Person thereunder, shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by such

 

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Indemnified Person as a result of such losses, claims, damages, expenses or liabilities (i) in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative benefits received by the Company on the one hand and the Initial Purchasers on the other from the offering of the Securities pursuant to this Agreement or (ii) if the allocation provided by clause (i) is not permitted by applicable law, in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect not only the relative benefits referred to in clause (i) but also the relative fault of the Company on the one hand and the Initial Purchasers on the other in connection with the statements or omissions that resulted in such losses, claims, damages or liabilities, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations. The relative benefits received by the Company on the one hand and the Initial Purchasers on the other shall be deemed to be in the same respective proportions as the net proceeds (before deducting expenses) received by the Company from the sale of the Securities pursuant to this Agreement and the total discounts and commissions received by the Initial Purchasers in connection therewith, as provided in this Agreement, bear to the aggregate offering price of the Securities. The relative fault of the Company on the one hand and the Initial Purchasers on the other shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether the untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or the omission or alleged omission to state a material fact relates to information supplied by the Company or by the Initial Purchasers and the parties’ relative intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such statement or omission.

(e) Limitation on Liability. The Company and the Initial Purchasers agree that it would not be just and equitable if contribution pursuant to this Section 7 were determined by pro rata allocation (even if the Initial Purchaser was treated as one entity for such purpose) or by any other method of allocation that does not take account of the equitable considerations referred to in paragraph (d) above. The amount paid or payable by an Indemnified Person as a result of the losses, claims, damages and liabilities referred to in paragraph (d) above shall be deemed to include, subject to the limitations set forth above, any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by such Indemnified Person in connection with investigating, defending or preparing to defend any such action or claim. Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 7, in no event shall an Initial Purchaser be required to contribute any amount in excess of the amount by which the total discounts and commissions received by such Initial Purchaser with respect to the offering of the Securities exceeds the amount of any damages that such Initial Purchaser has otherwise been required to pay by reason of such untrue or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission. No person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Securities Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any person who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation. The Initial Purchaser’s obligation to contribute pursuant to this Section 7 are several in proportion to their respective purchase obligations hereunder and not joint.

(f) Non-Exclusive Remedies. The remedies provided for in this Section 7 are not exclusive and shall not limit any rights or remedies that may otherwise be available to any Indemnified Person at law or in equity.

 

28


8. Termination. This Agreement may be terminated in the absolute discretion of the Representative, by notice to the Company, if after the execution and delivery of this Agreement and on or prior to the Closing Date or, in the case of the Option Securities, prior to the Additional Closing Date (i) trading generally shall have been suspended or materially limited on the New York Stock Exchange, NASDAQ Global Market or the over-the-counter market; (ii) trading of any securities issued or guaranteed by the Company shall have been suspended on any exchange or in any over-the-counter market; (iii) a general moratorium on commercial banking activities shall have been declared by federal or New York State authorities; (iv) there shall have occurred a material disruption in settlement or clearing services; or (v) there shall have occurred any outbreak or escalation of hostilities or any change in financial markets or any calamity or crisis, either within or outside the United States, that, in the judgment of the Representative, is material and adverse and makes it impracticable or inadvisable to proceed with the offering, sale or delivery of the Securities on the Closing Date or the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, on the terms and in the manner contemplated by this Agreement, the Time of Sale Information and the Final Offering Memorandum. The Initial Purchasers may also terminate this Agreement on the Closing Date or the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, if any condition described in Section 6 is not fulfilled or waived in writing by the Initial Purchaser on or prior to such date.

9. Defaulting Initial Purchaser.

(a) If, on the Closing Date or the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, any Initial Purchaser defaults on its obligation to purchase the Securities that it has agreed to purchase hereunder on such date, the non-defaulting Initial Purchasers may in their discretion arrange for the purchase of such Securities by other persons satisfactory to the Company on the terms contained in this Agreement. If, within 36 hours after any such default by any Initial Purchaser, the non-defaulting Initial Purchasers do not arrange for the purchase of such Securities, then the Company shall be entitled to a further period of 36 hours within which to procure other persons satisfactory to the non-defaulting Initial Purchasers to purchase such Securities on such terms. If other persons become obligated or agree to purchase the Securities of a defaulting Initial Purchaser, either the non-defaulting Initial Purchasers or the Company may postpone the Closing Date or the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, for up to five full business days in order to effect any changes that in the opinion of counsel for the Company or counsel for the Initial Purchasers may be necessary in the Time of Sale Information, the Final Offering Memorandum or in any other document or arrangement, and the Company agrees to promptly prepare any amendment or supplement to the Time of Sale Information or the Final Offering Memorandum that effects any such changes. As used in this Agreement, the term “Initial Purchaser” includes, for all purposes of this Agreement unless the context otherwise requires, any person not listed in Schedule 1 hereto that, pursuant to this Section 9, purchases Securities that a defaulting Initial Purchaser agreed but failed to purchase.

(b) If, after giving effect to any arrangements for the purchase of the Securities of a defaulting Initial Purchaser or Initial Purchasers by the non-defaulting Initial Purchasers and the Company as provided in paragraph (a) above, the aggregate principal amount of such Securities that remains unpurchased on the Closing Date or the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, does not exceed one-eleventh of the aggregate principal amount of

 

29


Securities to be purchased on such date, then the Company shall have the right to require each non-defaulting Initial Purchaser to purchase the principal amount of Securities that such Initial Purchaser agreed to purchase hereunder plus such Initial Purchaser’s pro rata share (based on the principal amount of Securities that such Initial Purchaser agreed to purchase hereunder) of the Securities of such defaulting Initial Purchaser or Initial Purchasers for which such arrangements have not been made.

(c) If, after giving effect to any arrangements for the purchase of the Securities of a defaulting Initial Purchaser or Initial Purchasers by the non-defaulting Initial Purchasers and the Company as provided in paragraph (a) above, the aggregate principal amount of such Securities that remains unpurchased on the Closing Date or the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, exceeds one-eleventh of the aggregate principal amount of Securities to be purchased on such date, or if the Company shall not exercise the right described in paragraph (b) above, then this Agreement or, with respect to any Additional Closing Date, the obligation of the Initial Purchasers to purchase Securities on the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, shall terminate without liability on the part of the non-defaulting Initial Purchasers. Any termination of this Agreement pursuant to this Section 9 shall be without liability on the part of the Company, except that the Company will continue to be liable for the payment of expenses as set forth in Section 10 hereof and except that the provisions of Section 7 hereof shall not terminate and shall remain in effect.

(d) Nothing contained herein shall relieve a defaulting Initial Purchaser of any liability it may have to the Company or any non-defaulting Initial Purchaser for damages caused by its default.

10. Payment of Expenses.

(a) Whether or not the transactions contemplated by this Agreement are consummated or this Agreement is terminated, the Company agrees to pay or cause to be paid all costs and expenses incident to the performance of its obligations hereunder, including without limitation, (i) the costs incident to the authorization, issuance, sale, preparation and delivery of the Securities and any taxes payable in that connection; (ii) the costs incident to the preparation and printing of the Preliminary Offering Memorandum, any other Time of Sale Information, any Issuer Written Communication and the Final Offering Memorandum (including any amendment or supplement thereto) and the distribution thereof; (iii) the costs of reproducing and distributing each of the Transaction Documents and all other agreements, memoranda, correspondence and other documents prepared and delivered in connection herewith; (iv) the fees and expenses of the Company’s counsel and independent accountants; (v) the fees and expenses incurred in connection with the registration or qualification and determination of eligibility for investment of the Securities under the laws of such jurisdictions as the Representative may designate and the preparation, printing and distribution of a Blue Sky Memorandum (including the related fees and expenses of counsel for the Initial Purchasers); (vi) any fees charged by rating agencies for rating the Securities; (vii) the fees and expenses of the Trustee, and any paying agent (including related fees and expenses of any counsel to such parties); (viii) all expenses (including the expenses of Company’s counsel) and application fees incurred in connection with the approval of the Securities for book-entry transfer by DTC; (ix) all expenses in

 

30


connection with any “road show” or “investor” presentation to potential investors, including travel and lodging expenses, the cost of chartering airplanes, word processing charges, the costs of printing or producing any investor presentation materials, messenger and duplicating service expenses, facsimile expenses and other customary expenditures; and (x) all expenses and application fees related to the listing of the Conversion Shares on the Exchange.

(b) If (i) this Agreement is terminated pursuant to Section 8, (ii) the Company for any reason fails to tender the Securities for delivery to the Initial Purchasers or (iii) the Initial Purchasers declines to purchase the Securities for any reason permitted under this Agreement, the Company agrees to reimburse the Initial Purchasers for all out-of-pocket costs and expenses (including the fees and expenses of their counsel) reasonably incurred by the Initial Purchasers in connection with this Agreement and the offering contemplated hereby.

11. Persons Entitled to Benefit of Agreement. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the parties hereto and their respective successors and the officers and directors and any controlling persons referred to herein, and the affiliates of the Initial Purchasers referred to in Section 7 hereof. Nothing in this Agreement is intended or shall be construed to give any other person any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or in respect of this Agreement or any provision contained herein. No purchaser of Securities from the Initial Purchasers shall be deemed to be a successor merely by reason of such purchase.

12. Survival. The respective indemnities, rights of contribution, representations, warranties and agreements of the Company and the Initial Purchasers contained in this Agreement or made by or on behalf of the Company or the Initial Purchasers pursuant to this Agreement or any certificate delivered pursuant hereto shall survive the delivery of and payment for the Securities and shall remain in full force and effect, regardless of any termination of this Agreement or any investigation made by or on behalf of the Company or the Initial Purchasers.

13. Certain Defined Terms. For purposes of this Agreement, (a) except where otherwise expressly provided, the term “affiliate” has the meaning set forth in Rule 405 under the Securities Act; (b) the term “business day” means any day other than a day on which banks are permitted or required to be closed in New York City; (c) the term “subsidiary” has the meaning set forth in Rule 405 under the Securities Act; (d) the term “Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and (e) the term “written communication” has the meaning set forth in Rule 405 under the Securities Act.

14. Compliance with USA Patriot Act. In accordance with the requirements of the USA Patriot Act (Title III of Pub. L. 107-56 (signed into law October 26, 2001)), the Initial Purchasers are required to obtain, verify and record information that identifies their respective clients, including the Company, which information may include the name and address of their respective clients, as well as other information that will allow the Initial Purchasers to properly identify their respective clients.

 

31


15. Miscellaneous.

(a) Authority of the Representative. Any action by the Initial Purchasers hereunder may be taken by the Representative on behalf of the Initial Purchasers, and any such action taken by the Representative shall be binding upon the Initial Purchasers.

(b) Notices. All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given if mailed or transmitted and confirmed by any standard form of telecommunication. Notices to the Initial Purchasers shall be mailed, delivered or telefaxed to the Citigroup General Counsel (fax no.: 1(646) 291-1469) and confirmed to Citigroup at 388 Greenwich Street, New York, New York 10013, Attention: General Counsel, with a copy to Latham & Watkins LLP, 301 Congress Avenue, Suite 900, Austin, TX 78701; Attention: J. Michael Chambers; David J. Miller. Notices to the Company shall be given to them at 601 Carlson Pkwy, Suite 990, Minnetonka, Minnesota 55305, (fax: 952-476-9801); Attention: Erik Romslo with a copy to Kirkland & Ellis LLP, 609 Main Street, Houston, Texas 77002; Attention: Matthew R. Pacey and Bryan D. Flannery.

(c) Governing Law. This Agreement and any claim, controversy or dispute arising under or related to this Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.

(d) Submission to Jurisdiction. The Company hereby submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of the U.S. federal and New York state courts in the Borough of Manhattan in The City of New York in any suit or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby. The Company waives any objection which it may now or hereafter have to the laying of venue of any such suit or proceeding in such courts. The Company agrees that final judgment in any such suit, action or proceeding brought in such court shall be conclusive and binding upon the Company and may be enforced in any court to the jurisdiction of which Company is subject by a suit upon such judgment.

(e) Waiver of Jury Trial. Each of the parties hereto hereby waives any right to trial by jury in any suit or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement.

(f) Entire Agreement; Counterparts; Electronic Signatures. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement of the parties to this Agreement and supersedes all prior written or oral and all contemporaneous oral agreements, understandings and negotiations with respect to the subject matter hereof. This Agreement may be signed in counterparts (which may include counterparts delivered by any standard form of telecommunication), each of which shall be an original and all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. Electronic signatures complying with the New York Electronic Signatures and Records Act (N.Y. State Tech. §§ 301-309), as amended from time to time, or other applicable law will be deemed original signatures for purposes of this Agreement.

 

32


(g) Amendments or Waivers. No amendment or waiver of any provision of this Agreement, nor any consent or approval to any departure therefrom, shall in any event be effective unless the same shall be in writing and signed by the parties hereto.

(h) Headings. The headings herein are included for convenience of reference only and are not intended to be part of, or to affect the meaning or interpretation of, this Agreement.

(i) Recognition of the U.S. Special Resolution Regimes.

In the event that any Initial Purchaser that is a Covered Entity becomes subject to a proceeding under a U.S. Special Resolution Regime, the transfer from such Initial Purchaser of this Agreement, and any interest and obligation in or under this Agreement, will be effective to the same extent as the transfer would be effective under the U.S. Special Resolution Regime if this Agreement, and any such interest and obligation, were governed by the laws of the United States or a state of the United States.

In the event that any Initial Purchaser that is a Covered Entity or a BHC Act Affiliate of such Initial Purchaser becomes subject to a proceeding under a U.S. Special Resolution Regime, Default Rights under this Agreement that may be exercised against such Initial Purchaser are permitted to be exercised to no greater extent than such Default Rights could be exercised under the U.S. Special Resolution Regime if this Agreement were governed by the laws of the United States or a state of the United States.

For purposes of this Section 19, a “BHC Act Affiliate” has the meaning assigned to the term “affiliate” in, and shall be interpreted in accordance with, 12 U.S.C. § 1841(k). “Covered Entity” means any of the following: (i) a “covered entity” as that term is defined in, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. § 252.82(b); (ii) a “covered bank” as that term is defined in, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. § 47.3(b); or (iii) a “covered FSI” as that term is defined in, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. § 382.2(b). “Default Right” has the meaning assigned to that term in, and shall be interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. §§ 252.81, 47.2 or 382.1, as applicable. “U.S. Special Resolution Regime” means each of (i) the Federal Deposit Insurance Act and the regulations promulgated thereunder and (ii) Title II of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and the regulations promulgated thereunder

 

33


If the foregoing is in accordance with your understanding, please indicate your acceptance of this Agreement by signing in the space provided below.

 

Very truly yours,
Northern Oil and Gas, Inc.
By:  

/s/ Erik Romslo

  Name:   Erik Romslo
  Title:   Chief Legal Officer and Secretary

[Signature Page to Purchase Agreement]


Accepted:

Citigroup Global Markets Inc.

For itself and on behalf of

the several Initial Purchasers

listed in Schedule 1 hereto.

 

By:   CITIGROUP GLOBAL MARKETS INC.
By:  

/s/ Michael Shelly

  Name:Michael Shelly
  Title:Managing Director

[Signature Page to Purchase Agreement]


Schedule 1

 

Initial Purchaser

   Principal
Amount of
Notes
 

Citigroup Global Markets Inc.

   $ 102,092,000  

Wells Fargo Securities, LLC

     77,679,000  

RBC Capital Markets, LLC

     53,265,000  

BofA Securities, Inc.

     27,584,000  

Capital One Securities, Inc.

     27,584,000  

Citizens Capital Markets, Inc.

     27,584,000  

Fifth Third Securities, Inc.

     27,584,000  

Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC

     27,584,000  

Truist Securities, Inc.

     27,584,000  

U.S. Bancorp Investments, Inc.

CIT Capital Securities LLC

Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC

    

27,584,000
4,438,000
4,438,000
 
 
 

Total

   $ 435,000,000  
  

 

 

 


ANNEX A

Additional Time of Sale Information

1. None.

2. Term sheet containing the terms of the Securities, substantially in the form of Annex B.


ANNEX B

[See attached.]

 


PRICING TERM SHEET    CONFIDENTIAL
October 11, 2022   

Northern Oil and Gas, Inc.

Offering of

$435,000,000 Aggregate Principal Amount of

3.625% Convertible Senior Notes due 2029

The information in this pricing term sheet supplements Northern Oil and Gas, Inc.’s preliminary offering memorandum, dated October 11, 2022 (the “Preliminary Offering Memorandum”), and supersedes the information in the Preliminary Offering Memorandum to the extent inconsistent with the information in the Preliminary Offering Memorandum. Terms used, but not defined, in this pricing term sheet have the respective meanings set forth in the Preliminary Offering Memorandum. As used in this pricing term sheet, “we,” “our” and “us” refer to Northern Oil and Gas, Inc. and not to its subsidiaries.

 

Issuer    Northern Oil and Gas, Inc.
Ticker / Exchange for   
Common Stock    NOG / New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”).
Trade Date    October 12, 2022.
Settlement Date    October 14, 2022.
Notes    3.625% convertible senior notes due 2029 (the “Notes”).
Principal Amount    $435,000,000 (or, if the initial purchasers fully exercise their option to purchase additional Notes, $500,000,000) aggregate principal amount of Notes.
Offering Price    100% of the principal amount of the Notes, plus accrued interest, if any, from the Settlement Date.
Maturity    April 15, 2029, unless earlier repurchased, redeemed or converted.
Stated Interest Rate    3.625% per annum.
Interest Payment Dates    April 15 and October 15 of each year, beginning on April 15, 2023.
Record Dates    April 1 and October 1.

