FLNC Fluence Energy Inc

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 8-K

 

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of

the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): December 12, 2024

 

FLUENCE ENERGY, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware		001-40978		87-1304612
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)		(Commission File Number)		(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

 

4601 Fairfax Drive, Suite 600
Arlington, Virginia 22203

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code) 

(833) 358-3623

(Registrant’s telephone number, include area code)

 

N/A

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

 

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

☐	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
Class A Common Stock $0.00001 par value per share	FLNC	The Nasdaq Global Select Market

 

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

 

Emerging growth company ☐

 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

 

 

 

 

Item 1.01 Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement

 

Indenture and Notes.

 

On December 12, 2024, Fluence Energy, Inc. (the “Company”) issued $400,000,000 aggregate principal amount of its 2.25% Convertible Senior Notes due 2030 (the “Notes”). The Notes were issued pursuant to, and are governed by, an indenture (the “Indenture”), dated as of December 12, 2024, between the Company and UMB Bank, National Association, as trustee (the “Trustee”). The Notes issued on December 12, 2024 include $50,000,000 principal amount of Notes issued pursuant to the full exercise by the initial purchasers of their option to purchase additional Notes.

 

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

 

The Notes will accrue interest at an annual rate of 2.25%, payable semi-annually in arrears on June 15 and December 15 of each year, beginning on June 15, 2025. The Notes will mature on June 15, 2030, unless earlier converted or redeemed or repurchased by the Company. Noteholders may convert their Notes at their option only in the following circumstances: (1) during any calendar quarter (and only during such calendar quarter) commencing after the calendar quarter ending on March 31, 2025, if the last reported sale price per share of the Company’s Class A common stock exceeds 130% of the conversion price for each of at least 20 trading days, whether or not consecutive, during the 30 consecutive trading days ending on, and including, the last trading day of the immediately preceding calendar quarter; (2) during the five consecutive business days immediately after any 10 consecutive trading day period (such 10 consecutive trading day period, the “measurement period”) in which the trading price per $1,000 principal amount of Notes for each trading day of the measurement period was less than 98% of the product of the last reported sale price per share of the Company’s Class A common stock on such trading day and the conversion rate on such trading day; (3) upon the occurrence of certain corporate events or distributions on the Company’s Class A common stock (as described in the Indenture); (4) if the Company calls such Notes for redemption; and (5) at any time from, and including, March 15, 2030 until the close of business on the second scheduled trading day immediately before the maturity date. The Company will settle conversions by paying consideration that consists of cash, shares of the Company’s Class A common stock or a combination of cash and shares of the Company’s Class A common stock (together with cash in lieu of any fractional share, if applicable), at the Company’s election, based on the applicable conversion rate(s). The initial conversion rate is 46.8472 shares per $1,000 principal amount of Notes, which represents an initial conversion price of approximately $21.35 per share, and is subject to adjustment as described in the Indenture. If a “make-whole fundamental change” (as defined in the Indenture) occurs, then the Company will in certain circumstances increase the conversion rate for a specified period of time.

 

The Notes will be redeemable, in whole or in part (subject to the partial redemption limitation described in the Indenture), at the Company’s option at any time, and from time to time, on or after December 20, 2027 and on or before the 50th 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 (i) the Notes are “freely tradable” (as defined in the Indenture), and all accrued and unpaid additional interest, if any, has been paid in full, as of the date the Company sends the related redemption notice; and (ii) the last reported sale price per share of the Company’s Class A 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 the Company sends the related redemption notice; and (2) 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 a “fundamental change” (as defined in the Indenture) occurs, then, except as described in the Indenture, 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” (as defined in the Indenture).

 

The Notes will 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 convert a Note upon the exercise of a conversion right with respect thereto; (iv) 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 its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, to another person; (v) a default by the Company in 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; (vi) certain defaults by the Company or any of its significant subsidiaries with respect to indebtedness for borrowed money of at least $25,000,000; and (vii) certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency and reorganization involving the Company or any of its significant subsidiaries.

 

If an Event of Default involving bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization events with respect to the Company (and not solely with respect to a significant subsidiary of the Company) 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 0.50% 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 and the form of the certificate representing the Notes are filed as Exhibits 4.1 and 4.2, respectively, 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 Exhibits.

 

Capped Call Transactions

 

In connection with the pricing of the 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 other financial institutions (the “counterparties”). The capped call transactions cover, subject to customary adjustments, the number of shares of the Company’s Class A common stock that will initially underlie the Notes. The cap price of the capped call transactions is initially approximately $28.74 per share, which represents a premium of approximately 75% over the last reported sale price per share of the Company’s Class A common stock on December 10, 2024, and is subject to customary adjustments under the terms of the capped call transactions.

 

The capped call transactions are generally expected to offset the potential dilution to the Class A common stock and/or offset any cash payments the Company is required to make in excess of the principal amount of converted Notes, with such offset subject to a cap, as the case may be, as a result of any conversion of the Notes. If the initial purchasers exercise their option to purchase additional Notes, the Company expects to enter into additional capped call transactions with the counterparties.

 

 

In connection with establishing their initial hedge of these capped call transactions, the Company has been advised that the counterparties (i) may enter into various over-the-counter cash-settled derivative transactions with respect to the Class A common stock and/or purchase the Class A common stock in secondary market transactions concurrently with, or shortly after, the pricing of the Notes; and (ii) may enter into or unwind various over-the-counter derivatives and/or purchase the Class A common stock in secondary market transactions following the pricing of the Notes. These activities could have the effect of increasing or preventing a decline in the price of the Class A common stock concurrently with or following the pricing of the Notes and under certain circumstances, could affect the ability to convert the Notes.

 

In addition, we expect that the counterparties may modify or unwind their hedge positions by entering into or unwinding various derivative transactions and/or purchasing or selling the Class A common stock or other securities of the Company in secondary market transactions following the pricing of the Notes and prior to maturity of the Notes (and are likely to do so (x) during any observation period related to a conversion of the Notes or following any redemption or fundamental change repurchase of the Notes, (y) following any other repurchase of the Notes if the Company unwinds a corresponding portion of the capped call transactions in connection with such repurchase and (z) if the Company otherwise unwinds all or a portion of the capped call transactions). The effect, if any, of these transactions and activities on the market price of the Class A common stock or the Notes will depend in part on market conditions and cannot be ascertained at this time, but any of these activities could adversely affect the value of the Class A common stock and the value of the Notes, and potentially the value of the consideration that a noteholder will receive upon the conversion of the Notes and could affect a noteholder’s ability to convert the Notes.

 

The above description of the capped call transactions is a summary and is not complete. A copy of the form of the Capped Call Confirmations 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 confirmations set forth in such Exhibit.

 

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 of 1933, as amended (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 Class A 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 24,360,520 shares of the Company’s Class A common stock may be issued upon conversion of the Notes, based on the initial maximum conversion rate of 46.8472 shares of Class A common stock per $1,000 principal amount of Notes, which is subject to customary anti-dilution adjustment provisions.

 

Item 8.01. Other Events.

 

Closing Press Release

 

On December 12, 2024, the Company issued a press release announcing the completion of the Notes offering. The full text of the press release issued in connection with the announcement is furnished as Exhibit 99.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K.

 

This Form 8-K does not constitute an offer to sell any securities or a solicitation of an offer to purchase any securities.

 

Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits.

 

(d) Exhibits

 

The following exhibits shall be deemed to be furnished, and not filed:

 

 

Exhibit No.		Description
4.1		Indenture, dated as of December 12, 2024, between Fluence Energy, Inc. and UMB Bank, National Association, as trustee.
4.2		Form of Certificate representing the 2.25% Convertible Senior Notes due 2030 (included as Exhibit A to Exhibit 4.1).
10.1		Form of Capped Call Confirmations.
99.1		Press Release issued on December 12, 2024.
104		Cover Page Interactive Data File formatted in iXBRL.

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

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

 

	FLUENCE ENERGY, INC.
Date: December 12, 2024	By:	/s/ Ahmed Pasha
		Ahmed Pasha
		Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 

 

 

Exhibit 4.1

 

Execution Version

 

FLUENCE ENERGY, INC.

 

and

 

UMB BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION

 

as Trustee

 

INDENTURE

 

Dated as of December 12, 2024

 

2.25% Convertible Senior Notes due 2030

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Page

 

Article 1.