 

- 1 -


Last Reported Sale Price per Share of Common Stock on NYSE on October 11, 2022    $29.81.
Conversion Premium    Approximately 27.5% above the Last Reported Sale Price per Share of Common Stock on NYSE on October 11, 2022.
Initial Conversion Price    Approximately $38.01 per share of our common stock.
Initial Conversion Rate    26.3104 shares of our common stock per $1,000 principal amount of Notes.
Optional Redemption    The Notes will be redeemable, in whole or in part (subject to certain limitations described below), at our option at any time, and from time to time, on or after April 15, 2026 and on or before the 40th scheduled trading day immediately before the maturity date, at a cash redemption price equal to the principal amount of the Notes to be redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the redemption date, but only if the last reported sale price per share of our common stock exceeds 130% of the conversion price on (1) each of at least 20 trading days, whether or not consecutive, during the 30 consecutive trading days ending on, and including, the trading day immediately before the date we send the related redemption notice; and (2) the trading day immediately before the date we send such notice. However, we may not redeem less than all of the outstanding Notes unless at least $100.0 million aggregate principal amount of Notes are outstanding and not called for redemption as of the time we send the related redemption notice. In addition, calling any Note for redemption will constitute a make-whole fundamental change with respect to that Note, in which case the conversion rate applicable to the conversion of that Note will be increased in certain circumstances if it is converted after it is called for redemption. See “Description of NotesOptional Redemption” in the Preliminary Offering Memorandum.
Use of Proceeds    We expect to receive net proceeds of approximately $421.5 million from this offering (or approximately $484.7 million if the initial purchasers exercise their option to purchase additional Notes in full), after deducting the initial purchasers’ discounts and our estimated offering expenses, but excluding accrued interest, if any, to the date of issuance of the Notes. We intend to use approximately $31.4 million of the net proceeds to fund the cost of entering into the capped call transactions described in the Preliminary Offering Memorandum. In addition, we

 

- 2 -


   intend to use approximately $30.0 million of the net proceeds of this offering to repurchase 1,006,373 shares of our common stock concurrently with the pricing of this offering in privately negotiated transactions effected through one of the initial purchasers or its affiliate, as our agent. We intend to use any remaining net proceeds from this offering for general corporate purposes (initially, the repayment of a portion of the outstanding debt under our Revolving Credit Facility, and ultimately to fund the cash purchase price for the Delaware Acquisition and the Alpha Acquisition). If the initial purchasers exercise their option to purchase additional Notes, we expect to use a portion of the net proceeds from the sale of the additional Notes to enter into additional capped call transactions with the option counterparties as described in the Preliminary Offering Memorandum. See “Use of Proceeds” in the Preliminary Offering Memorandum.
Cap Price    The cap price of the capped call transactions will initially be $52.1675 per share, which represents a premium of 75% above the Last Reported Sale Price per Share of Common Stock on NYSE on October 11, 2022, and is subject to certain adjustments under the terms of the capped call transactions. See “Description of the Concurrent Capped Call Transactions” in the Preliminary Offering Memorandum.

Book-Running Managers

  

Citigroup Global Markets Inc.

Wells Fargo Securities, LLC

RBC Capital Markets, LLC

BofA Securities, Inc.

Capital One Securities, Inc.

Citizens Capital Markets, Inc.

Fifth Third Securities, Inc.

Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC

Truist Securities, Inc.

U.S. Bancorp Investments, Inc.

Co-Managers

  

CIT Capital Securities LLC

Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC

CUSIP / ISIN Numbers    665531 AH2 / US665531AH25.

 

- 3 -


Increase to Conversion Rate in Connection with a Make-Whole Fundamental Change    If a make-whole fundamental change occurs with respect to any Note and the conversion date for the conversion of such Note occurs during the related make-whole fundamental change conversion period, then, subject to the provisions described in the Preliminary Offering Memorandum under the caption “Description of Notes—Conversion Rights—Increase in Conversion Rate in Connection with a Make-Whole Fundamental Change,” the conversion rate applicable to such conversion will be increased by a number of shares set forth in the table below corresponding (after interpolation, as described below) to the make-whole fundamental change effective date and the stock price of such make-whole fundamental change:

 

     Stock Price  

Make-Whole

Fundamental

Change

Effective Date

   $29.81      $35.00      $38.01      $45.00      $49.41      $60.00      $75.00      $100.00      $150.00      $200.00  

October 14, 2022

     7.2353        5.0880        4.2076        2.7933        2.1973        1.2883        0.6473        0.2204        0.0147        0.0000  

April 15, 2023

     7.2353        5.0880        4.2076        2.7933        2.1902        1.2687        0.6267        0.2071        0.0119        0.0000  

April 15, 2024

     7.2353        5.0880        4.2076        2.7933        2.1619        1.2143        0.5747        0.1759        0.0069        0.0000  

April 15, 2025

     7.2353        5.0880        4.2076        2.6933        2.0409        1.0940        0.4843        0.1306        0.0015        0.0000  

April 15, 2026

     7.2353        5.0880        4.1102        2.4547        1.8033        0.8965        0.3560        0.0771        0.0000        0.0000  

April 15, 2027

     7.2353        4.8717        3.7280        2.0449        1.4206        0.6165        0.2011        0.0273        0.0000        0.0000  

April 15, 2028

     7.2353        4.1706        2.9461        1.3133        0.7966        0.2515        0.0519        0.0004        0.0000        0.0000  

April 15, 2029

     7.2353        2.2610        0.0000        0.0000        0.0000        0.0000        0.0000        0.0000        0.0000        0.0000  

If such make-whole fundamental change effective date or stock price is not set forth in the table above, then:

 

   

if such stock price is between two stock prices in the table above or the make-whole fundamental change effective date is between two dates in the table above, then the number of additional shares will be determined by straight-line interpolation between the numbers of additional shares set forth for the higher and lower stock prices in the table above or the earlier and later dates in the table above, based on a 365- or 366-day year, as applicable; and

 

   

if the stock price is greater than $200.00 (subject to adjustment in the same manner as the stock prices set forth in the column headings of the table above are adjusted, as described in the Preliminary Offering Memorandum under the caption “Description of Notes—Conversion Rights—Increase in Conversion Rate in Connection with a Make-Whole Fundamental Change—Adjustment of Stock Prices and Number of Additional Shares”), or less than $29.81 (subject to adjustment in the same manner), per share, then no additional shares will be added to the conversion rate.

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, in no event will the conversion rate be increased to an amount that exceeds 33.5457 shares of our common stock per $1,000 principal amount of Notes, which amount is subject to adjustment in the same manner as, and at the same time and for the same events for which, the conversion rate is required to be adjusted pursuant to the provisions described in the Preliminary Offering Memorandum under the caption “Description of Notes—Conversion Rights—Conversion Rate Adjustments—Generally.”

* * *

 

- 4 -


This communication is confidential and is intended for the sole use of the person to whom it is provided by the sender. The information in this pricing term sheet is not a complete description of the Notes or the offering.

The offer and sale of the Notes and any shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of the Notes have not been, and will not be, registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), or any other securities laws, and the Notes and any such shares cannot be offered or sold except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act and any other applicable securities laws. The initial purchasers are initially offering the Notes only to qualified institutional buyers as defined in, and in reliance on, Rule 144A under the Securities Act. The Notes and any shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of the Notes are not transferable except in accordance with the restrictions described in the Preliminary Offering Memorandum under the caption “Transfer Restrictions.”

You should rely only on the information contained or incorporated by reference in the Preliminary Offering Memorandum, as supplemented by this pricing term sheet, in making an investment decision with respect to the Notes.

Neither this pricing term sheet nor the Preliminary Offering Memorandum constitutes an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any Notes in any jurisdiction where it is unlawful to do so, where the person making the offer is not qualified to do so or to any person who cannot legally be offered the Notes.

ANY DISCLAIMERS OR OTHER NOTICES THAT MAY APPEAR BELOW ARE NOT APPLICABLE TO THIS COMMUNICATION AND SHOULD BE DISREGARDED. SUCH DISCLAIMERS OR OTHER NOTICES WERE AUTOMATICALLY GENERATED AS A RESULT OF THIS COMMUNICATION BEING SENT VIA BLOOMBERG OR ANOTHER EMAIL SYSTEM.

 

- 5 -


ANNEX C

Restrictions on Offers and Sales Outside the United States

In connection with offers and sales of Securities outside the United States:

(a) Each Initial Purchaser acknowledges that the Securities have not been registered under the Securities Act and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons except pursuant to an exemption from, or in transactions not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act.

(b) Each Initial Purchaser, severally and not jointly, represents, warrants and agrees that such Initial Purchaser has offered and sold the Securities, and will offer and sell the Securities, only in accordance with Rule 144A or any other available exemption from registration under the Securities Act.

(c) Each Initial Purchaser acknowledges that no action has been or will be taken by the Company that would permit a public offering of the Securities, or possession or distribution of any of the Time of Sale Information, the Final Offering Memorandum, any Issuer Written Communication or any other offering or publicity material relating to the Securities, in any country or jurisdiction where action for that purpose is required.


Exhibit A

FORM OF LOCK-UP AGREEMENT

Northern Oil and Gas, Inc.

601 Carlson Pkwy – Suite 990

Minnetonka, MN 55305

Citigroup Global Markets Inc.

388 Greenwich Street

New York, New York 10013

Ladies and Gentlemen:

The undersigned refers to the proposed Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) among Northern Oil and Gas, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”) and Citigroup Global Markets Inc. (“Citigroup”) on behalf of the several Initial Purchasers named in Schedule 1 therein (the “Initial Purchasers”). As an inducement to the Initial Purchasers to execute the Purchase Agreement in connection with the proposed purchase and resale (the “Placement”) of the Company’s Convertible Senior Notes due 2029 (the “Securities”), the undersigned hereby agrees that from the date hereof and until 60 days after the date set forth on the final offering memorandum used to sell the Securities pursuant to the Purchase Agreement (the “Placement Date” and such 60-day period being referred to herein as the “Lock-Up Period”), to which you are or expect to become parties, the undersigned will not (and will cause any spouse or immediate family member of the spouse or the undersigned living in the undersigned’s household, any partnership, corporation or other entity within the undersigned’s control, and any trustee of any trust that holds the Securities or other securities of the Company for the benefit of the undersigned or such spouse or family member not to) offer, sell, contract to sell (including any short sale), pledge, hypothecate, establish an open “put equivalent position” within the meaning of Rule 16a-1(h) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), grant any option, right or warrant for the sale of, purchase any option or contract to sell, sell any option or contract to purchase, or otherwise encumber, dispose of or transfer, or grant any rights with respect to, directly or indirectly, any shares of the Company’s stock, $0.001 par value per share (the “Common Stock”), or any securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for any shares of Common Stock (including, without limitation, Common Stock or such other securities which may be deemed to be beneficially owned by the undersigned in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) and securities which may be issued upon exercise of a stock option or warrant) (collectively with the Common Stock, the “Lock-Up Securities”), enter into a transaction which would have the same effect, or enter into any swap, hedge or other arrangement that transfers, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of the Lock-Up Securities, whether any such aforementioned transaction is to be settled by delivery of the Lock-Up Securities or such other securities, in cash or otherwise, or publicly disclose the intention to make any such offer, sale, pledge or disposition, or to enter into any such transaction, swap, hedge or other arrangement, without, in each case, the prior written consent of Citigroup, which consent may be withheld in Citigroup’s sole discretion.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the restrictions in this Lock-Up Agreement shall not apply to: (i) transfers of Common Stock or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Common Stock (a) as a bona fide gift or gifts; (b) to a family member, trust or family partnership (for purposes of this Lock-Up Agreement, a “family member” shall mean any relationship by blood, marriage, domestic partnership or adoption, not more remote than first cousin); (c) to a corporation, partnership, limited liability company, trust or other entity of which the undersigned and the immediate family of the undersigned are the legal and beneficial owner of all of the outstanding equity securities or similar interests; or (d) to a nominee or custodian of a person or entity to whom a disposition or transfer would be permissible under the foregoing clauses (a) through (c); [(ii) if the undersigned is a corporation, limited liability company or limited partnership, any transfer of Common Stock or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Common Stock to (a) its limited or general partners, members or stockholders or (b) its affiliates or other entities controlled or managed by the undersigned or any of its affiliates (other than the Company);]1 (iii) the exercise of options or vesting or settlement of any other equity-based award, in

 

1 

NTD: Clause (ii) to be included only for entities that sign the Lock-Up Agreement, not for the individuals who sign the Lock-Up Agreement.


each case, granted under the Northern Oil and Gas, Inc. 2013 Incentive Plan (as amended May 26, 2016) or the Northern Oil and Gas, Inc. 2018 Equity Incentive Plan, including any Common Stock withheld by the Company to pay the applicable exercise price or taxes associated with such awards, provided, however, that any Common Stock received upon such exercise, vesting or settlement, following any applicable net settlement or net withholding, will be subject to the restrictions of this Lock-Up Agreement; (iv) the transfer or disposition of any Common Stock (a) as a result of the operation of law, or pursuant to an order of a court (including a domestic order, divorce settlement, divorce decree, or separation agreement) or regulatory agency or (b) by will, other testamentary document or intestate succession; (v) the repurchase of Common Stock by the Company pursuant to equity award agreements or other contractual arrangements providing for the right of said repurchase in connection with the termination of the undersigned’s employment or service with the Company; (vi) the entering into by the undersigned of a written trading plan (“Rule 10b5-1 Plan”) pursuant to Rule 10b5-1 of the Exchange Act during the Lock-Up Period, provided that no sales or transfers of Common Stock shall be made pursuant to such Rule 10b5-1 Plan prior to the expiration of the Lock-Up Period and no filing under the Exchange Act or other public announcement shall be required or voluntarily made by the undersigned or any other person in connection therewith without the permission of Citigroup, prior to the expiration of the Lock-Up Period; (vii) transfers or sales of Common Stock pursuant to any Rule 10b5-1 Plan that has been entered into by the undersigned prior to the date of this Lock-Up Agreement, provided that any filing required to be made under Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act as a result of such transfer or sale shall state that such transfer or sale is pursuant to a trading plan pursuant to Rule 10b5-1; (viii) transfers or sales of Common Stock by the undersigned in an aggregate amount, along with all other transfers or sales by other parties to agreements similar to this Lock-Up Agreement entered into with respect to the Placement, not to exceed 400,000 shares of Common Stock; and (ix) transfers or sales pursuant to a bona fide third-party tender offer, merger, consolidation or other similar transaction made to all holders of the Company’s securities involving a change of control of the Company, provided, that, in the event that such tender offer, merger, consolidation or other such transaction is not completed, such securities held by the undersigned shall remain subject to the restrictions on transfer set forth in this Lock-Up Agreement (for purposes hereof, “change of control” shall mean the transfer (whether by tender offer, merger, consolidation or other similar transaction), in one transaction or a series of related transactions, to a person or group of affiliated persons, of shares of capital stock if, after such transfer, such person or group of affiliated persons would become the beneficial owner (as defined in Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 of the Exchange Act) of more than 50% of the total voting power of the voting securities of the Company (or the surviving entity)); provided that in the case of any transfer or distribution pursuant to clause (i), (1) each donee, distributee or transferee shall agree to be bound in writing by the restrictions set forth herein, (2) such transfer or distribution shall not involve a disposition for value and (3) no filing by the undersigned or any party (donor, donee, transferor or transferee) under the Exchange Act, or other public announcement, shall be voluntarily made in connection with any such transfer, and if the undersigned is required to file a report under the Exchange Act in connection with such transfer during the Lock-Up Period, the undersigned shall include a statement in such report to the effect that the filing relates to a bona fide gift or that such transfer or other disposition of Common Stock, as applicable, or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Common Stock, is to an immediate family member, an entity of which the undersigned and the immediate family of the undersigned are the legal and beneficial owner of all of the outstanding equity securities or similar interests, or a nominee or custodian of an immediately family member or such entity, and not a disposition for value; and provided, further, that in the case of any transfer pursuant to clause (ii), (1) that the transferee agrees to be bound in writing by the terms of this Lock-Up Agreement prior to such transfer, (2) such transfer does not involve a disposition for value and (3) no filing or public announcement by any party (transferor or transferee) under the Exchange Act, or other public announcement, shall be voluntarily made in connection with any such transfer, and if the undersigned is required to file a report under the Exchange Act in connection with such transfer during the Lock-Up Period, the undersigned shall include a statement in such report to the effect that the filing relates to a transfer or other disposition of Common Stock, as applicable, or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Common Stock, to such entity’s limited or general partners, members or stockholders or its affiliates or other entities controlled or managed by the undersigned; and provided, further, that in the case of any transfer pursuant to clause (iv), no filing by the undersigned or any party (transferor or transferee) under the Exchange Act, or other public announcement, shall be voluntarily made in connection with any such transfer, and if the undersigned is required to file a report under the Exchange Act related thereto during the Lock-Up Period, such report shall disclose that such transfer was as a result of the operation of law, or pursuant to an order of a court or regulatory agency or by will, other testamentary document or intestate succession; and provided, further, that in the case of any transfer pursuant to clause (v), no filing by the undersigned under the Exchange Act, or other public announcement, shall be voluntarily made in connection with any such transfer, and if the undersigned is required to file a report under the Exchange Act related thereto during the Lock-Up Period, such report shall disclose that such transfer was a result of the repurchase of Common Stock by the Company pursuant to equity award agreements or other contractual arrangements in connection with the termination of the undersigned’s employment or service with the Company.