Definitions; Rules Of Construction

1

 

Section 1.01	Definitions	1
Section 1.02	Other Definitions	13
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	15
Section 2.03	Initial Notes and Additional Notes	15
Section 2.04	Method of Payment	16
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	19
Section 2.10	Transfers and Exchanges; Certain Transfer Restrictions	20
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	25
Section 2.14	Registered Holders; Certain Rights with Respect to Global Notes	26
Section 2.15	Cancellation	27
Section 2.16	Notes Held by the Company or its Affiliates	27
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	29
Section 3.03	Rule 144a Information	29
Section 3.04	Additional Interest	29
Section 3.05	Compliance and Default Certificates	31
Section 3.06	Stay, Extension and Usury Laws	32
Section 3.07	Acquisition of Notes by the Company and its Affiliates	32

 

Article 4.

Repurchase and Redemption

32

 

Section 4.01	No Sinking Fund	32
Section 4.02	Right of Holders to Require the Company to Repurchase Notes upon a Fundamental Change	32
Section 4.03	Right of The Company to Redeem the Notes	37

 

Article 5.

Conversion

40

 

Section 5.01	Right to Convert	40
Section 5.02	Conversion Procedures	44
Section 5.03	Settlement upon Conversion	46
Section 5.04	Reserve and Status of Common Stock Issued upon Conversion	49
Section 5.05	Adjustments to the Conversion Rate	50
Section 5.06	Voluntary Adjustments	60
Section 5.07	Adjustments to the Conversion Rate in Connection with a Make-Whole Fundamental Change	60
Section 5.08	Exchange in Lieu of Conversion	61
Section 5.09	Effect of Common Stock Change Event	62

 

Article 6.

Successors

64

 

Section 6.01	When the Company May Merge, Etc.	64
Section 6.02	Successor Entity Substituted	64

 

Article 7.

Defaults And Remedies

65

 

Section 7.01	Events of Default	65
Section 7.02	Acceleration	67
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	69
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	70
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

 

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	79
Section 10.07	Replacement of the Trustee	80
Section 10.08	Successor Trustee by Merger, Etc.	81
Section 10.09	Eligibility; Disqualification	81

 

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	83
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	84
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	85
Section 11.12	Calculations	85
Section 11.13	Severability	85
Section 11.14	Counterparts	85
Section 11.15	Table of Contents, Headings, Etc.	86
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 and ERISA Legend	B3-1

 

 

INDENTURE, dated as of December 12, 2014, between Fluence Energy, Inc., a Delaware corporation, as issuer (the “Company”), and UMB Bank, 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 2.25% Convertible Senior Notes due 2030 (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 minimum principal amount thereof equal to $1,000 and principal amount denominations of 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, regulation 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, or exchangeable for, such equity.

 

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

 

“Common Stock” means the Class A common stock, $0.00001 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.

 

“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, subject to Section 5.03(C).

 

“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 46.8472 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.

 

“Corporate Trust Office” means the office of the Trustee at which at any particular time its corporate trust business shall be principally administered, which office at the date of the execution of this instrument is located at the address referred to in Section 11.01, or such other address as the Trustee may designate from time to time by notice to the Company, or the principal corporate trust office of any successor Trustee (or such other address as such successor Trustee may designate from time to time by notice to the Company).

 

“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-fiftieth (1/50th) 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) fifty (50).

 

“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 “FLNC <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.

 

“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 such fifteenth (15th) day is 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, initially, 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 written notice of the new Default Settlement Method to the Holders, the Trustee and the Conversion Agent (it being understood that no such change will affect any Settlement Method theretofore elected (or deemed to be elected) with respect to any Note pursuant to this Indenture); 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.

 

“Effective Date”, in relation to a stock split or stock combination, means the first date on which the shares of Common Stock trade on the Relevant Stock Exchange, regular way, reflecting the relevant stock split or stock combination, as applicable.

 

“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, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

“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.

 

“Existing Principal Stockholders” (each an “Existing Principal Stockholder”) means AES Grid Stability, LLC, Siemens AG, SPT Investment Management, Sarl and Qatar Holding LLC together with any other respective “person” or “group” subject to aggregation of the Common Stock with any of the aforementioned persons and entities under Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act and any of their respective affiliates.

 

“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.