Citigroup acknowledges and agrees that (i) no other Lock-Up Agreement executed in connection with the Placement shall contain terms more favorable to the counterparty thereto than the terms provided herein and (ii) to the extent any person is released or otherwise granted a waiver or modification of its Lock-Up Agreement executed in connection with the Placement, the undersigned shall be simultaneously granted the same release, waiver or modification with respect to this Lock-Up Agreement. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Lock-Up Agreement, if Citigroup, in its sole judgment, determines that a record or beneficial owner of any securities should be granted a release, waiver or modification from a Lock-Up Agreement executed in connection with the Placement due to circumstances of an emergency or hardship, then no other party to a Lock-Up Agreement executed in connection with the Placement shall have the right to be granted the same release, waiver or modification pursuant to the terms of this paragraph.

In furtherance of the foregoing, the Company and its transfer agent and registrar are hereby authorized to decline to make any transfer of Lock-Up Securities if such transfer would constitute a violation or breach of this Lock-Up Agreement.

This Lock-Up Agreement is irrevocable and shall be binding on the undersigned and the successors, heirs, personal representatives and assigns of the undersigned. This Lock-Up Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, without regard to choice of law rules.

If (i) the Company notifies you in writing that it does not intend to proceed with the Placement, (ii) for any reason the Purchase Agreement is terminated prior to the Closing Date (as defined in the Purchase Agreement), (iii) the Company does not publicly announce the commencement of the Placement on or before October 18, 2022, or (iv) the Placement Date shall not have occurred on or before October 25, 2022, this Lock-Up Agreement shall be terminated and the undersigned shall be released from its obligations hereunder.

 

Very truly yours,

 

Printed Name:  

 

Date:  


CITIGROUP GLOBAL MARKETS INC.
By:  

                 

Name:  
Title:  
For itself and as Representative of the other Initial Purchasers named in Schedule 1 hereto
NORTHERN OIL AND GAS, INC.
By:  

             

Name:  
Title:  

Exhibit 10.2

Opening Transaction

 

To:   

Northern Oil and Gas, Inc.

From:    [Dealer]
Re:    [Base]1 [Additional]2 Call Option Transaction
Ref. No:        [Insert Reference Number]3
Date:    [_____], 2022

Dear Ladies and Gentlemen:

The purpose of this communication (this “Confirmation”) is to set forth the terms and conditions of the call option transaction entered into on the Trade Date specified below (the “Transaction”) between [Dealer] (“Dealer”) and Northern Oil and Gas, Inc. (“Counterparty”). This communication constitutes a “Confirmation” as referred to in the Agreement specified below.

1. This Confirmation is subject to, and incorporates, the definitions and provisions of the 2006 ISDA Definitions (the “2006 Definitions”) and the definitions and provisions of the 2002 ISDA Equity Derivatives Definitions (the “Equity Definitions”, and together with the 2006 Definitions, the “Definitions”), in each case as published by the International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. (“ISDA”). Certain defined terms used herein have the meanings assigned to them in the Offering Memorandum dated October 11, 2022 (as so supplemented, the “Offering Memorandum”) relating to the USD 435,000,000 principal amount of [______]4% Convertible Senior Notes due 2029 (the “Base Convertible Securities”) issued by Counterparty (as increased by up to an additional USD 65,000,000 principal amount of [_____]5% Convertible Senior Notes due 2029 [that may be]6 issued pursuant to the option to purchase additional convertible securities [exercised on the date hereof]7 (the “Optional Convertible Securities” and, together with the Base Convertible Securities, the “Convertible Securities”)) pursuant to an Indenture [to be] dated October [___], 2022 between Counterparty and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as trustee (the “Indenture”). In the event of any inconsistency between the terms defined in the Indenture and this Confirmation, this Confirmation shall govern. The parties acknowledge that this Confirmation is entered into on the date hereof with the understanding that (i) definitions set forth in the Indenture that are also defined herein by reference to the Indenture and (ii) sections of the Indenture that are referred to herein, in each case, will conform to the descriptions thereof in the Offering Memorandum. If any such definitions in the Indenture or any such sections of the Indenture differ from the descriptions thereof in the Offering Memorandum, the descriptions thereof in the Offering Memorandum will govern for purposes of this Confirmation. [For the avoidance of doubt, subject to the foregoing, references herein to sections of, or definitions set forth in, the Indenture are based on the draft of the Indenture most recently reviewed by the parties at the time of execution of this Confirmation. If any relevant sections of, or definitions set forth in, the Indenture are changed, added or renumbered between the execution of this Confirmation and the execution of the Indenture, the parties will amend this Confirmation in good faith and in a commercially reasonable

 

1 

Include for base capped call.

2 

Include for additional capped call.

3 

Dealer to provide.

4 

NTD: to be updated.

5 

NTD: to be updated.

6 

Include for base capped call.

7 

Include for additional capped call.


manner to preserve the economic intent of the parties as evidenced by such draft of the Indenture. In addition, subject to the foregoing, the]8 [The]9 parties acknowledge that references to the Indenture herein are references to the Indenture as in effect on the date hereof and if the Indenture is, or the Convertible Securities are, amended, modified or supplemented following the date hereof or the date of their execution, respectively, any such amendment, modification or supplement (other than any amendment, modification or supplement (i) pursuant to Section [___]10 of the Indenture, subject to the provisions opposite the caption “Discretionary Adjustments” in Section 2 hereof, or (ii) pursuant to Section [___]11 of the Indenture that, as determined by the Calculation Agent in good faith and in a commercially reasonable manner, conforms the Indenture to the description of Convertible Securities in the Offering Memorandum) will be disregarded for purposes of this Confirmation unless the parties agree otherwise in writing.

Each party is hereby advised, and each such party acknowledges, that the other party has engaged in, or refrained from engaging in, substantial financial transactions and has taken other material actions in reliance upon the parties’ entry into the Transaction to which this Confirmation relates on the terms and conditions set forth below.

This Confirmation evidences a complete and binding agreement between Dealer and Counterparty as to the terms of the Transaction to which this Confirmation relates. This Confirmation shall be subject to an agreement (the “Agreement”) in the form of the ISDA 2002 Master Agreement as if Dealer and Counterparty had executed an agreement in such form on the date hereof (but without any Schedule except for (i) the election of US Dollars (“USD”) as the Termination Currency, (ii) the election of the laws of the State of New York as the governing law (without reference to choice of law doctrine), (iii) Default under Specified Transaction (Section 5(a)(v) of the Agreement) shall not apply to Counterparty[, (iv) the election of an executed guarantee of [___________] (“Guarantor”) dated as of the Trade Date in customary form as a Credit Support Document]12 and [(iv)][(v)] (A) the election that the “Cross Default” provisions of Section 5(a)(vi) of the Agreement shall apply to Dealer with a “Threshold Amount” of three percent of Dealer’s parent’s shareholders’ equity; provided that “Specified Indebtedness” shall not include obligations in respect of deposits received in the ordinary course of Dealer’s banking business, (B) the phrase “or becoming capable at such time of being declared” shall be deleted from clause (1) of such Section 5(a)(vi) and (C) the following language shall be added to the end thereof “Notwithstanding the foregoing, a default under subsection (2) hereof shall not constitute an Event of Default if (x) the default was caused solely by error or omission of an administrative or operational nature; (y) funds were available to enable the party to make the payment when due; and (z) the payment is made within two Local Business Days of such party’s receipt of written notice of its failure to pay.”).

All provisions contained in, or incorporated by reference to, the Agreement will govern this Confirmation except as expressly modified herein. In the event of any inconsistency among this Confirmation, the Equity Definitions, the 2006 Definitions or the Agreement, the following shall prevail in the order of precedence indicated: (i) this Confirmation; (ii) the Equity Definitions; (iii) the 2006 Definitions; and (iv) the Agreement. For the avoidance of doubt, except to the extent of an express conflict, the application of any provision of this Confirmation, the Agreement, the Equity Definitions or the 2006 Definitions shall not be construed to exclude or limit any other provision of this Confirmation, the Agreement, the Equity Definitions or the 2006 Definitions.

The Transaction hereunder shall be the sole Transaction under the Agreement. If there exists any ISDA Master Agreement between Dealer and Counterparty or any confirmation or other agreement between Dealer and Counterparty pursuant to which an ISDA Master Agreement is deemed to exist between Dealer and Counterparty, then notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, in such ISDA Master Agreement, such confirmation or agreement or any other contract or agreement to which Dealer and Counterparty are parties, the Transaction shall not be considered a Transaction under, or otherwise governed by, such existing or deemed ISDA Master Agreement.

 

 

8 

Include for base capped call.

9 

Include if Indenture has been executed at time of execution of this Confirmation.

10 

Include cross reference to the Indenture section relating to Merger Events).

11 

Include cross reference to Indenture section permitting amendments without holder consent to conform the Indenture to the Description of Notes.

12 

To be included for dealers without a long term debt rating.

 

2


2. The Transaction constitutes a Share Option Transaction for purposes of the Equity Definitions. The terms of the particular Transaction to which this Confirmation relates are as follows:

General Terms:

 

Trade Date:    October [___], 2022
Effective Date:    The closing date of the [initial]13 issuance of the Convertible Securities [issued pursuant to the option to purchase Optional Convertible Securities exercised on the date hereof]14.
Option Style:    Modified American, as described under “Procedures for Exercise” below.
Option Type:    Call
Seller:    Dealer
Buyer:    Counterparty
Shares:    The Common Stock of Counterparty, par value USD 0.001 (Ticker Symbol: NOG).
Number of Options:    [The number of Base Convertible Securities in denominations of USD 1,000 principal amount issued by Counterparty on the closing date for the initial issuance of the Convertible Securities.]15 [The number of Optional Convertible Securities in denominations of USD 1,000 principal amount purchased by the Initial Purchasers (as defined in the Purchase Agreement), at their option pursuant to Section 1 of the Purchase Agreement (as defined below).]16 For the avoidance of doubt, the Number of Options outstanding shall be reduced by each exercise of Options hereunder. In no event will the Number of Options be less than zero.
Applicable Percentage:    [__]%17
Option Entitlement:    A number equal to the product of the Applicable Percentage and [_____]18

 

13 

Include for base capped call.

14 

Include for additional capped call.

15 

Include for base capped call.

16 

Include for additional capped call.

17 

To be Dealer’s percentage of the overall capped call transaction.

18 

To be the initial “Conversion Rate.”

 

3


Make-Whole Adjustment:    Any adjustment to the Conversion Rate pursuant to Section [___]19 of the Indenture.
Discretionary Adjustment:    Any adjustment to the Conversion Rate pursuant to Section [___]20 of the Indenture.
Strike Price:    USD[_____]21
Cap Price:    USD[_____]

Rounding of Strike Price/Cap

Price/Option Entitlement:

   In connection with any adjustment to the Option Entitlement or Strike Price, the Option Entitlement or Strike Price, as the case may be, shall be rounded by the Calculation Agent in accordance with the provisions of the Indenture relating to rounding of the “Conversion Price” or the “Conversion Rate”, as applicable (each as defined in the Indenture). In connection with any adjustment to the Cap Price hereunder, the Calculation Agent will round the adjusted Cap Price to the nearest USD 0.0001.
Number of Shares:    As of any date, a number of Shares equal to the product of the Number of Options and the Option Entitlement.
Premium:    USD [_____]
Premium Payment Date:    The Effective Date
Exchange:    The New York Stock Exchange
Related Exchange:    All Exchanges
Procedures for Exercise:   
Exercise Dates:    Each Conversion Date.
Conversion Date:    [With respect to any conversion of a Convertible Security (other than (x) any conversion of Convertible Securities with a “Conversion Date” (as defined in the Indenture) occurring prior to the Free Convertibility Date or (y) any conversion of Convertible Securities in respect of which holder(s) of such Convertible Securities would be entitled to an increase in the Conversion Rate pursuant to a Make-Whole Adjustment (including, for the avoidance of doubt, if such Make-Whole Adjustment

 

19 

Insert cross references to sections of the Indenture addressing “make whole fundamental change” adjustments to the Conversion Rate.

20 

Insert cross reference to sections of the Indenture permitting discretionary adjustments to the Conversion Rate by Counterparty.

21 

To be the initial “Conversion Price.”

 

4


  

does not result in an increase to the Conversion Rate) (any such conversion described in clause (x) or clause (y), an “Early Conversion”), to which the provisions of Section 8(b)(iv) of this Confirmation shall apply), the “Conversion Date” (as defined in the Indenture), provided that, no Conversion Date shall be deemed to have occurred with respect to Exchanged Securities (such Convertible Securities, other than Exchanged Securities, the “Relevant Convertible Securities” for such Conversion Date).]22

 

[With respect to any conversion of a Convertible Security (other than (x) any conversion of Convertible Securities with a “Conversion Date” (as defined in the Indenture) occurring prior to the Free Convertibility Date or (y) any conversion of Convertible Securities in respect of which holder(s) of such Convertible Securities would be entitled to an increase in the Conversion Rate pursuant to a Make-Whole Adjustment (including, for the avoidance of doubt, if such Make-Whole Adjustment does not result in an increase to the Conversion Rate) (any such conversion described in clause (x) or clause (y), an “Early Conversion”), to which the provisions of Section 8(b)(iv) of this Confirmation shall apply), the “Conversion Date” (as defined in the Indenture) for Convertible Securities that are not “Relevant Convertible Securities” under (and as defined in) the confirmation between the parties hereto regarding the Base Call Option Transaction dated [__________], 2022 [(Transaction Ref. No. [__])] (the “Base Call Option Transaction Confirmation”), provided that, no Conversion Date shall be deemed to have occurred with respect to Exchanged Securities (such Convertible Securities, other than Exchanged Securities, the “Relevant Convertible Securities” for such Conversion Date). For the purposes of determining whether any Convertible Securities will be Relevant Convertible Securities hereunder or “Relevant Convertible Securities” under the Base Call Option Transaction Confirmation, Convertible Securities that are converted pursuant to the Indenture shall be allocated first to the Base Call Option Transaction Confirmation until all Options thereunder are exercised or terminated.]23

Free Convertibility Date:    October 16, 2028.
Exchanged Securities:    With respect to any Conversion Date, any Convertible Securities with respect to which Counterparty makes the election described in Section [___]24 of the Indenture and the financial institution designated by Counterparty accepts such Convertible Securities in accordance with Section [___]25 of the Indenture, as long as Counterparty does not submit a Notice of Exercise in respect thereof.
Expiration Date:    The “Maturity Date” (as defined in the Indenture).

 

22 

Include for base capped call

23 

Include for additional capped call.

24 

Insert cross references to sections of the Indenture providing for exchange in lieu of conversion

25 

Insert cross references to sections of the Indenture providing for exchange in lieu of conversion

 

5


Automatic Exercise on Conversion Dates:    Applicable, which means that on each Conversion Date occurring on or after the Free Convertibility Date, a number of Options equal to the number of Relevant Convertible Securities for such Conversion Date in denominations of USD 1,000 principal amount shall be automatically exercised, subject to “Notice of Exercise” below.
Notice Deadline:    In respect of any exercise of Options hereunder on any Conversion Date on or after the Free Convertibility Date, 5:00 P.M., New York City time, on the “Scheduled Trading Day” (as defined in the Indenture) immediately preceding the “Maturity Date” (as defined in the Indenture).
Notice of Exercise:    Counterparty shall notify Dealer in writing prior to the Notice Deadline of the number of Relevant Convertible Securities being converted on the related Conversion Date[; provided that any “Notice of Exercise” delivered to Dealer pursuant to the Base Call Option Transaction Confirmation shall be deemed to be a Notice of Exercise pursuant to this Confirmation and the terms of such Notice of Exercise shall apply, mutatis mutandis, to this Confirmation]26. For the avoidance of doubt, if Counterparty fails to give such notice when due in respect of any exercise of Options hereunder with a Conversion Date occurring on or after the Free Convertibility Date, Automatic Exercise shall apply and the Conversion Date shall be deemed to be the Notice Deadline.
Notice of Final Convertible Security Settlement Method:    In addition, Counterparty shall notify Dealer in writing before 5:00 P.M., New York City time, on the “Scheduled Trading Day” (as defined in the Indenture) immediately preceding the Free Convertibility Date of the settlement method (and, if applicable, the “Specified Dollar Amount” (as defined in the Indenture)) elected (or deemed to be elected) with respect to Relevant Convertible Securities with a Conversion Date occurring on or after the Free Convertibility Date (any such notice, a “Notice of Final Convertible Security Settlement Method”); provided that if Counterparty does not timely deliver the Notice of Final Convertible Security Settlement Method then the Notice of Final Convertible Security Settlement Method shall be deemed timely given and the Applicable Settlement Method shall be a “Combination Settlement” (as defined in the Indenture) with a “Specified Dollar Amount” (as defined in the Indenture) of USD 1,000. Counterparty acknowledges its responsibilities under applicable securities laws, and in particular Section 9 and Section 10 (b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) and the rules and regulations thereunder, in respect of any such settlement method election as set forth in the proviso in the immediately preceding sentence.
Dealer’s Telephone Number and Telex and/or Facsimile Number and Contact Details for purpose of Giving Notice:    As specified in Section 6(b) below.