 

“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)          (i) a “person” or “group” (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act), other than the Company, its Wholly Owned Subsidiaries, any of the Existing Principal Stockholders (together with any of their respective affiliates that directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries is controlling, is controlled by, or is under common control with, any or all of the Existing Principal Stockholders) or any employee benefit plans of the Company or its Wholly Owned Subsidiaries, files any report with the SEC indicating that such person or group 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; or

 

(ii)            the Existing Principal Stockholders (together with any of their respective Affiliates that directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries is controlling, is controlled by, or is under common control with, any or all of the Existing Principal Stockholders) have become the direct or indirect “beneficial owners” of shares of Common Stock representing more than 80% of the voting power of all Common Stock, in the aggregate, without duplication, based on any Schedule TO or any schedule, form or report under the Exchange Act disclosing the same filed by the relevant Existing Principal Stockholder;

 

 

(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);

 

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 or other corporate common equity interests 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., Barclays Capital Inc., HSBC Securities (USA) Inc., J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, Mizuho Securities USA LLC, BNP Paribas Securities Corp., Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC, RBC Capital Markets, LLC, Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, Canaccord Genuity LLC, Nomura Securities International, Inc. and WR Securities LLC.

 

“Interest Payment Date” means, with respect to a Note, each June 15 and December 15 of each year, commencing on June 15, 2025 (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 December 12, 2024.

 

“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 Relevant Stock Exchange. If the Common Stock is not listed on a Relevant Stock 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 to be called pursuant to Section 4.03) for Redemption pursuant to such Redemption Notice and not with respect to any other Notes.

 

“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 Relevant Stock Exchange, 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 June 15, 2030.

 

“Non-Affiliate and ERISA 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 2.25% Convertible Senior Notes due 2030 issued by the Company pursuant to this Indenture.

 

“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 March 15, 2030, the fifty (50) consecutive VWAP Trading Days beginning on, and including, the third (3rd) VWAP Trading Day immediately after such Conversion Date; and (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 fifty (50) consecutive VWAP Trading Days beginning on, and including, the fifty first (51st) Scheduled Trading Day immediately before such Redemption Date; and (C) subject to clause (B) above, if such Conversion Date occurs on or after March 15, 2030, the fifty (50) consecutive VWAP Trading Days beginning on, and including, the fifty first (51st) 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 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 December 10, 2024, among the Company and the Initial Purchasers.

 

“Record Date” means, with respect to any dividend, distribution or other transaction or event in which the holders of the Common Stock have the right to receive any cash, securities or other property or in which the Common Stock is exchanged for or converted into any combination of cash, securities or other property, the date fixed for determination of holders of the Common Stock entitled to receive such cash, securities or other property (whether such date is fixed by the Board of Directors, statute, contract or otherwise).

 

“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.

 

“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 June 15, the immediately preceding June 1; and (B) if such Interest Payment Date occurs on December 15, the immediately preceding December 1, in each case whether or not such day is a Business Day for purposes of this definition.

 

“Relevant Stock Exchange” means The NASDAQ Global Select Market, or, if the Common Stock is not then listed on The NASDAQ Global Select Market, the principal other U.S. national or regional securities exchange on which the Common Stock is then listed.

 

“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 Group 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; and (B) with respect to a particular corporate trust matter, 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 Relevant Stock Exchange. 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.

 

“Security” means any Note or Conversion Share.

 

“Settlement Method” means Cash Settlement, Physical Settlement or Combination Settlement.

 

“Significant Subsidiary” means, with respect to any Person, any Subsidiary of such Person that constitutes, or any group of subsidiaries of that Person that, in the aggregate would constitute, a “significant subsidiary” (as defined in Rule 1-02(w) of Regulation S-X under the Exchange Act) of such Person.

 

“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).

 

“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.

 

“Trading Day” means any day on which (A) trading in the Common Stock generally occurs on the Relevant Stock Exchange or, if the Common Stock is not then listed on a Relevant Stock 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.

 

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 Relevant Stock Exchange 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 Relevant Stock Exchange. 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, determined by reference to the definition of “Subsidiary” above but with each reference therein to “more than fifty percent (50%)” deemed to be replaced with “one hundred percent (100%)” for purposes of this definition; provided, however, that directors’ qualifying shares will be disregarded for purposes of determining whether any Person is a Wholly Owned Subsidiary of another 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)
“Default Interest”		2.05(B)
“Defaulted Amount”		2.05(B)
“Deferred Additional Interest”		3.04(C)(i)
“Deferred Additional Interest Demand Request”		3.04(C)(i)
“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)
“Notice of Election to Pay Deferred Additional Interest”		3.04(C)(i)
“Partial Redemption Limitation”		4.03(J)
“Paying Agent”		2.06(A)
“Physical Settlement”		5.03(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)            a merger involving, or a transfer of assets by, a limited liability company, limited partnership or trust will be deemed to include any division of or by, or an allocation of assets to a series of, such limited liability company, limited partnership or trust, or any unwinding of any such division or allocation;

 

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

 

(G)            “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;

 

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

 

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

 

(J)             the term “interest,” when used with respect to a Note, includes any 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, electronic or facsimile 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) signs the certificate of authentication of such Note by manual, electronic or facsimile signature.