 

26 

Include for additional capped call confirmation only.

 

6


Settlement Terms:   
Settlement Date:    For any Exercise Date, the date one Settlement Cycle following the final day of the Cash Settlement Averaging Period; provided that the Settlement Date shall not be prior to the Exchange Business Day immediately following the date Counterparty provides the Notice of Delivery Obligation prior to 5:00 P.M., New York City time.
Delivery Obligation:    In lieu of the obligations set forth in Sections 8.1 and 9.1 of the Equity Definitions, and subject to “Notice of Exercise” above and “Method of Adjustment”, “Discretionary Adjustments”, “Consequences of Merger Events/Tender Offers”, “Consequences of Announcement Events” and Section 8(u) below, in respect of an Exercise Date, Dealer will deliver to Counterparty on the related Settlement Date (the “Delivery Obligation”), (i) a number of Shares equal to the product of the Applicable Percentage and the aggregate number of Shares, if any, that Counterparty would be obligated to deliver to the holder(s) of the Relevant Convertible Securities for such Conversion Date pursuant to Section [___]27 of the Indenture (except that such number of Shares shall be rounded down to the nearest whole number) and cash in lieu of any fractional Share resulting from such rounding and/or (ii) the product of the Applicable Percentage and the aggregate amount of cash in excess of the principal amount of the Relevant Convertible Securities that Counterparty would be obligated to deliver to holder(s) of the Relevant Convertible Securities for such Conversion Date pursuant to Section [___]28 of the Indenture, determined, for each of clauses (i) and (ii), by the Calculation Agent in a commercially reasonable manner by reference to such Sections of the Indenture as if Counterparty had elected to satisfy its conversion obligation in respect of such Relevant Convertible Securities by the Applicable Settlement Method, notwithstanding any different actual election by Counterparty with respect to the settlement of such Relevant Convertible Securities; provided that if the “Daily VWAP” (as defined in the Indenture) for any “VWAP Trading Day” (as defined in the Indenture) during the Cash Settlement Averaging Period is greater than the Cap Price, then clause (b) of the relevant “Daily Conversion Value” (as defined in the Indenture) for such “VWAP Trading Day” shall be determined as if such “Daily VWAP” for such “VWAP Trading Day” were deemed to equal the Cap Price; provided further that the Delivery Obligation shall be determined excluding any Shares and/or cash that Counterparty is obligated to deliver to holder(s) of the Relevant Convertible Securities as a direct or indirect result of any adjustments to the Conversion Rate pursuant to a Discretionary Adjustment, a Make-Whole Adjustment and any interest payment that Counterparty is (or would have been) obligated to deliver to holder(s) of the Relevant Convertible Securities for such Conversion Date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if, in respect of any Exercise Date, (x)(I) the number of Shares included in the Delivery Obligation multiplied by the Share Obligation Value Price plus (II) the amount of cash included in the Delivery Obligation, would otherwise exceed (y) the product of the Applicable Percentage and the relevant Net Convertible Share Obligation Value, such number of Shares and such amount of cash shall be proportionately reduced to the extent necessary to eliminate such excess.

 

27 

To be updated (cross references to sections of the Indenture defining the share delivery obligation).

28 

To be updated (cross references to sections of the Indenture defining the cash delivery obligation).

 

7


Applicable Settlement Method:    For any Relevant Convertible Securities, if Counterparty has notified Dealer in the Notice of Final Convertible Security Settlement Method that it has elected, or is deemed to have elected, to satisfy its conversion obligation in respect of such Relevant Convertible Securities, the Applicable Settlement Method shall be the settlement method actually so elected, or deemed to be elected, by Counterparty in respect of such Relevant Convertible Securities (the “Convertible Securities Settlement Method”); otherwise, the Applicable Settlement Method shall assume Counterparty had elected “Combination Settlement” (as defined in the Indenture) with respect to such Relevant Convertible Securities (a “Deemed Cash Election”) with a “Specified Dollar Amount” (as defined in the Indenture) of USD 1,000 per Relevant Convertible Security and the Delivery Obligation shall be determined by the Calculation Agent pursuant to Section [___]29 of the Indenture as if the relevant “Observation Period” (as defined in the Indenture) were the Cash Settlement Averaging Period.
Cash Settlement Averaging Period:    The 40 “VWAP Trading Days” (as defined in the Indenture) commencing on the 41st “Scheduled Trading Day” (as defined in the Indenture) prior to the “Maturity Date” (as defined in the Indenture).
Notice of Delivery Obligation:    No later than the Exchange Business Day immediately following the last day of the Cash Settlement Averaging Period, Counterparty shall give Dealer notice of the aggregate number of Shares and/or amount of cash included in the Total Convertible Share Obligation Value (as defined below) for all Exercise Dates (it being understood, for the avoidance of doubt, that the requirement of Counterparty to deliver such notice shall not limit Counterparty’s obligations with respect to a Notice of Exercise or Notice of Final Convertible Security Settlement Method, as the case may be, as set forth above, in any way).
Net Convertible Share Obligation Value:    With respect to Relevant Convertible Securities as to a Conversion Date, (i) the Total Convertible Share Obligation Value of such Relevant Convertible Securities for such Conversion Date minus (ii) the aggregate principal amount of such Relevant Convertible Securities for such Conversion Date.
Total Convertible Share Obligation Value:    With respect to Relevant Convertible Securities with respect to a Conversion Date, (i) (A) the number of Shares equal to the aggregate number of Shares that Counterparty is obligated to deliver to the holder(s) of Relevant Convertible Securities for such Conversion Date pursuant to the Indenture multiplied by (B) the Share Obligation Value Price plus (ii) an amount of cash equal to the aggregate amount of cash that Counterparty is obligated to deliver to the holder(s) of Relevant Convertible Securities for such Conversion Date pursuant to the Indenture (including, for the avoidance of doubt, any cash payable by Counterparty in lieu of fractional Shares); provided that the Total Convertible Share Obligation Value shall be determined excluding any Shares and/or cash that Counterparty is obligated to deliver to holder(s) of the Relevant Convertible Securities as a direct or indirect result of any

 

29 

Include for additional capped call.

 

8


   adjustments to the Conversion Rate pursuant to a Discretionary Adjustment, a Make-Whole Adjustment and any interest payment that Counterparty is (or would have been) obligated to deliver to holder(s) of the Relevant Convertible Securities for such Conversion Date.

Share Obligation Value Price:

   The opening price as displayed under the heading “Op” on Bloomberg page “NOG <Equity>” (or its equivalent successor if such page is not available) on the applicable Settlement Date or other date of delivery.

Other Applicable Provisions:

   To the extent Dealer is obligated to deliver Shares hereunder, the provisions of Sections 9.8, 9.9 and 9.11 of the Equity Definitions will be applicable as if “Physical Settlement” applied to the Transaction; provided that the Representation and Agreement contained in Section 9.11 of the Equity Definitions shall be modified by excluding any representations therein relating to restrictions, obligations, limitations or requirements under applicable securities laws that exist as a result of the fact that Counterparty is the issuer of the Shares.

Restricted Certificated Shares:

   Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Equity Definitions, Dealer may, in whole or in part, deliver Shares required to be delivered to Counterparty hereunder in certificated form in lieu of delivery through the Clearance System. With respect to such certificated Shares, the Representation and Agreement contained in Section 9.11 of the Equity Definitions shall be modified by deleting the remainder of the provision after the word “encumbrance” in the fourth line thereof.

Adjustments:

  
Method of Adjustment:    Notwithstanding Section 11.2 of the Equity Definitions, upon the occurrence of any event or condition set forth in the Dilution Adjustment Provisions (a “Potential Adjustment Event”) that requires an adjustment under the Indenture, the Calculation Agent shall, in good faith and in a commercially reasonable manner, make a corresponding adjustment in respect of any one or more of the Strike Price, the Number of Options, the Option Entitlement and any other term relevant to the exercise, settlement or payment of the Transaction, to the extent an analogous adjustment is required under the Indenture, subject to “Discretionary Adjustments” below. Immediately upon the occurrence of any Potential Adjustment Event, Counterparty shall notify the Calculation Agent of such Potential Adjustment Event; provided that the parties agree that (x) open market Share repurchases at prevailing market price and (y) Share repurchases through a dealer pursuant to accelerated share repurchases, forward contracts or similar transactions that are entered into at prevailing market prices and in accordance with customary market terms for transactions of such type to repurchase the Shares shall not be considered Potential Adjustment Events; provided further that any such open market Share repurchases at prevailing market price or the entry into any such accelerated share repurchase transaction, forward contract or similar transaction described in the immediately preceding proviso shall constitute a Potential Adjustment Event to the extent that, after giving effect to such transaction, the aggregate number of Shares repurchased during the term of the Transaction pursuant to all such transactions described in the immediately preceding proviso would exceed 15% of the number of Shares outstanding as of the Trade Date, in each case, as determined by Calculation Agent.

 

9


  

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein or in the Equity Definitions:

 

(i) in connection with any Potential Adjustment Event as a result of an event or condition set forth in Section [___]30 of the Indenture or Section [___]31 of the Indenture where, in either case, the period for determining “Y” (as such term is used in Section [___]32 of the Indenture) or “SP” (as such term is used in Section [___]33 of the Indenture), as the case may be, begins before Counterparty has publicly announced the event or condition giving rise to such Potential Adjustment Event, then the Calculation Agent shall, in good faith and in a commercially reasonable manner, have the right to adjust any variable relevant to the exercise, settlement or payment for the Transaction as appropriate to reflect the reasonable costs (including, but not limited to, hedging mismatches and market losses) and commercially reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by Dealer in connection with its commercially reasonable hedging activities as a result of such event or condition not having been publicly announced prior to the beginning of such period; and

 

(ii) if any Potential Adjustment Event is declared and (a) the event or condition giving rise to such Potential Adjustment Event is subsequently amended, modified, cancelled or abandoned, (b) the “Conversion Rate” (as defined in the Indenture) is otherwise not adjusted at the time or in the manner contemplated by the relevant Dilution Adjustment Provision based on such declaration or (c) the “Conversion Rate” (as defined in the Indenture) is adjusted as a result of such Potential Adjustment Event and subsequently re-adjusted (each of clauses (a), (b) and (c), a “Potential Adjustment Event Change”) then, in each case, the Calculation Agent shall, in good faith and in a commercially reasonable manner, have the right to adjust any variable relevant to the exercise, settlement or payment for the Transaction as appropriate to reflect the reasonable costs (including, but not limited to, hedging mismatches and market losses) and commercially reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by Dealer in connection with its commercially reasonable hedging activities as a result of such Potential Adjustment Event Change.

 

For the avoidance of doubt, Dealer shall not have any payment or delivery obligation hereunder in respect of, and no adjustment shall be made to the terms of the Transaction on account of, (x) any distribution of cash, property or securities by Counterparty to the holders of Convertible Securities (upon conversion or otherwise) or (y) any other transaction in which holders of Convertible Securities are entitled to participate, in each case, in lieu of an adjustment under the Indenture in respect of a Potential Adjustment Event (including, without limitation, under the proviso in the first sentence of Section [____] of the Indenture or the proviso in the first sentence of Section [___] of the Indenture).34

 

30 

Include To be updated (cross reference to section of the Indenture providing for an adjustment to the Conversion Rate in connection with a below market rights, options or warrants offering

31 

Include cross reference to section of the Indenture providing for an adjustment to the Conversion Rate in connection with the distributions of Distributed Property

32 

Include cross reference to section of the Indenture providing for an adjustment to the Conversion Rate in connection with a below market rights, options or warrants offering

33 

Include cross reference to section of the Indenture providing for an adjustment to the Conversion Rate in connection with the distributions of Distributed Property

34 

Include references to provisions of the Indenture providing for pass through of cash or distributed property in lieu of conversion rate adjustments, respectively.

 

10


Dilution Adjustment Provisions:

   Sections [___]35 and Section [___]36 of the Indenture
Discretionary Adjustments:    Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein or in the Equity Definitions, if the Calculation Agent in good faith disagrees with any adjustment under the Indenture that is the basis of any adjustment hereunder and that involves an exercise of discretion by Counterparty, its board of directors or a committee of its board of directors (including, without limitation, pursuant to Section [___]37 of the Indenture or pursuant to Section [___]38 of the Indenture or any supplemental indenture entered into thereunder or in connection with the determination of the fair value of any securities, property, rights or other assets), then the Calculation Agent will determine the corresponding adjustment to be made to any one or more of the Strike Price, Number of Options, Option Entitlement and any other variable relevant to the exercise, settlement or payment of or under the Transaction in good faith and in a commercially reasonable manner consistent with the methodology set forth in the Indenture. In addition, notwithstanding the foregoing, if any Potential Adjustment Event occurs during the Cash Settlement Averaging Period but no adjustment was made to any Convertible Security under the Indenture because the relevant holder of such Convertible Security was deemed to be a record owner of the underlying Shares on the related Conversion Date, then the Calculation Agent shall, in good faith and in a commercially reasonable manner, make an adjustment, consistent with the methodology set forth in the Indenture as determined by it, to the terms hereof in order to account for such Potential Adjustment Event. For the avoidance of doubt, the Delivery Obligation shall be calculated on the basis of such adjustments by the Calculation Agent.

 

35 

Include references to provisions of the Indenture providing for pass through of cash or distributed property in lieu of conversion rate adjustments; include reference to provision of Indenture providing for adjustments by board of directors in the case of adjustment events that occur during an averaging period

36 

Include cross references to specific paragraphs of the section of the Indenture containing anti-dilution adjustments to the Conversion Rate

37 

Include reference to provision of Indenture providing for adjustments by board of directors in the case of adjustment events that occur during an averaging period

38 

Include reference to Merger Event provision

 

11


Extraordinary Events:

  
Merger Events:    Notwithstanding Section 12.1(b) of the Equity Definitions, “Merger Event” shall have the meaning set forth in Section [___]39 of the Indenture.
Consequences of Merger Events/Tender Offers:    Notwithstanding Section 12.2 of the Equity Definitions, upon the occurrence of a Merger Event, the Calculation Agent, acting in good faith and commercially reasonably, shall make a corresponding adjustment in respect of any adjustment under the Indenture to any one or more of the nature of the Shares, the Number of Options, the Option Entitlement, composition of the “Shares” hereunder and any other variable relevant to the exercise, settlement or payment for the Transaction, to the extent an analogous adjustment is required under Section [___]40 of the Indenture in respect of such Merger Event, as determined in good faith and in a commercially reasonable manner by the Calculation Agent by reference to such Section, subject to “Discretionary Adjustments” above; provided that such adjustment shall be made without regard to any adjustment to the Conversion Rate pursuant to a Make-Whole Adjustment or a Discretionary Adjustment; provided further that in respect of any election by the holders of Shares with respect to the consideration due upon consummation of any Merger Event, the Calculation Agent shall have the right to adjust any variable relevant to the exercise, settlement or payment for the Transaction as appropriate to compensate Dealer for any losses (including, without limitation, market losses customary for transactions similar to the Transaction with counterparties similar to Counterparty) solely as a result of any mismatch on its Hedge Position, assuming Dealer maintains a commercially reasonable Hedge Position, and the type and amount of consideration actually paid or issued to the holders of Shares in respect of such Merger Event; and provided further that if, with respect to a Merger Event or a Tender Offer, (i) the consideration for the Shares includes (or, at the option of a holder of Shares, may include) securities issued by an entity that is not a corporation organized under the laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia or (ii) the Counterparty to the Transaction, following such Merger Event, will not be a corporation organized under the laws of the United States, any State thereof or the District of Columbia, Dealer may elect in its commercially reasonable discretion that Cancellation and Payment (Calculation Agent Determination) shall apply. For the avoidance of doubt, adjustments shall be made pursuant to the provisions set forth above regardless of whether any Merger Event gives rise to an Early Conversion. For purposes of this paragraph, “Tender Offer” means the occurrence of any event or condition set forth in Section [___]41 of the Indenture.
Notice of Merger Consideration:    Upon the occurrence of a Merger Event, Counterparty shall reasonably promptly (but in any event prior to consummation of such Merger Event) notify the Calculation Agent of, in the case of a Merger Event that causes the Shares to be converted into the right to receive more than a single type of consideration (determined based in part upon any form of stockholder election), the weighted average of the types and amounts of consideration actually received by holders of Shares upon consummation of such Merger Event.

 

39 

Include cross reference to sections of the Indenture setting forth the list of merger and similar events

40 

Include cross reference to sections of the Indenture setting forth the list of merger and similar events

41 

Include cross reference to sections of the Indenture describing the consequences of above market tender offers

 

12


Consequences of Announcement Events:    Modified Calculation Agent Adjustment as set forth in Section 12.3(d) of the Equity Definitions; provided that, in respect of an Announcement Event, (x) references to “Tender Offer” shall be replaced by references to “Announcement Event” and references to “Tender Offer Date” shall be replaced by references to “date of such Announcement Event”, (y) the phrase “exercise, settlement, payment or any other terms of the Transaction (including, without limitation, the spread)” shall be replaced with the phrase “Cap Price (provided that in no event shall the Cap Price be less than the Strike Price)” and the words “whether within a commercially reasonable (as determined by the Calculation Agent) period of time prior to or after the Announcement Event” shall be inserted prior to the word “which” in the seventh line, and (z) for the avoidance of doubt, the Calculation Agent shall, in good faith and in a commercially reasonable manner, determine whether the relevant Announcement Event has had a material economic effect on the Transaction (the terms of which include, among other terms, the Strike Price and Cap Price), and, if so, shall adjust the Cap Price accordingly to take into account such material economic effect on one or more occasions on or after the date of the Announcement Event up to, and including, the Expiration Date, any Early Termination Date and/or any other date of cancellation, it being understood that any adjustment in respect of an Announcement Event shall take into account any earlier adjustment relating to the same Announcement Event. An Announcement Event shall be an “Extraordinary Event” for purposes of the Equity Definitions, to which Article 12 of the Equity Definitions is applicable.
Announcement Event:    (i)The public announcement by Issuer, any subsidiary of Issuer, any affiliate of Issuer, any agent of Issuer or any Valid Third Party Entity of (x) any transaction or event that, if completed, would constitute a Merger Event or Tender Offer, (y) any potential acquisition or disposition by Issuer and/or its subsidiaries where the aggregate consideration exceeds 30% of the market capitalization of Issuer as of the date of such announcement (a “Transformative Transaction”) or (z) the intention to enter into a Merger Event or Tender Offer or a Transformative Transaction, (ii) the public announcement by Issuer of an intention to solicit or enter into, or to explore strategic alternatives or other similar undertaking that may include, a Merger Event or Tender Offer or a Transformative Transaction or (iii) any subsequent public announcement by Issuer, any subsidiary of Issuer, any affiliate of Issuer, any agent of Issuer or Valid Third Party Entity of a change to a transaction or intention that is the subject of an announcement of the type described in clause (i) or (ii) of this sentence (including, without limitation, a new announcement, whether or not by the same party, relating to such a transaction or intention or the announcement of a withdrawal from, or the abandonment or discontinuation of, such a transaction or intention), as determined by the Calculation Agent. For the avoidance of doubt, the occurrence of an Announcement Event with respect to any transaction or intention shall not preclude the occurrence of a later Announcement Event with respect to such transaction or intention. For purposes of this definition of “Announcement Event,” (A) “Merger Event” shall mean

 

13


   such term as defined under Section 12.1(b) of the Equity Definitions (but, for the avoidance of doubt, the remainder of the definition of “Merger Event” in Section 12.1(b) of the Equity Definitions following the definition of “Reverse Merger” therein shall be disregarded) and (B) “Tender Offer” shall mean such term as defined under Section 12.1(d) of the Equity Definitions.
Valid Third Party Entity:    In respect of any transaction, any third party that has a bona fide intent to enter into or consummate such transaction (it being understood and agreed that in determining whether such third party has such a bona fide intent, the Calculation Agent may take into consideration the effect of the relevant announcement by such third party on the Shares and/or options relating to the Shares).
Nationalization, Insolvency or Delisting:    Cancellation and Payment (Calculation Agent Determination); provided that in addition to the provisions of Section 12.6(a)(iii) of the Equity Definitions, it will also constitute a Delisting if the Shares are not immediately re-listed, re-traded or re-quoted on any of the New York Stock Exchange, The Nasdaq Global Select Market or The Nasdaq Global Market (or their respective successors); if the Shares are immediately re-listed, re-traded or re-quoted on any such exchange or quotation system, such exchange or quotation system shall thereafter be deemed to be the Exchange.
Additional Termination Event(s):    Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Equity Definitions, if, as a result of an Extraordinary Event, the Transaction would be cancelled or terminated (whether in whole or in part) pursuant to Article 12 of the Equity Definitions, an Additional Termination Event (with the Transaction (or the cancelled or terminated portion thereof) being the Affected Transaction and Counterparty being the sole Affected Party) shall be deemed to occur, and, in lieu of Sections 12.7, 12.8 and 12.9 of the Equity Definitions, Section 6 of the Agreement shall apply to such Affected Transaction.

Additional Disruption Events:

  
(a) Change in Law:    Applicable; provided that Section 12.9(a)(ii) of the Equity Definitions is hereby amended by (i) replacing the phrase “the interpretation” in the third line thereof with the phrase “, or public announcement of, the formal or informal interpretation”, (ii) by adding the phrase “and/or Hedge Position” after the word “Shares” in clause (X) thereof and (iii) by immediately following the word “Transaction” in clause (X) thereof, adding the phrase “in the manner contemplated by the Hedging Party on the Trade Date”; and provided further that Section 12.9(a)(ii) of the Equity Definitions is hereby amended by (i) replacing the parenthetical beginning after the word “regulation” in the second line thereof with the words “(including, for the avoidance of doubt and without limitation, (x) any tax law or (y) adoption or promulgation of new regulations authorized or mandated by existing statute)” and (ii) adding the words “, or holding, acquiring or disposing of Shares or any Hedge Positions relating to,” after the words “obligations under” in clause (Y) thereof; and provided further that no event or set of events shall constitute a Change in Law for the purposes of Section 12.9(a)(ii)(Y) to the extent such event or events resulted solely from the deterioration of the creditworthiness of the Hedging Party.

 

14


(b) Failure to Deliver:    Applicable
(c) Insolvency Filing:    Applicable
(d) Hedging Disruption:   

Applicable; provided that:

 

(i) Section 12.9(a)(v) of the Equity Definitions is hereby amended by inserting the following sentence at the end of such Section:

 

“For the avoidance of doubt, (i) the term “equity price risk” shall be deemed to include, but shall not be limited to, stock price and volatility risk, and (ii) the transactions or assets referred to in phrases (A) or (B) above must be available and/or achievable on commercially reasonable pricing and other terms.”; and

 

(ii) Section 12.9(b)(iii) of the Equity Definitions is hereby amended by inserting in the third line thereof, after the words “to terminate the Transaction”, the words “or a portion of the Transaction affected by such Hedging Disruption”.

(e) Increased Cost of Hedging:    Not Applicable
Hedging Party:    For all applicable Additional Disruption Events, Dealer. Following any calculation and determination by the Hedging Party hereunder and a written request by Counterparty, the Hedging Party shall promptly (but in any event within five Scheduled Trading Days) provide to Counterparty by e-mail to the e-mail address provided by Counterparty a written explanation and report (in a commonly used file format for the storage and manipulation of financial data) describing in reasonable detail any determination made by it (including, as applicable, any quotations, market data, information from internal sources used in making such calculations and adjustments, descriptions of the methodology and any assumptions and bases used in making such calculation and adjustment), it being understood that the Hedging Party shall not be obligated to disclose any proprietary or confidential models or proprietary or confidential information used by it for such determination. All calculations and adjustments by Dealer acting in its capacity as the Hedging Party shall be made in good faith and in a commercially reasonable manner and assuming that Dealer maintains a commercially reasonable hedge position.
Determining Party:    For all applicable Extraordinary Events, Dealer. Following any calculation and adjustment by the Determining Party hereunder and a written request by Counterparty, the Determining Party shall promptly (but in any event within five Scheduled Trading Days) provide to Counterparty by e-mail to the e-mail address provided by Counterparty a written explanation and report (in a commonly used file format for the storage and manipulation of financial data) describing in reasonable detail any determination made by it (including, as applicable, any quotations, market data, information from internal sources used in

 

15


   making such calculations and adjustments, descriptions of the methodology and any assumptions and basis used in making for such calculation and adjustment), it being understood that the Determining Party shall not be obligated to disclose any proprietary or confidential models or proprietary or confidential information used by it for such determination. All calculations and adjustments by Dealer acting in its capacity as the Determining Party shall be made in good faith and in a commercially reasonable manner and assuming that Dealer maintains a commercially reasonable hedge position.

Non-Reliance:

  

Agreements and Acknowledgments

   Applicable

Regarding Hedging Activities:

   Applicable

Additional Acknowledgments:

   Applicable

Hedging Adjustment:

   For the avoidance of doubt, whenever Dealer, Determining Party or the Calculation Agent is permitted to make an adjustment pursuant to the terms of this Confirmation or the Equity Definitions to take into account the effect of any event (other than an adjustment made by reference to the Indenture), the Calculation Agent, Determining Party or Dealer, as the case may be, shall make such adjustment by reference to the effect of such event on Dealer assuming that Dealer maintains a commercially reasonable hedge position.

3.Calculation Agent:

   Dealer, whose judgments, determinations and calculations shall be made in good faith and in a commercially reasonable manner; provided that, following the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default of the type described in Section 5(a)(vii) of the Agreement with respect to which Dealer is the sole Defaulting Party, Counterparty shall have the right to designate a nationally recognized third-party dealer in over-the-counter corporate equity derivatives to act, during the period commencing on the date such Event of Default occurred and ending on the Early Termination Date with respect to such Event of Default (or, if earlier, the date on which such Event of Default is no longer continuing), as the Calculation Agent. Following any determination or calculation by the Calculation Agent hereunder, upon written request by Counterparty, the Calculation Agent shall promptly (but in any event within five Scheduled Trading Days) provide to Counterparty by e-mail to the e-mail address provided by Counterparty in such request a written explanation and report (in a commonly used file format for the storage and manipulation of financial data) displaying in commercially reasonable detail the basis for such determination or calculation (including any quotations, market data or information from internal or external sources, and assumptions used in making such determination or calculation), it being understood that the Calculation Agent shall not be obligated to disclose any proprietary or confidential models used by it for such determination or calculation or any information that may be proprietary or confidential.

 

16


4. Account Details:

Dealer Payment Instructions:

[_____________]

Counterparty Payment Instructions:

[_____________]

5. Offices:

The Office of Dealer for the Transaction is: [_______________]

The Office of Counterparty for the Transaction is:

Inapplicable, Counterparty is not a Multibranch Party

6. Notices: For purposes of this Confirmation:

(a) Address for notices or communications to Counterparty:

 

To:    [____________]
Attn:   

[____________]

Telephone:   

[____________]

Email:   

[____________]

(b) Address for notices or communications to Dealer:

[Dealer Address]

7. Representations, Warranties and Agreements:

(a) In addition to the representations and warranties in the Agreement and those contained elsewhere herein, Counterparty represents and warrants to and for the benefit of, and agrees with, Dealer as follows:

(i) On the Trade Date, (A) Counterparty is not aware of any material nonpublic information regarding Counterparty or the Shares and (B) all reports and other documents filed by Counterparty with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) when considered as a whole (with the more recent such reports and documents deemed to amend inconsistent statements contained in any earlier such reports and documents), do not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or any omission of a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances in which they were made, not misleading.

(ii) (A) On the Trade Date, the Shares or securities that are convertible into, or exchangeable or exercisable for Shares, are not subject to a “restricted period,” as such term is defined in Regulation M under the Exchange Act (“Regulation M”) and (B) Counterparty shall not engage in any “distribution,” as such term is defined in Regulation M, other than a distribution meeting the requirements of the exceptions set forth in sections 101(b)(10) and 102(b)(7) of Regulation M, until the second Exchange Business Day immediately following the Trade Date.

(iii) Without limiting the generality of Section 13.1 of the Equity Definitions, Counterparty acknowledges that neither Dealer nor any of its affiliates is making any representations or warranties or taking any position or expressing any view with respect to the treatment of the Transaction under any accounting standards including ASC Topic 260, Earnings Per Share, ASC Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging, or ASC Topic 480, Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity and ASC 815-40, Derivatives and Hedging—Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity (or any successor issue statements).

 

17


(iv) Without limiting the generality of Section 3(a)(iii) of the Agreement, the Transaction will not violate Rule 13e-1 or Rule 13e-4 under the Exchange Act.

(v) Prior to the Trade Date, Counterparty shall deliver to Dealer a resolution of Counterparty’s board of directors authorizing the Transaction.

(vi) Counterparty is not entering into this Confirmation to create actual or apparent trading activity in the Shares (or any security convertible into or exchangeable for Shares) or to raise or depress or otherwise manipulate the price of the Shares (or any security convertible into or exchangeable for Shares) or otherwise in violation of the Exchange Act.

(vii) Counterparty is not, and after giving effect to the transactions contemplated hereby will not be, required to register as, an “investment company” as such term is defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.

(viii) On and immediately after the Trade Date and the Premium Payment Date, (A) the value of the total assets of Counterparty is greater than the sum of the total liabilities (including contingent liabilities) and the capital of Counterparty, (B) the capital of Counterparty is adequate to conduct the business of Counterparty, and Counterparty’s entry into the Transaction will not impair its capital, (C) Counterparty has the ability to pay its debts and obligations as such debts mature and does not intend to, or does not believe that it will, incur debt beyond its ability to pay as such debts mature, (D) Counterparty will be able to continue as a going concern; (E) Counterparty is not “insolvent” (as such term is defined under Section 101(32) of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code (Title 11 of the United States Code) (the “Bankruptcy Code”)) and (F) Counterparty would be able to purchase the number of Shares with respect to the Transaction in compliance with the laws of the jurisdiction of Counterparty’s incorporation.

(ix) [Reserved].

(x) To the knowledge of Counterparty, no state or local (including non-U.S. jurisdictions) law, rule, regulation or regulatory order applicable to the Shares would give rise to any reporting, consent, registration or other requirement (including without limitation a requirement to obtain prior approval from any person or entity) as a result of Dealer or its affiliates owning or holding (however defined) Shares; provided that Counterparty makes no representation or warranty regarding any requirement that is applicable generally to the ownership of equity securities by Dealer or any of its affiliates solely as a result of it or any of such affiliates being financial institutions or broker-dealers.

(xi) Counterparty represents and warrants that it and any of its subsidiaries has not applied, and shall not, until after the first date on which no portion of the Transaction remains outstanding following any final exercise and settlement, cancellation or early termination of the Transaction, apply, for a loan, loan guarantee, direct loan (as that term is defined in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”)) or other investment, or to receive any financial assistance or relief under any program or facility (collectively “Financial Assistance”) that (a) is established under applicable law (whether in existence as of the date hereof or subsequently enacted, adopted or amended), including without limitation the CARES Act and the Federal Reserve Act, as amended, and (b) (i) requires under applicable law (or any regulation, guidance, interpretation or other pronouncement of a governmental authority with jurisdiction for such program or facility) as a condition of such Financial Assistance, that the Counterparty comply with any requirement not to, or otherwise agree, attest, certify or warrant that it has not, as of the date specified in such condition, repurchased, or will not repurchase, any equity security of Counterparty, and that Counterparty has not, as of the date specified in the condition, made a capital distribution or will not make a capital distribution, or (ii) where the terms of the Transaction would cause Counterparty to fail to satisfy any condition for application for or receipt or retention of the Financial Assistance (collectively “Restricted Financial Assistance”); provided, that Counterparty or any of its subsidiaries may apply for Restricted Financial Assistance if Counterparty either (a) determines

 

18


based on the advice of outside counsel of national standing that the terms of the Transaction would not cause Counterparty or any of its subsidiaries to fail to satisfy any condition for application for or receipt or retention of such Financial Assistance based on the terms of the program or facility as of the date of such advice or (b) delivers to Dealer evidence or other guidance from a governmental authority with jurisdiction for such program or facility that the Transaction is permitted under such program or facility (either by specific reference to the Transaction or by general reference to transactions with the attributes of the Transaction in all relevant respects).

(xii) Counterparty (A) is capable of evaluating investment risks independently, both in general and with regard to all transactions and investment strategies involving a security or securities; (B) will exercise independent judgment in evaluating the recommendations of any broker-dealer or its associated persons, unless it has otherwise notified the broker-dealer in writing; and (C) has total assets of at least USD 50 million.

(b) Each of Dealer and Counterparty agrees and represents that it is an “eligible contract participant” as defined in Section 1a(18) of the U.S. Commodity Exchange Act, as amended, and is entering into the Transaction as principal (and not as agent or in any other capacity, fiduciary or otherwise) and not for the benefit of any third party.

(c) Each of Dealer and Counterparty acknowledges that the offer and sale of the Transaction to it is intended to be exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), by virtue of Section 4(a)(2) thereof. Accordingly, Counterparty represents and warrants to Dealer that (i) it has the financial ability to bear the economic risk of its investment in the Transaction and is able to bear a total loss of its investment and its investments in and liabilities in respect of the Transaction, which it understands are not readily marketable, are not disproportionate to its net worth, and it is able to bear any loss in connection with the Transaction, including the loss of its entire investment in the Transaction, (ii) it is an “accredited investor” as that term is defined in Regulation D as promulgated under the Securities Act, (iii) it is entering into the Transaction for its own account and without a view to the distribution or resale thereof, (iv) the assignment, transfer or other disposition of the Transaction has not been and will not be registered under the Securities Act and is restricted under this Confirmation, the Securities Act and state securities laws, and (v) its financial condition is such that it has no need for liquidity with respect to its investment in the Transaction and no need to dispose of any portion thereof to satisfy any existing or contemplated undertaking or indebtedness and is capable of assessing the merits of and understanding (on its own behalf or through independent professional advice), and understands and accepts, the terms, conditions and risks of the Transaction.

(d) Dealer agrees and acknowledges, and Counterparty acknowledges, that Dealer is a “financial institution” and “financial participant” within the meaning of Sections 101(22) and 101(22A) of the Bankruptcy Code. The parties hereto further agree and acknowledge (A) that this Confirmation is a “securities contract,” as such term is defined in Section 741(7) of the Bankruptcy Code, with respect to which each payment and delivery hereunder or in connection herewith is a “termination value,” “payment amount” or “other transfer obligation” within the meaning of Section 362 of the Bankruptcy Code and a “settlement payment” within the meaning of Section 546 of the Bankruptcy Code, and (B) that Dealer is entitled to the protections afforded by, among other sections, Sections 362(b)(6), 362(b)(27), 362(o), 546(e), 546(j), 548(d)(2), 555 and 561 of the Bankruptcy Code.