 

(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 authentication 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 four hundred million dollars ($400,000,000) 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, or notice to, any Holder, the Company may, from time to time, subject to the provisions of this Indenture (including Section 2.02), 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 for such additional Notes, and if applicable, transfer restrictions on 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 U.S. federal income tax, for federal securities laws, or for purposes of the Depositary Procedures, then such additional Notes (or resold Notes) will be identified by one or more separate CUSIP numbers 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 due upon conversion of, any Global Note to the Depositary or its nominee, as the case may be, as the registered Holder of such Global Note, by wire transfer of immediately available funds no later than the time the same is due as provided in this Indenture.

 

(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 due upon conversion of, 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 specified in such request, 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 due upon conversion, the applicable 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 2.25% (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.

 

(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 with the same force and effect as if such payment were made on that due date, 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”). The Company hereby designates the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee in Kansas City, Missouri, as such office. 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.

 

(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 (except that the Registrar, Paying Agent or Conversion Agent, as applicable, 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). 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.

 

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, 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 and ERISA Legend. Each Note will bear the Non-Affiliate and ERISA 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.

 

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

 

(ii)           (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)          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.

 

(iv)          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)           Neither the Trustee nor any Note Agent will have any 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 (including any transfers between or among Depository participants, members or beneficial owners of any Global Note), 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)          Each Note issued upon transfer of, or in exchange for, another Note will bear each legend, if any, required by Section 2.09.

 

(vii)         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)        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)            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

 

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

 

(C)            Transfers and Exchanges of Physical Notes.

 

(i)            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)           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;

 

(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 to be so transferred; 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

 

(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 and 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 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 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 or repurchased, as applicable, which Physical Note will be converted 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 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.

 

(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 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 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.

 

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 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. The Company may charge for its and the Trustee’s expenses in replacing a Note.

 

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.

 

None of the Trustee nor any Note Agent shall have any responsibility or obligation to any beneficial owner in a Global Note, a Depositary Participant or other Person with respect to the accuracy of the records of the Depositary or its nominee or of any Depositary Participant, with respect to any ownership interest in the Notes or with respect to the delivery to any Depositary Participant, beneficial owner or other Person (other than the Depositary) of any notice (including any notice of redemption) or the payment of any amount, under or with respect to such Notes. All notices and communications to be given to the Holders and all payments to be made to Holders under the Notes and this Indenture shall be given or made only to or upon the order of the registered holders (which shall be the Depositary or its nominee in the case of the Global Note). The rights of beneficial owners in the Global Note shall be exercised only through the Depositary subject to the applicable procedures. The Trustee and the Note Agents shall be entitled to rely and shall be fully protected in relying upon information furnished by the Depositary with respect to its members, participants and any beneficial owners. The Trustee and the Note Agents shall be entitled to deal with the Depositary, and any nominee thereof, that is the registered holder of any Global Note for all purposes of this Indenture relating to such Global Note (including the payment of principal, premium, if any, and interest and additional amounts, if any, and the giving of instructions or directions by or to the owner or holder of a beneficial ownership interest in such Global Note) as the sole holder of such Global Note and shall have no obligations to the beneficial owners thereof. None of the Trustee nor any Note Agent shall have any responsibility or liability for any acts or omissions of the Depositary with respect to such Global Note, for the records of any such depositary, including records in respect of beneficial ownership interests in respect of any such Global Note, for any transactions between the Depositary and any Depositary Participant or between or among the Depositary, any such Depositary Participant and/or any holder or owner of a beneficial interest in such Global Note, or for any transfers of beneficial interests in any such Global Note.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, with respect to any Global Note, nothing herein shall prevent the Company, the Trustee, or any agent of the Company or the Trustee from giving effect to any written certification, proxy or other authorization furnished by any Depositary (or its nominee), as a Holder, with respect to such Global Note or shall impair, as between such Depositary and owners of beneficial interests in such Global Note, the operation of customary practices governing the exercise of the rights of such Depositary (or its nominee) as Holder of such Global Note.