(e) As a condition to the effectiveness of the Transaction, Counterparty shall deliver to Dealer an opinion of counsel, dated as of the Premium Payment Date and reasonably acceptable to Dealer in form and substance, with respect to the matters set forth in Section 3(a) of the Agreement and Section 7(a)(vii) hereof; provided that any such opinion of counsel may contain customary exceptions and qualifications, including, without limitation, exceptions and qualifications relating to indemnification provisions; and provided further that Counterparty makes no representation or warranty regarding any such requirement that is applicable generally to the ownership of equity securities by Dealer or any of its affiliates solely as a result of it or any of such affiliate being financial institutions or broker-dealers; and provided further that any representation regarding enforceability shall be subject to general principles of equity, including principles of commercial reasonableness, good faith and fair dealing (regardless of whether enforcement is sought in a proceeding at law or in equity); and provided further that rights to indemnification and contribution hereunder may be limited by federal or state securities laws or public policy relating thereto.

 

19


(f) Counterparty understands that notwithstanding any other relationship between Counterparty and Dealer and its affiliates, in connection with this Transaction and any other over-the-counter derivative transactions between Counterparty and Dealer or its affiliates, Dealer or its affiliates is acting as principal and is not a fiduciary or advisor in respect of any such transaction, including any entry, exercise, amendment, unwind or termination thereof.

(g) Counterparty represents and warrants that it has received, read and understands the OTC Options Risk Disclosure Statement and a copy of the most recent disclosure pamphlet prepared by The Options Clearing Corporation entitled “Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options”.

(h) Each party acknowledges and agrees to be bound by the Conduct Rules of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. applicable to transactions in options, and further agrees not to violate the position and exercise limits set forth therein, in each case, to the extent such rules are applicable to such party.

8. Other Provisions:

(a) Right to Extend. Dealer may postpone or add, in whole or in part, any Exercise Date or Settlement Date or any other date of valuation, payment or delivery by Dealer, with respect to some or all of the relevant Options (in which event the Calculation Agent, in good faith and in a commercially reasonable manner, shall make appropriate adjustments to the Delivery Obligation), if Dealer determines, in good faith and in a commercially reasonable manner, and, in respect of clause (ii) below, based on the advice of counsel, that such extension is reasonably necessary or appropriate (i) to preserve Dealer’s commercially reasonable hedging or hedge unwind activity hereunder in light of existing liquidity conditions in the cash market, the stock borrow market or other relevant market (but only if there is a material decrease in liquidity relative to Dealer’s expectations on the Trade Date), or (ii) to enable Dealer to effect purchases or sales of Shares or Share Termination Delivery Units in connection with its commercially reasonable hedging, hedge unwind or settlement activity hereunder in a manner that would (assuming, in the case of purchases, Dealer were Counterparty or an affiliated purchaser of Counterparty) be in compliance with applicable legal, regulatory or self-regulatory requirements, or with related policies and procedures (whether or not such requirements, policies or procedures are imposed by law or have been voluntarily adopted by Dealer and, in the case of policies or procedures, so long as such policies or procedures are consistently applied to transactions similar to the Transaction); provided that no such Exercise Date, Settlement Date or other date of valuation, payment or delivery may be postponed or added more than 80 “VWAP Trading Days” (as defined in the Indenture) after the original Exercise Date, Settlement Date or other date of valuation, payment or delivery, as the case may be.

(b) Additional Termination Events.

(i) The occurrence of an event of default with respect to Counterparty under the terms of the Convertible Securities as set forth in Section []42 of the Indenture, which default has resulted in the Convertible Securities becoming declared due and payable under the terms thereof, shall constitute an Additional Termination Event with respect to which the Transaction is the sole Affected Transaction and Counterparty is the sole Affected Party, and Dealer shall be the party entitled to designate an Early Termination Date pursuant to Section 6(b) of the Agreement and to determine the amount payable pursuant to Section 6(e) of the Agreement.

 

42 

Insert cross reference to section of the Indenture setting forth Events of Default

 

20


(ii) As promptly as practicable (but in any event within five Scheduled Trading Days) following any Repurchase Event (as defined below), Counterparty (x) in the case of a Repurchase Event resulting from the repurchase of any Convertible Securities by Counterparty upon the occurrence of a “Fundamental Change” (as defined in the Indenture, and for the avoidance of doubt, including pursuant to Section [ ] 43 or [ ] 44 of the Indenture), shall notify Dealer in writing of such Repurchase Event and (y) in the case of a Repurchase Event not described in clause (x) above, may notify Dealer of such Repurchase Event, in each case, including the aggregate principal amount of Convertible Securities (the “Repurchase Convertible Securities”) subject to such Repurchase Event (any such notice, a “Convertible Securities Repurchase Notice”) [; provided that any “Convertible Securities Repurchase Notice” delivered to Dealer pursuant to the Base Call Option Transaction Confirmation shall be deemed to be a Convertible Securities Repurchase Notice pursuant to this Confirmation and the terms of such Convertible Securities Repurchase Notice shall apply, mutatis mutandis, to this Confirmation]45. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Confirmation, the receipt by Dealer from Counterparty of (1) any Convertible Securities Repurchase Notice, and (2) in the case of any Repurchase Event described in clause (y) above, a written representation and warranty by Counterparty that, as of the date of such Convertible Securities Repurchase Notice, Counterparty is not in possession of any material nonpublic information regarding Counterparty or the Shares and that such Repurchase Event and the delivery of such Convertible Securities Repurchase Notice are each being made in good faith and not as part of a plan or scheme to evade compliance with federal securities laws, within the applicable time period set forth in the preceding sentence, shall constitute an Additional Termination Event as provided in this Section 8(b)(ii). Upon receipt of any such Convertible Securities Repurchase Notice and the related written representation and warranty, Dealer shall promptly designate an Exchange Business Day following receipt of such Convertible Securities Repurchase Notice (which in no event shall be earlier than the related repurchase date for such Convertible Securities) as an Early Termination Date with respect to the portion of this Transaction corresponding to a number of Options (the “Repurchase Options”) equal to the lesser of (A) the number of such Convertible Securities specified in such Convertible Securities Repurchase Notice [minus the number of Repurchase Options (as defined in the Base Call Option Transaction Confirmation), if any, that relate to such Convertible Securities (and for purposes of determining whether any Options under this Confirmation or under the Base Call Option Transaction Confirmation will be among the Repurchase Options hereunder or under, and as defined in, the Base Call Option Transaction Confirmation, the Convertible Securities specified in such Convertible Securities Repurchase Notice shall be allocated first to the Base Call Option Transaction Confirmation until all Options thereunder are exercised or terminated)]46 and (B) the Number of Options as of the date Dealer designates such Early Termination Date and, as of such date, the Number of Options shall be reduced by the number of Repurchase Options. Any payment hereunder with respect to such termination (the “Repurchase Unwind Payment”) shall be calculated pursuant to Section 6 of the Agreement as if (1) an Early Termination Date had been designated in respect of a Transaction having terms identical to this Transaction and a Number of Options equal to the number of Repurchase Options, (2) Counterparty were the sole Affected Party with respect to such Additional Termination Event and (3) the terminated portion of the Transaction were the sole Affected Transaction; provided that, in the event of a Repurchase Event pursuant to Section [ ] 47 or [ ] 48 of the Indenture, the Repurchase Unwind Payment shall not exceed (x) the number of Repurchase Options multiplied by (y) the product of (A) the Applicable Percentage and (B) the excess, if any, of (I) the applicable redemption or repurchase price per Repurchase Convertible Security (excluding amounts

 

43 

Insert cross-reference to section of the Indenture relating to fundamental change repurchase.

44 

Insert cross-reference to section of the Indenture relating to optional redemption (“provisional call”) provision.

45 

Include for additional capped call.

46 

Include for additional capped call

47 

Insert cross-reference to section of the Indenture relating to fundamental change repurchase.

48 

Insert cross-reference to section of the Indenture relating to optional redemption (“provisional call”) provision.

 

21


attributable to accrued and unpaid interest) over (II) USD 1,000. “Repurchase Event” means that (i) any Convertible Securities are repurchased or redeemed (whether pursuant to Section [___]49 or Section [___]50 of the Indenture or otherwise) by Counterparty or any of its subsidiaries (including in connection with, or as a result of, a Fundamental Change (as defined in the Indenture), a tender offer, exchange offer or similar transaction or for any other reason), (ii) any Convertible Securities are delivered to Counterparty in exchange for delivery of any property or assets of Counterparty or any of its subsidiaries (howsoever described), (iii) any principal of any of the Convertible Securities is repaid prior to the final maturity date of the Convertible Securities, it being understood that any principal repayment in connection with a net settlement (howsoever described) of the Convertible Securities shall not constitute an Additional Termination Event hereunder, or (iv) any Convertible Securities are exchanged by or for the benefit of the “Holders” (as such term is defined in the Indenture) thereof for any other securities of Counterparty or any of its affiliates (or any other property, or any combination thereof) pursuant to any exchange offer or similar transaction. For the avoidance of doubt, and notwithstanding anything to the contrary above, any conversion of Convertible Securities (whether into cash, Shares, “Reference Property” (as defined in the Indenture) or any combination thereof) pursuant to the terms of the Indenture shall not constitute a Repurchase Event. Counterparty acknowledges and agrees that if an Additional Termination Event has occurred under this Section 8(b)(ii) that any related Convertible Securities subject to a Repurchase Event will be deemed to be cancelled and disregarded and no longer outstanding for all purposes hereunder.

(iii) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Confirmation, the occurrence of an Amendment Event shall constitute an Additional Termination Event applicable to the Transaction and, with respect to such Additional Termination Event, (A) Counterparty shall be deemed to be the sole Affected Party, (B) the Transaction shall be the sole Affected Transaction and (C) Dealer shall be the party entitled to designate an Early Termination Date pursuant to Section 6(b) of the Agreement. “Amendment Event” means that Counterparty amends, modifies, supplements, waives or obtains a waiver in respect of any term of the Indenture or the Convertible Securities governing the principal amount, coupon, maturity, repurchase obligation of Counterparty, any term relating to conversion of the Convertible Securities (including changes to the conversion rate, conversion rate adjustment provisions, conversion settlement dates or conversion conditions), or any term that would require consent of the holders of not less than 100% of the principal amount of the Convertible Securities to amend (other than, in each case, any amendment, modification or supplement (v) pursuant to Section [___] of the Indenture, (w) pursuant to Section [___] of the Indenture that, as determined by the Calculation Agent, conforms the Indenture to the description of Convertible Securities in the Offering Memorandum, (x) pursuant to Section [___] of the Indenture, (y) pursuant to Section [___] of the Indenture, or (z) pursuant to Section [___] of the Indenture and any other amendment, supplement or waiver that, as determined by Calculation Agent, cures any ambiguity, omission, defect or inconsistency in the Indenture or in the Convertible Securities), in each case, without the consent of Dealer.51

(iv) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Confirmation, upon any Early Conversion in respect of which the relevant converting Holder has satisfied the requirements to conversion set forth in Section [___]52 of the Indenture:

 

49 

Insert cross-reference to section of the Indenture relating to fundamental change repurchase.

50 

Insert cross-reference to section of the Indenture relating to optional redemption.

51 

Insert cross reference to sections of Indenture addressing added guarantees, curing mistakes, conform provisions to “Description of Notes”, etc.

52 

Insert cross reference to section of the Indenture setting forth requirements for conversion

 

22


  (A)

Counterparty shall, as promptly as practicable (but in any event within five Scheduled Trading Days of the “Conversion Date” (as defined in the Indenture) for such Early Conversion), provide written notice (an “Early Conversion Notice”) to Dealer specifying the number of Convertible Securities surrendered for conversion on such Conversion Date (such Convertible Securities, the “Affected Convertible Securities”), and the giving of such Early Conversion Notice shall constitute an Additional Termination Event as provided in this Section 8(b)(iv); provided that any such Early Conversion Notice shall contain a written acknowledgement by Counterparty of its responsibilities under applicable securities laws, and in particular Section 9 and Section 10(b) of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder, in respect of the delivery of such Early Conversion Notice.

 

  (B)

upon receipt of any such Early Conversion Notice, within a commercially reasonable period of time thereafter, Dealer shall designate an Exchange Business Day as an Early Termination Date (which Exchange Business Day shall be on or as promptly as reasonably practicable after the related settlement date for such Affected Convertible Securities) with respect to the portion of the Transaction corresponding to a number of Options (the “Affected Number of Options”) equal to the lesser of (x) the number of Affected Convertible Securities [minus the “Affected Number of Options” (as defined in the Base Call Option Transaction Confirmation) (and for purposes of determining whether any Options under this Confirmation or under the Base Call Option Transaction Confirmation will be among the Affected Number of Options hereunder or under, and as defined in, the Base Call Option Transaction Confirmation, the Affected Convertible Securities specified in such Early Conversion Notice shall be allocated first to the Base Call Option Transaction Confirmation until all options thereunder are exercised or terminated)]53 and (y) the Number of Options as of the “Conversion Date” (as defined in the Indenture) for such Early Conversion;

 

  (C)

any payment hereunder with respect to such termination shall be calculated pursuant to Section 6 of the Agreement as if (x) an Early Termination Date had been designated in respect of a Transaction having terms identical to the Transaction and a Number of Options equal to the Affected Number of Options, (y) Counterparty were the sole Affected Party with respect to such Additional Termination Event and (z) the terminated portion of the Transaction were the sole Affected Transaction; provided that the amount payable with respect to such termination shall not be greater than (1) the Applicable Percentage, multiplied by (2) the Affected Number of Options, multiplied by (3) (x) the sum of (i) the amount of cash paid (if any) and (ii) (A) the number of Shares delivered (if any) to the Holder (as such term is defined in the Indenture) of an Affected Convertible Security upon conversion of such Affected Convertible Security, multiplied by (B) the fair market value of one Share as determined by the Calculation Agent in good faith and in a commercially reasonable manner (in each case, including any cash and/or Shares payable and/or deliverable as the result of a Make-Whole Adjustment (if any)), minus (y) USD 1,000;

 

  (D)

for the avoidance of doubt, in determining the amount payable in respect of such Affected Transaction pursuant to Section 6 of the Agreement, the Calculation Agent shall assume that (x) the relevant Early Conversion and any conversions, adjustments, agreements, payments, deliveries or acquisitions by or on behalf of Counterparty leading thereto had not occurred, (y) no adjustment to the conversion rate for the Convertible Securities has occurred pursuant to any Make-Whole Adjustment or Discretionary Adjustment and (z) the corresponding Convertible Securities remain outstanding; and

 

53 

Include for additional capped call.

 

23


  (E)

the Transaction shall remain in full force and effect, except that, as of the “Conversion Date”(as defined in the Indenture) for such Early Conversion, the Number of Options shall be reduced by the Affected Number of Options.

(c) Alternative Calculations and Payment on Early Termination and on Certain Extraordinary Events. If (a) an Early Termination Date (whether as a result of an Event of Default or a Termination Event) occurs or is designated with respect to the Transaction or (b) the Transaction is cancelled or terminated upon the occurrence of an Extraordinary Event (except as a result of (i) a Nationalization, Insolvency or Merger Event in which the consideration to be paid to all holders of Shares consists solely of cash, (ii) a Merger Event or Tender Offer that is within Counterparty’s control, or (iii) an Event of Default in which Counterparty is the Defaulting Party or a Termination Event in which Counterparty is the Affected Party other than an Event of Default of the type described in Section 5(a)(iii), (v), (vi), (vii) or (viii) of the Agreement or a Termination Event of the type described in Section 5(b) of the Agreement, in each case that resulted from an event or events outside Counterparty’s control), and if Dealer would owe any amount to Counterparty pursuant to Section 6(d)(ii) and 6(e) of the Agreement (any such amount, a “Payment Obligation”), then Dealer shall satisfy the Payment Obligation by the Share Termination Alternative (as defined below) unless (a) Counterparty gives irrevocable telephonic notice to Dealer, confirmed in writing within one Scheduled Trading Day, no later than 12:00 p.m. (New York City time) on the Merger Date, Tender Offer Date, Announcement Date (in the case of a Nationalization, Insolvency or Delisting), Early Termination Date or date of cancellation, as applicable, of its election that the Share Termination Alternative shall not apply, (b) as of the date of such election, Counterparty represents that is not in possession of any material non-public information regarding Counterparty or the Shares, and that such election is being made in good faith and not as part of a plan or scheme to evade compliance with the federal securities laws, and (c) Dealer agrees, in its sole discretion, to such election, in which case the provisions of Section 6(d)(ii) and 6(e) of the Agreement, as the case may be, shall apply.