 

 

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.

 

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 Sections 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.

 

(E)            Cessation of Accrual of Interest. Except as provided in Sections 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 or furnish 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 or furnish 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 or furnishes to 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 or furnished via the EDGAR system (or such successor). Upon the request of any Holder, the Trustee 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.

 

(B)            Trustee’s Disclaimer. The Trustee need not determine whether the Company has filed or furnished 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 actual or constructive knowledge or 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.

 

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. Subject to Section 3.04(C), 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 (0.50%) of the principal amount thereof; provided, however, that in no event will Additional Interest (excluding any interest that accrues on any Deferred Additional Interest pursuant to Section 3.04(C)), 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)            Deferral of Additional Interest.

 

(i)            Generally. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 3.04, but subject to Section 3.04(C)(iii), Additional Interest that accrues on any Note for any period on or after the De-Legending Deadline Date of such Note will not be payable on any Interest Payment Date occurring on or after such De-Legending Deadline Date unless (1) a Holder (or an owner of a beneficial interest in a Global Note) has delivered to the Company and the Trustee, before the Regular Record Date immediately before such Interest Payment Date, a written notice (a “Deferred Additional Interest Demand Request”) demanding payment of Additional Interest; or (2) the Company, in its sole and absolute discretion, elects, by sending notice of such election (a “Notice of Election to Pay Deferred Additional Interest”) to Holders (with a copy to the Trustee) before such Regular Record Date, to pay such Additional Interest on such Interest Payment Date. Any accrued and unpaid Additional Interest that, in accordance with this sentence, is not paid on such Interest Payment Date immediately after the date on which such Additional Interest first accrued is referred to as “Deferred Additional Interest” and interest will accrue on such Deferred Additional Interest from, and including, such Interest Payment Date at a rate per annum equal to the rate per annum at which Stated Interest accrues on the Notes to, but excluding, the date on which such Deferred Additional Interest, together with accrued interest thereon, is paid. Once any accrued and unpaid Additional Interest becomes payable on an Interest Payment Date (whether as a result of the delivery of a written notice pursuant to clause (1) above or, if earlier, the Company’s election to pay the same pursuant to clause (2) above), Additional Interest will thereafter not be subject to deferral pursuant to this Section 3.04(C).

 

 

 

(ii)           Interpretive Provisions. Each reference in this Indenture or the Notes to any accrued interest (including in the definitions of the Redemption Price and the Fundamental Change Repurchase Price for any Note) or to any accrued Additional Interest includes, to the extent applicable, and without duplication, any Deferred Additional Interest, together with accrued and unpaid interest thereon. For the avoidance of doubt, the failure to pay any accrued and unpaid Additional Interest on an Interest Payment Date will not constitute a Default or an Event of Default under this Indenture or the Notes if such payment is deferred in accordance with Section 3.04(C)(i). Otherwise, such a failure to pay will be subject to Section 7.01(A)(ii).

 

(iii)          Payment or Extinguishment Upon Maturity. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Indenture or the Notes, if (1) any unpaid Deferred Additional Interest exists on any Notes as of the Close of Business on the Regular Record Date immediately preceding the Maturity Date; (2) no Holder (or owner of a beneficial interest in a Global Note) has delivered a Deferred Additional Interest Demand Request in the manner set forth in Section 3.04(C)(i) before such Regular Record Date; and (3) the Company has not sent a Notice of Election to Pay Deferred Additional Interest in the manner set forth in Section 3.04(C)(i) before such Regular Record Date, then Deferred Additional Interest on each Note then outstanding will cease to accrue, and all Deferred Additional Interest, together with interest thereon, on such Note will be deemed to be extinguished on the following date: (a) if such Note is to be Converted, the Conversion Date for such Conversion (it being understood, for the avoidance of doubt, that the Conversion Consideration therefor need not include, and the amount referred to in clause (i) of Section 5.02(D) need not include, the payment of any such Deferred Additional Interest or any interest thereon); and (b) in all other cases, the later of (x) the Maturity Date; and (y) the first date on which the Company has repaid the principal of, and accrued and unpaid interest (other than such Deferred Additional Interest and any interest thereon) on, such Note in full.

 

(D)           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, except that no such notice is required in respect of any Additional Interest that is deferred in accordance with Section 3.04(C). 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 whether the same is deferred or is accruing interest) or the amount thereof.

 

(E)           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 one hundred and twenty (120) days after September 30, 2024 and each fiscal year of the Company ending thereafter, 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 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 promptly (and in any event, within thirty (30) days) after its first occurrence, 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.

 

Section 3.07      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.

 

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.

 

(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 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 to, but excluding, the Fundamental Change Repurchase 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 written notice of such Fundamental Change (a “Fundamental Change Notice”). Substantially contemporaneously, the Company will issue a press release through such national newswire service as the Company then uses (or publish the same through such other widely disseminated public medium as the Company then uses, including its website) containing the information set forth in the Fundamental Change Notice.

 

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

 

(ii)           the effective date of such Fundamental Change;

 

 

(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 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).

 

 

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).

 

 

(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 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 (i) 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; and (ii) an owner of a beneficial interest in any Note repurchased by such third party or parties will not receive a lesser amount (as a result of withholding or other similar taxes) than such owner would have received had the Company repurchased such Note.

 

(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 Fundamental Change occurring pursuant to clause (B)(ii) (or pursuant to clause (A) that also constitutes a Fundamental Change occurring pursuant to clause (B)(ii)) of the definition thereof, if (i) such Fundamental Change constitutes a Common Stock Change Event whose Reference Property 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).

 

(J)            Compliance with Applicable Securities Laws. To the extent applicable, the Company will comply, in all material respects, 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.

 

(L)           Calculation. Neither the Trustee nor any Note Agent shall have any responsibility for any calculation or determination in respect of the establishment of the Fundamental Change Repurchase Price of the Notes and shall be entitled to receive and rely conclusively upon an Officer’s Certificate that states the redemption price.

 

Section 4.03      Right of The Company to Redeem the Notes.

 

(A)           No Right to Redeem Before December 20, 2027. The Company may not redeem the Notes at its option at any time before December 20, 2027.

 

(B)           Right to Redeem the Notes on or After December 20, 2027. Subject to the terms of this Section 4.03 (including, for the avoidance of doubt, Section 4.03(J)), 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 December 20, 2027 and on or before the fiftieth (50th) Scheduled Trading Day immediately before the Maturity Date, for a cash purchase price equal to the Redemption Price, but only if (i) the Notes are Freely Tradable, and all accrued and unpaid Additional Interest, if any, has been paid in full, as of the date the Company sends the related Redemption Notice Date; and (ii) the Last Reported Sale Price per share of Common Stock exceeds one hundred and thirty percent (130%) of the Conversion Price on (1) 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 (2) the Trading Day immediately before such Redemption Notice Date. 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 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 seventy five (75), nor less than fifty five (55), Scheduled Trading Days after the Redemption Notice Date for such Redemption; provided, however, that if, in accordance with Section 5.03(A)(i)(3), the Company has elected to settle 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 immediately before the Redemption Date by Physical Settlement, then the Company may instead elect to choose a Redemption Date that is a Business Day no more than sixty (60), nor less than thirty (30), calendar days after such Redemption Notice Date.

 

(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 to, but excluding, such Redemption 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 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);

 

(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 notice of redemption in the Company’s name and at its expense; provided, however, that the Company has delivered to the Trustee, at least ten (10) days (unless a shorter period shall be acceptable to the Trustee) prior to the Redemption Notice Date, an Officer’s Certificate requesting that the Trustee give such notice and setting forth the information to be stated in such notice.

 

(G)           Selection and Conversion of Notes to Be Redeemed in Part. If less than all Notes then outstanding are called for Redemption, then:

 

(i)            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, the Trustee will select the Notes to be redeemed (in an Authorized Denomination) by lot, on a pro rata basis or in such other manner as it shall deem appropriate and fair; and

 

(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 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 fifty second (52nd) Scheduled Trading Day (or, if, in accordance with Section 5.03(A)(i)(3), the Company has elected to settle all conversions of Notes with a Conversion Date that occurs on or after the Redemption Notice Date for such Redemption and on or before the second (2nd) Business Day immediately before the Redemption Date by Physical Settlement, the tenth (10th) calendar 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.