 

Share Termination Alternative:    If applicable, means that Dealer shall deliver to Counterparty the Share Termination Delivery Property on the date on which the Payment Obligation would otherwise be due pursuant to Section 6(d)(ii) of the Agreement or such later date or dates as Dealer may commercially reasonably determine (the “Share Termination Payment Date”) taking into account commercially reasonable hedging or hedge unwind activity, in satisfaction of the Payment Obligation.
Share Termination Delivery   
Property:    A number of Share Termination Delivery Units, as calculated by the Calculation Agent in good faith and in a commercially reasonable manner, equal to the Payment Obligation divided by the Share Termination Unit Price. The Calculation Agent shall, in good faith and in a commercially reasonable manner, adjust the Share Termination Delivery Property by replacing any fractional portion of the aggregate amount of a security therein with an amount of cash equal to the value of such fractional security based on the values used to calculate the Share Termination Unit Price.
Share Termination Unit Price:    The value of property contained in one Share Termination Delivery Unit on the date such Share Termination Delivery Units are to be delivered as Share Termination Delivery Property, as determined by the Calculation Agent in a commercially reasonable manner and notified by the Calculation Agent to Dealer at the time of notification of the Payment Obligation.

 

24


Share Termination Delivery Unit:    In the case of a Termination Event (other than on account of an Insolvency, Nationalization or Merger Event), Event of Default, Delisting or Additional Disruption Event, one Share or, in the case of an Insolvency, Nationalization or Merger Event, one Share or a unit consisting of the number or amount of each type of property received by a holder of one Share (without consideration of any requirement to pay cash or other consideration in lieu of fractional amounts of any securities) in such Insolvency, Nationalization or Merger Event, as applicable. If such Insolvency, Nationalization or Merger Event involves a choice of consideration to be received by holders, such holder shall be deemed to have elected to receive the maximum possible amount of cash.
Failure to Deliver:    Applicable
Other Applicable Provisions:    If Share Termination Alternative is applicable, the provisions of Sections 9.8, 9.9 and 9.11 of the Equity Definitions will be applicable as if “Physical Settlement” applied to the Transaction, except that all references to “Shares” shall be read as references to “Share Termination Delivery Units”; provided that the Representation and Agreement contained in Section 9.11 of the Equity Definitions shall be modified by excluding any representations therein relating to restrictions, obligations, limitations or requirements under applicable securities laws as a result of the fact that Counterparty is the issuer of any Share Termination Delivery Units (or any part thereof).

(d) Disposition of Hedge Shares. Counterparty hereby agrees that if, in the good faith reasonable judgment of Dealer, based on the advice of counsel, the Shares (the “Hedge Shares”) acquired by Dealer for the purpose of hedging its obligations pursuant to the Transaction in a commercially reasonable manner cannot be sold in the U.S. public market by Dealer without registration under the Securities Act, Counterparty shall, at its election: (i) in order to allow Dealer to sell the Hedge Shares in a registered offering, make available to Dealer an effective registration statement under the Securities Act to cover the resale of such Hedge Shares and (A) enter into an agreement, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Dealer, substantially in the form of an underwriting agreement for a registered offering of a substantially similar size and in a similar industry, (B) provide accountant’s “comfort” letters in customary form for registered offerings of equity securities, (C) provide disclosure opinions of nationally recognized outside counsel to Counterparty reasonably acceptable to Dealer, (D) provide other customary opinions, certificates and closing documents customary in form for registered offerings of equity securities and (E) afford Dealer a reasonable opportunity to conduct a “due diligence” investigation with respect to Counterparty customary in scope for underwritten offerings of equity securities (in all cases of (A)-(E) above, as would be usual and customary for offerings for companies of similar size and industry); provided that if Counterparty elects clause (i) above but the items referred to therein are not completed in a timely manner, or if Dealer, in its sole reasonable discretion, is not satisfied with access to due diligence materials, the results of its due diligence investigation, or the procedures and documentation for the registered offering referred to above, then clause (ii) or clause (iii) of this Section 8(d) shall apply at the election of Counterparty; (ii) in order to allow Dealer to sell the Hedge Shares in a private placement, enter into a private placement agreement substantially similar to private placement purchase agreements customary for private placements of equity securities of similar size and industry, in form and substance commercially reasonably satisfactory to Dealer, including customary representations, covenants, blue sky and other governmental filings and/or registrations, indemnities to Dealer, due diligence rights (for Dealer or any designated buyer of the Hedge Shares from Dealer), and best efforts obligations to provide opinions and certificates and such other documentation as is customary for private placements agreements for transactions of similar size, industry and type, as is commercially reasonably acceptable to Dealer (in which case, the Calculation Agent shall make any adjustments to the terms of the Transaction that are necessary, in its good faith, commercially reasonable judgment, to compensate Dealer for any commercially reasonable discount from the public market price of the Shares incurred on the sale of Hedge Shares in a private placement); or (iii) purchase the Hedge Shares from Dealer at the then-current market price on such Exchange Business Days, and in the amounts and at such time(s), commercially reasonably requested by Dealer. This Section 8(d) shall survive the termination, expiration or early unwind of the Transaction.

 

25


(e) Repurchase and Conversion Rate Adjustment Notices. Counterparty shall, at least one Exchange Business Day prior to any day on which Counterparty effects any repurchase of Shares or consummates or otherwise engages in any transaction or event (a “Conversion Rate Adjustment Event”) that could reasonably be expected to lead to an increase in the “Conversion Rate” (as defined in the Indenture), give Dealer a written notice of such repurchase or Conversion Rate Adjustment Event (a “Repurchase Notice”) if, following such repurchase or Conversion Rate Adjustment Event, the Notice Percentage would reasonably be expected to be (i) greater than [_____]54% and (ii) greater by 0.5% than the Notice Percentage included in the immediately preceding Repurchase Notice (or, in the case of the first such Repurchase Notice, greater than the Notice Percentage as of the date hereof). The “Notice Percentage” as of any day is the fraction, expressed as a percentage, the numerator of which is the Number of Shares plus the number of Shares underlying any other convertible bond hedge transactions or similar call options sold by Dealer to Counterparty and the denominator of which is the number of Shares outstanding on such day. In the event that Counterparty fails to provide Dealer with a Repurchase Notice on the day and in the manner specified in this Section 8(e) then Counterparty agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Dealer, its affiliates and their respective directors, officers, employees, agents and controlling persons (Dealer and each such person being an “Indemnified Party”) from and against any and all losses (including losses relating to the Dealer’s commercially reasonable hedging activities as a consequence of becoming, or of the risk of becoming, a Section 16 “insider”, including without limitation, any forbearance from hedging activities or cessation of hedging activities and any losses in connection therewith with respect to this Transaction), claims, damages and liabilities (or actions in respect thereof), joint or several, to which such Indemnified Party may become subject under applicable securities laws, including without limitation, Section 16 of the Exchange Act or under any state or federal law, regulation or regulatory order, relating to or arising out of such failure. If for any reason the foregoing indemnification is unavailable to any Indemnified Party or insufficient to hold harmless any Indemnified Party, then Counterparty shall contribute, to the maximum extent permitted by law, to the amount paid or payable by the Indemnified Party as a result of such loss, claim, damage or liability. In addition, Counterparty will reimburse any Indemnified Party for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses (including reasonable counsel fees and expenses) as they are incurred (after notice to Counterparty) in connection with the investigation of, preparation for or defense or settlement of any pending or threatened claim or any action, suit or proceeding arising therefrom, whether or not such Indemnified Party is a party thereto and whether or not such claim, action, suit or proceeding is initiated or brought by or on behalf of Counterparty. This indemnity shall survive the completion of the Transaction contemplated by this Confirmation and any assignment and delegation of the Transaction made pursuant to this Confirmation or the Agreement and shall inure to the benefit of any permitted assignee of Dealer.

(f) Transfer and Assignment. Either party may transfer or assign any of its rights or obligations under the Transaction with the prior written consent of the non-transferring party, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed; provided that Dealer may transfer or assign without any consent of Counterparty its rights and obligations hereunder, in whole or in part, to any person, or any person whose obligations would be guaranteed by a person, in either case, with a rating (i) for its long-term, unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness at least equivalent to Dealer’s (or its ultimate parent’s) or (ii) that is no lower than A3 from Moody’s Investor Service, Inc. (or its successor) or A- from Standard and Poor’s Rating Group, Inc. (or its successor); provided further that no Event of Default, Potential Event of Default or Termination Event will occur as a result of such transfer; provided further that, at the time of such transfer or assignment either (x) both the Dealer and transferee in any such transfer or assignment are a “dealer in securities” within the meaning of Section 475(c) (1) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) or (y) the transfer or assignment does not result in a deemed exchange by Counterparty within the meaning of Section 1001 of the Code. If at any time at which (1) the Equity Percentage exceeds 8.0% or (2) Dealer, Dealer Group (as defined below) or any person whose ownership position would be aggregated with that of Dealer

 

54 

To be 0.5% higher than the number of Shares underlying the capped call (including any additional capped call) of the Dealer with the highest Applicable Percentage.

 

26


or Dealer Group (Dealer, Dealer Group or any such person, a “Dealer Person”) under Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law or other federal, state or local law, rule, regulation or regulatory order or organizational documents or contracts of Counterparty applicable to ownership of Shares (“Applicable Restrictions”), owns, beneficially owns, constructively owns, controls, holds the power to vote or otherwise meets a relevant definition of ownership in excess of a number of Shares equal to (x) the number of Shares that would give rise to reporting, registration, filing or notification obligations or other requirements (including obtaining prior approval by a state or federal regulator, but excluding reporting obligations arising under Section 13 of the Exchange Act as in effect on the Trade Date) of a Dealer Person under Applicable Restrictions and with respect to which such requirements have not been met or the relevant approval has not been received, or that would have any other adverse effect on a Dealer Person, under Applicable Restrictions minus (y) 1% of the number of Shares outstanding on the date of determination (either such condition described in clause (1) or (2), an “Excess Ownership Position”), Dealer, in its discretion, is unable to effect a transfer or assignment to a third party after its commercially reasonable efforts on pricing and terms and within a time period reasonably acceptable to Dealer such that an Excess Ownership Position no longer exists, Dealer may designate any Scheduled Trading Day as an Early Termination Date with respect to a portion (the “Terminated Portion”) of the Transaction, such that an Excess Ownership Position would no longer exist following the resulting partial termination of the Transaction (after taking into account commercially reasonable adjustments to Dealer’s commercially reasonable Hedge Positions from such partial termination). In the event that Dealer so designates an Early Termination Date with respect to a portion of the Transaction, a payment or delivery shall be made pursuant to Section 6 of the Agreement or Section 8(c) of this Confirmation as if (i) an Early Termination Date had been designated in respect of a Transaction having terms identical to the Terminated Portion of the Transaction, (ii) Counterparty were the sole Affected Party with respect to such partial termination, (iii) such portion of the Transaction were the only Terminated Transaction and (iv) Dealer were the party entitled to designate an Early Termination Date pursuant to Section 6(b) of the Agreement and to determine the amount payable pursuant to Section 6(e) of the Agreement. The “Equity Percentage” as of any day is the fraction, expressed as a percentage, (A) the numerator of which is the number of Shares that Dealer and any of its affiliates or any other person subject to aggregation with Dealer for purposes of the “beneficial ownership” test under Section 13 of the Exchange Act, or any “group” (within the meaning of Section 13 of the Exchange Act) of which Dealer is or may be deemed to be a part (collectively, “Dealer Group”) beneficially owns (within the meaning of Section 13 of the Exchange Act), without duplication, on such day (or, to the extent that for any reason the equivalent calculation under Section 16 of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder results in a higher number, such higher number) and (B) the denominator of which is the number of Shares outstanding on such day. Dealer shall provide Counterparty with written notice of any transfer or assignment on the date of or as promptly as practicable after the date of such transfer or assignment. In the case of a transfer or assignment by Counterparty of its rights and obligations hereunder and under the Agreement, in whole or in part (any such Options so transferred or assigned, the “Transfer Options”), to any party, withholding of such consent by Dealer shall not be considered unreasonable if such transfer or assignment does not meet the reasonable conditions that Dealer may impose including, but not limited, to the following conditions:

 

  (A)

With respect to any Transfer Options, Counterparty shall not be released from its notice and indemnification obligations pursuant to Section 8(e) or any obligations under Section 2 (regarding Extraordinary Events) or 8(d) of this Confirmation;

 

  (B)

Any Transfer Options shall only be transferred or assigned to a third party that is a United States person (as defined in the Code);

 

  (C)

Such transfer or assignment shall be effected on terms, including any reasonable undertakings by such third party (including, but not limited to, undertakings with respect to compliance with applicable securities laws in a manner that, in the reasonable judgment of Dealer, will not expose Dealer to material risks under applicable securities laws) and execution of any documentation and delivery of legal opinions with respect to securities laws and other matters by such third party and Counterparty as are requested by, and reasonably satisfactory to, Dealer;

 

27


  (D)

Dealer shall not, as a result of such transfer and assignment, be required to pay the transferee or assignee on any payment date an amount or number of Shares under Section 2(d)(i)(4) of the Agreement greater than an amount that Dealer would have been required to pay to Counterparty in the absence of such transfer and assignment;

 

  (E)

Dealer shall not, as a result of such transfer or assignment, receive from the transferee or assignee any amount or number of Shares less than it would have been entitled to receive (including under Section 2(d)(i)(4) of the Agreement) in the absence of such transfer or assignment;

 

  (F)

An Event of Default, Potential Event of Default or Termination Event shall not occur as a result of such transfer and assignment;

 

  (G)

Without limiting the generality of clause (B), Counterparty shall have caused the transferee to make such Payee Tax Representations and to provide such tax documentation as may be reasonably requested by Dealer to permit Dealer to determine that results described in clauses (D) and (E) will not occur upon or after such transfer and assignment; and

 

  (H)

Counterparty shall be responsible for all reasonable costs and expenses, including reasonable counsel fees, incurred by Dealer in connection with such transfer or assignment.

(g) Staggered Settlement. If upon advice of counsel with respect to applicable legal and regulatory requirements, including any requirements relating to Dealer’s hedging activities hereunder, Dealer reasonably determines, based on the advice of counsel, that it would not be practicable or advisable to deliver, or to acquire Shares to deliver, any or all of the Shares to be delivered by Dealer on any Settlement Date for the Transaction, Dealer may, by notice to Counterparty on or prior to any Settlement Date (a “Nominal Settlement Date”), elect to deliver the Shares on two or more dates (each, a “Staggered Settlement Date”) as follows:

(i) in such notice, Dealer will specify to Counterparty the related Staggered Settlement Dates (the first of which will be such Nominal Settlement Date and the last of which will be no later than the twentieth (20th) Exchange Business Day following such Nominal Settlement Date) and the number of Shares that it will deliver on each Staggered Settlement Date;

(ii) the aggregate number of Shares that Dealer will deliver to Counterparty hereunder on all such Staggered Settlement Dates will equal the number of Shares that Dealer would otherwise be required to deliver on such Nominal Settlement Date; and

(iii) the Shares otherwise deliverable on such Nominal Settlement Date will be allocated among such Staggered Settlement Dates as specified by Dealer in the notice referred to in clause (i) above.

(h) Disclosure. Effective from the date of commencement of discussions concerning the Transaction, Counterparty and each of its employees, representatives, or other agents may disclose to any and all persons, without limitation of any kind, the tax treatment and tax structure of the Transaction and all materials of any kind (including opinions or other tax analyses) that are provided to Counterparty relating to such tax treatment and tax structure.

(i) No Netting and Set-off. The provisions of Section 2(c) of the Agreement shall not apply to the Transaction. Each party waives any and all rights it may have to set-off delivery or payment obligations it owes to the other party under the Transaction against any delivery or payment obligations owed to it by the other party, whether arising under the Agreement, under any other agreement between parties hereto, by operation of law or otherwise.

 

28


(j) Equity Rights. Dealer acknowledges and agrees that this Confirmation is not intended to convey to it rights with respect to the Transaction that are senior to the claims of common stockholders in the event of Counterparty’s bankruptcy. For the avoidance of doubt, the parties agree that the preceding sentence shall not apply at any time other than during Counterparty’s bankruptcy to any claim arising as a result of a breach by Counterparty of any of its obligations under this Confirmation or the Agreement. For the avoidance of doubt, the parties acknowledge that the obligations of Counterparty under this Confirmation are not secured by any collateral that would otherwise secure the obligations of Counterparty herein under or pursuant to any other agreement.

(k) Early Unwind. In the event the sale by Counterparty of the [Base Convertible Securities]55[Optional Convertible Securities]56 is not consummated pursuant to the Purchase Agreement for any reason by the close of business in New York on October [____], 202257 (or such later date as agreed upon by the parties) ([_____], 2022 or such later date being the “Early Unwind Date”), the Transaction shall automatically terminate (the “Early Unwind”) on the Early Unwind Date and the Transaction and all of the respective rights and obligations of Dealer and Counterparty hereunder shall be cancelled and terminated. Following such termination and cancellation, each party shall be released and discharged by the other party from, and agrees not to make any claim against the other party with respect to, any obligations or liabilities of either party arising out of, and to be performed in connection with, the Transaction either prior to or after the Early Unwind Date. Dealer and Counterparty represent and acknowledge to the other that upon an Early Unwind, all obligations with respect to the Transaction shall be deemed fully and finally discharged.