 

 

(J)            Partial Redemption Limitation. If the Company elects to redeem less than all of the outstanding Notes pursuant to this Section 4.03, then 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 Redemption must be at least twenty-five million dollars ($25,000,000) (such requirement, the “Partial Redemption Limitation”).

 

(K)           Calculation. Neither the Trustee nor any Note Agent shall have any responsibility for any calculation or determination in respect of the establishment of the Redemption Price of the Notes and shall be entitled to receive and rely conclusively upon an Officer’s Certificate that states the redemption price.

 

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 March 31, 2025, 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 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 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 in writing 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 in writing of the same.

 

(3)           Conversion upon Specified Corporate Events.

 

(a)           Certain Distributions. If, before March 15, 2030, the Company elects to:

 

(I)           distribute, to all or substantially all holders of Common Stock, any rights, options or warrants (other than rights issued pursuant to a stockholder rights plan, so long as such rights have not separated from the Common Stock and are not exercisable until the occurrence of a triggering event, 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 sixty (60) calendar days after the Record 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, which distribution per share of Common Stock has a value, as reasonably determined by the Board of Directors, 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, then, in either case, (x) the Company will send written notice of such distribution, and of the related right to convert Notes, to Holders, the Trustee and the Conversion Agent at least fifty five (55) 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 written 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; provided, further, that if the Company is then otherwise permitted to settle conversions of Notes by Physical Settlement (and, for the avoidance of doubt, the Company has not elected (or been deemed to have elected) another Settlement Method to apply, including pursuant to Section 5.03(A)(i)(1)), then the Company may instead elect to provide such notice at least ten (10) Scheduled Trading Days before such Ex-Dividend Date, in which case (x) the Company must settle all conversions of Notes with a Conversion Date occurring on or after the date the Company provides such notice and on or before the Business Day immediately before the Ex-Dividend Date for such distribution (or any earlier announcement by the Company that such distribution will not take place) by Physical Settlement; and (y) such notice must state that all such conversions will be settled by Physical Settlement.

 

(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 the Business Day after such effective date, the Company will send written 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.

 

 

(4)           Conversion upon Redemption. If the Company calls any or all Notes for Redemption, then the Holder of any such Note called for Redemption 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, March 15, 2030 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 (or a third party fails to make such payment in lieu of the Company in accordance with Section 4.02(H)) in accordance with this Indenture.

 

(D)           Trustee and Conversion Agent. Neither the Trustee nor the Conversion Agent shall be responsible for determining whether any event contemplated by this Section 5.01 has occurred which makes the Notes eligible for conversion until the Company has delivered to the Trustee and any Conversion Agent a notice referred to in this Section 5.01, on which notice the Trustee and any the Conversion Agent may conclusively rely.

 

 

The Trustee and the Conversion Agent shall not at any time be under any duty or responsibility to any Holder of Note to either calculate the Conversion Price or determine whether any facts exist which may require any adjustment of the Conversion Price, or with respect to the nature or extent or calculation of any such adjustment when made, or with respect to the method employed herein, or in any supplemental indenture provided to be employed, in making the same and shall be protected in relying upon an Officer’s Certificate with respect to the same. Neither the Trustee nor the Conversion Agent shall be accountable with respect to the validity or value (of the kind or amount) of any shares of Common Stock, or of any other securities or property, which may at any time be issued or delivered upon the conversion of any Note; and neither the Trustee nor the Conversion Agent makes any representation with respect thereto. Neither the Trustee nor the Conversion Agent shall be responsible for any failure of the Company to make any cash payment or to issue, transfer or deliver any shares of Common Stock or stock or share certificates or other securities or property upon the surrender of any Security for the purpose of conversion; and the Trustee and the Conversion Agent shall not be responsible or liable for any failure of the Company to comply with any of the covenants of the Company contained in this Article. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, neither the Trustee nor the Conversion Agent shall 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 other property or assets (including cash) receivable for Holders upon the conversion of their Notes after an any event referred to in such Section 5.09 or to any adjustment to be made with respect thereto, but, subject to the provisions of Section 10.01, may accept as conclusive evidence of the correctness of any such provisions, and shall be protected in relying upon, the Officer’s Certificate (which the Company shall be obligated to file with the Trustee prior to the execution of any such supplemental indenture) with respect thereto.

 

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 (i) the Conversion Date for such conversion, in the case of Physical Settlement; or (ii) the last VWAP Trading Day of