(l) Agreements and Acknowledgements Regarding Hedging. Counterparty understands, acknowledges and agrees that: (A) at any time on and prior to the Expiration Date, Dealer and its affiliates may buy or sell Shares or other securities or buy or sell options or futures contracts or enter into swaps or other derivative securities in order to adjust its hedge position with respect to the Transaction; (B) Dealer and its affiliates also may be active in the market for Shares other than in connection with hedging activities in relation to the Transaction; (C) Dealer shall make its own determination as to whether, when or in what manner any hedging or market activities in securities of Issuer shall be conducted and shall do so in a manner that it deems appropriate to hedge its price and market risk with respect to the “Daily VWAP” (as defined in the Indenture); (D) any market activities of Dealer and its affiliates with respect to Shares may affect the market price and volatility of Shares, as well as the “Daily VWAP” (as defined in the Indenture), each in a manner that may be adverse to Counterparty; and (E) the Transaction is a derivatives transaction in which Dealer may purchase shares for its own account at an average price that may be greater than, or less than, the price paid by Counterparty under the terms of the Transaction.

(m) Wall Street Transparency and Accountability Act. In connection with Section 739 of the Wall Street Transparency and Accountability Act of 2010 (the “WSTAA”), the parties hereby agree that neither the enactment of the WSTAA (or any statute containing any legal certainty provision similar to Section 739 of the WSTAA) or any regulation under the WSTAA (or any such statute), nor any requirement under the WSTAA (or any statute containing any legal certainty provision similar to Section 739 of the WSTAA) or an amendment made by the WSTAA (or any such statute), shall limit or otherwise impair either party’s otherwise applicable rights to terminate, renegotiate, modify, amend or supplement this Confirmation or the Agreement, as applicable, arising from a termination event, force majeure, illegality, increased costs, regulatory change or similar event under this Confirmation, the Equity Definitions incorporated herein, or the Agreement (including, but not limited to, rights arising from Change in Law, Hedging Disruption, Increased Cost of Hedging or Illegality).

 

55 

Include for base capped call.

56 

Include for additional capped call.

57 

For the base capped call, to be the scheduled closing date for the Base Convertible Securities. For the additional capped call, to be the scheduled closing date for the Additional Convertible Securities.

 

29


(n) Governing Law; Exclusive Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury.

(i) THE AGREEMENT, THIS CONFIRMATION AND ALL MATTERS ARISING IN CONNECTION WITH THE AGREEMENT AND THIS CONFIRMATION SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED AND ENFORCED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK (WITHOUT REFERENCE TO ITS CHOICE OF LAW DOCTRINE, OTHER THAN TITLE 14 OF ARTICLE 5 OF THE NEW YORK GENERAL OBLIGATIONS LAW).

(ii) Section 13(b) of the Agreement is deleted in its entirety and replaced by the following:

“Each party hereby irrevocably and unconditionally submits for itself and its property in any suit, legal action or proceeding relating to this Confirmation or the Agreement, or for recognition and enforcement of any judgment in respect thereof, (each, “Proceedings”) to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Supreme Court of the State of New York, sitting in New York County, the courts of the United States of America for the Southern District of New York and appellate courts from any thereof. Nothing in this Confirmation or the Agreement precludes either party from bringing Proceedings in any other jurisdiction if (A) the courts of the State of New York or the United States of America for the Southern District of New York lack jurisdiction over the parties or the subject matter of the Proceedings or decline to accept the Proceedings on the grounds of lacking such jurisdiction; (B) the Proceedings are commenced by a party for the purpose of enforcing against the other party’s property, assets or estate any decision or judgment rendered by any court in which Proceedings may be brought as provided hereunder; (C) the Proceedings are commenced to appeal any such court’s decision or judgment to any higher court with competent appellate jurisdiction over that court’s decisions or judgments if that higher court is located outside the State of New York or Borough of Manhattan, such as a federal court of appeals or the U.S. Supreme Court; or (D) any suit, action or proceeding has been commenced in another jurisdiction by or against the other party or against its property, assets or estate and, in order to exercise or protect its rights, interests or remedies under this Confirmation or the Agreement, the party (1) joins, files a claim, or takes any other action, in any such suit, action or proceeding, or (2) otherwise commences any Proceeding in that other jurisdiction as the result of that other suit, action or proceeding having commenced in that other jurisdiction.”

(iii) EACH OF COUNTERPARTY AND DEALER HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES (ON ITS OWN BEHALF AND, TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ON BEHALF OF ITS STOCKHOLDERS) ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION, PROCEEDING OR COUNTERCLAIM (WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE) ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS CONFIRMATION OR THE AGREEMENT.

(o) Amendment. This Confirmation and the Agreement may not be modified, amended or supplemented, except in a written instrument signed by Counterparty and Dealer.

(p) Counterparts. This Confirmation may be executed in several counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

(q) Tax Matters. For purposes of Sections 4(a)(i) and (ii) of the Agreement, Counterparty agrees to deliver to Dealer, upon request, one duly executed and completed United States Internal Revenue Service Form W-9 (or successor thereto). Dealer shall provide to Counterparty one duly executed and completed United States Internal Revenue Service Form W-9 (or successor thereto), upon reasonable request of Counterparty.

 

30


(r) Withholding Tax with Respect to Non-US Counterparties. “Indemnifiable Tax” as defined in Section 14 of the Agreement shall not include (i) any U.S. federal withholding tax imposed or collected pursuant to Sections 1471 through 1474 of the Code, any current or future regulations or official interpretations thereof, any agreement entered into pursuant to Section 1471(b) of the Code, or any fiscal or regulatory legislation, rules or practices adopted pursuant to any intergovernmental agreement entered into in connection with the implementation of such Sections of the Code (a “FATCA Withholding Tax”).For the avoidance of doubt, a FATCA Withholding Tax is a Tax the deduction or withholding of which is required by applicable law for the purposes of Section 2(d) of the Agreement.

(s) Incorporation of ISDA 2015 Section 871(m) Protocol Provisions. To the extent that either party to the Agreement with respect to this Transaction is not an adhering party to the ISDA 2015 Section 871(m) Protocol published by the International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. on November 2, 2015 and available at www.isda.org, as may be amended, supplemented, replaced or superseded from time to time (the “871(m) Protocol”), the parties agree that the provisions and amendments contained in the Attachment to the 871(m) Protocol are incorporated into and apply to the Agreement with respect to this Transaction as if set forth in full herein. The parties further agree that, solely for purposes of applying such provisions and amendments to the Agreement with respect to this Transaction, references to “each Covered Master Agreement” in the 871(m) Protocol will be deemed to be references to the Agreement with respect to this Transaction, and references to the “Implementation Date” in the 871(m) Protocol will be deemed to be references to the Trade Date of this Transaction.

(t) Amendment to Equity Definitions.

(i) Solely in respect of adjustments to the Cap Price pursuant to Section 8(u), Section 11.2(e)(vii) of the Equity Definitions is hereby amended by deleting the words “that may have a diluting or concentrative effect on the theoretical value of the relevant Shares” and replacing them with the words “that is the result of a corporate event involving the Issuer or its securities that has, in the commercially reasonable judgment of the Calculation Agent, a material economic effect on the Shares or options on the Shares; provided that such event is not based on (a) an observable market, other than the market for the Counterparty’s own stock or (b) an observable index, other than an index calculated and measured solely by reference to Counterparty’s own operations.”.

(ii) Section 12.9(b)(i) of the Equity Definitions is hereby amended by (1) replacing “either party may elect” with “Dealer may elect or, if Counterparty represents to Dealer in writing at the time of such election that (i) it is not aware of any material nonpublic information with respect to Counterparty or the Shares and (ii) it is not making such election as part of a plan or scheme to evade compliance with the U.S. federal securities laws, Counterparty may elect”.

(u) Other Adjustments Pursuant to the Equity Definitions. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Agreement, the Equity Definitions or this Confirmation, upon the occurrence of a Merger Date, the occurrence of a Tender Offer Date, or declaration by Counterparty of the terms of any Potential Adjustment Event, the Calculation Agent shall determine in good faith and in a commercially reasonable manner whether such occurrence or declaration, as applicable, has had a material economic effect on the Transaction and, if so, shall, in its good faith and commercially reasonable discretion, adjust the Cap Price to preserve the fair value of the Options taking into account, for the avoidance of doubt, such economic effect on both the Strike Price and Cap Price (provided that in no event shall the Cap Price be less than the Strike Price; provided further that any adjustment to the Cap Price made pursuant to this Section 8(u) shall be made without duplication of any other adjustment hereunder). Solely for purposes of this Section 8(u), the terms “Potential Adjustment Event,” “Merger Event,” and “Tender Offer” shall each have the meanings assigned to each such term in the Equity Definitions (as amended by Section 8(t)(i)).

(v) Notice of Certain Other Events. (A) Counterparty shall give Dealer commercially reasonable advance (but in no event less than one Exchange Business Day) written notice of the section or sections of the Indenture and, if applicable, the formula therein, pursuant to which any adjustment will be made to the Convertible Securities in connection with any Potential Adjustment Event, Merger Event or Tender Offer and (B) promptly following any such adjustment, Counterparty shall give Dealer written notice of the details of such adjustment.

 

31


(w) Payment by Counterparty. In the event that, following payment of the Premium, (i) an Early Termination Date occurs or is designated with respect to the Transaction as a result of a Termination Event or an Event of Default (other than an Event of Default arising under Section 5(a)(ii) or 5(a)(iv) of the Agreement) and, as a result, Counterparty owes to Dealer an amount calculated under Section 6(e) of the Agreement, or (ii) Counterparty owes to Dealer, pursuant to Section 12.7 or Section 12.9 of the Equity Definitions, an amount calculated under Section 12.8 of the Equity Definitions, such amount shall be deemed to be zero.

(x) Payee Tax Representations.

(A) For the purpose of Section 3(f) of the Agreement, Counterparty makes the representations below:

[Counterparty is a corporation established under the laws of the State of Delaware and is a “U.S. person” (as that term is used in section 1.1441-4(a)(3)(ii) of United States Treasury Regulations) and is “exempt” within the meaning of United States Treasury Regulation sections 1.6041-3(p) and 1.6049-4(c) from information reporting on IRS Form 1099 and backup withholding.]

(B) For the purpose of Section 3(f) of the Agreement, Dealer makes the representations below:

(i) [Dealer is organized under the laws of the United States and its U.S. taxpayer identification number is [_____]. It is “exempt” within the meaning of Treasury Regulation sections 1.6041-3(p) and 1.6049-4(c) from information reporting on IRS Form 1099 and backup withholding.]

OR

(ii) [[Dealer Parent] is a [corporation] established under the laws of [ ] and is classified as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes. No income received or to be received under this Agreement will be effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business by [Dealer Parent] in the United States. [Dealer Parent] is a “non-U.S. branch of a foreign person” as that term is used in Section 1.1441-4(a)(3)(ii) of the Regulations, and it is a “foreign person” as that term is used in Section 1.6041-4(a)(4) of the Regulations.]58

Counterparty hereby agrees (a) to check this Confirmation carefully and immediately upon receipt so that errors or discrepancies can be promptly identified and rectified and (b) to confirm that the foregoing (in the exact form provided by Dealer) correctly sets forth the terms of the agreement between Dealer and Counterparty with respect to the Transaction, by manually signing this Confirmation or this page hereof as evidence of agreement to such terms and providing the other information required herein and immediately returning an executed copy to Dealer.

(y) Designation by Dealer. Notwithstanding any other provision in this Confirmation to the contrary requiring or allowing Dealer to purchase, sell, receive or deliver any Shares or other securities to or from Counterparty, Dealer may designate any of its affiliates to purchase, sell, receive or deliver such Shares or other securities and otherwise to perform Dealer obligations in respect of the Transaction and any such designee may assume such obligations. Dealer shall be discharged of its obligations to Counterparty only to the extent of any such performance.

(z) [Dealer Boilerplate]

 

 

58 

Insert as applicable (or other appropriate dealer reps) depending on tax status of dealer.

 

32


9. U.S. QFC Mandatory Contractual Requirements

(a) Limitation on Exercise of Certain Default Rights Related to a Dealer Affiliate’s Entry Into Insolvency Proceedings. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Confirmation, the Agreement or any other agreement, the parties hereto expressly acknowledge and agree that subject to Section 9(b) below, Counterparty shall not be permitted to exercise any Default Right against Dealer with respect to this Confirmation or any other Relevant Agreement that is related, directly or indirectly, to a Dealer Affiliate becoming subject to an Insolvency Proceeding.

(b) General Creditor Protections. Nothing in Section 9(a) shall restrict the exercise by Counterparty of any Default Right against Dealer with respect to this Confirmation or any other Relevant Agreement that arises as a result of:

(i) Dealer becoming subject to an Insolvency Proceeding; or

(ii) Dealer not satisfying a payment or delivery obligation pursuant to (A) this Confirmation or any other Relevant Agreement, or (B) another contract between Dealer and Counterparty that gives rise to a Default Right under this Confirmation or any other Relevant Agreement.

(c) Burden of Proof. After a Dealer Affiliate has become subject to an Insolvency Proceeding, if Counterparty seeks to exercise any Default Right with respect to this Confirmation or any other Relevant Agreement, Counterparty shall have the burden of proof, by clear and convincing evidence, that the exercise of such Default Right is permitted hereunder or thereunder.

(d) General Conditions

(i) Effective Date. The provisions set forth in this Section 9 will come into effect on the date of this Confirmation.

(ii) Prior Adherence to the U.S. Protocol. If Dealer and Counterparty have adhered to the ISDA U.S. Protocol prior to the date of this Confirmation, the terms of the ISDA U.S. Protocol shall be incorporated into and form a part of this Confirmation and shall replace the terms of this Section 9. For purposes of incorporating the ISDA U.S. Protocol, Dealer shall be deemed to be a Regulated Entity, Counterparty shall be deemed to be an Adhering Party and this Confirmation shall each be deemed to be a Protocol Covered Agreement.

(iii) Subsequent Adherence to the U.S. Protocol. If, after the date of this Confirmation, both Dealer and Counterparty shall have become adhering parties to the ISDA U.S. Protocol, the terms of the ISDA U.S. Protocol will supersede and replace this Section 9.

(e) Definitions. For the purposes of this Section 9, the following definitions apply:

BHC Affiliate” has the same meaning as the term “affiliate” as defined in, and shall be interpreted in accordance with, 12 U.S.C. 1813(w) and 12 U.S.C. 1841(k).

Credit Enhancement” means, with respect to this Confirmation or any other Relevant Agreement, any credit enhancement or other credit support arrangement in support of the obligations of Dealer or Counterparty hereunder or thereunder or with respect hereto or thereto, including any guarantee or collateral arrangement (including any pledge, charge, mortgage or other security interest in collateral or title transfer arrangement), trust or similar arrangement, letter of credit, transfer of margin or any similar arrangement.

Dealer Affiliate” means, with respect to Dealer, a BHC Affiliate of that party.

 

33


Default Right” means, with respect to this Confirmation (including any Transaction hereunder) or any other Relevant Agreement, any:

(i) right of a party, whether contractual or otherwise (including, without limitation, rights incorporated by reference to any other contract, agreement, or document, and rights afforded by statute, civil code, regulation, and common law), to liquidate, terminate, cancel, rescind, or accelerate such agreement or transactions thereunder, set off or net amounts owing in respect thereto (except rights related to same-day payment netting), exercise remedies in respect of collateral or other credit support or property related thereto (including the purchase and sale of property), demand payment or delivery thereunder or in respect thereof (other than a right or operation of a contractual provision arising solely from a change in the value of collateral or margin or a change in the amount of an economic exposure), suspend, delay, or defer payment or performance thereunder, or modify the obligations of a party thereunder, or any similar rights; and

(ii) right or contractual provision that alters the amount of collateral or margin that must be provided with respect to an exposure thereunder, including by altering any initial amount, threshold amount, variation margin, minimum transfer amount, the margin value of collateral, or any similar amount, that entitles a party to demand the return of any collateral or margin transferred by it to the other party or a custodian or that modifies a transferee’s right to reuse collateral or margin (if such right previously existed), or any similar rights, in each case, other than a right or operation of a contractual provision arising solely from a change in the value of collateral or margin or a change in the amount of an economic exposure; but

(iii) solely with respect to Section 9(a) does not include any right under a contract that allows a party to terminate the contract on demand or at its option at a specified time, or from time to time, without the need to show cause.

Financial Counterparty” has the meaning given to such term in, and shall be interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. 252.81, 12 C.F.R. 382.1 and 12 C.F.R. 47.2.

Insolvency Proceeding” means a receivership, insolvency, liquidation, resolution, or similar proceeding.

ISDA U.S. Protocol” means the ISDA 2018 U.S. Resolution Stay Protocol, as published by ISDA on July 31, 2018.

QFC Stay Rules” means the regulations codified at 12 C.F.R. 252.81–8 (the “Federal Reserve Rule”), 12 C.F.R. 382.1-7 (the “FDIC Rule”) and 12 C.F.R. 47.1-8 (the “OCC Rule”), respectively. All references herein to the specific provisions of the Federal Reserve Rule, the FDICs Rule and the OCC Rule shall be construed, with respect to Dealer, to the particular QFC Stay Rule(s) applicable to it.

Relevant Agreement” means this Confirmation (including all Transactions hereunder), the Agreement and any Credit Enhancement relating hereto or thereto .

Small Financial Institution” has the meaning given to such term in, and shall be interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. 252.81, 12 C.F.R. 382.1 and 12 C.F.R. 47.2.

 

34


Yours faithfully,
[DEALER]
By:  

     

  Name:
  Title:


Agreed and Accepted By:

Northern Oil and Gas, Inc.

By:

 

     

 

Name:

 

Title: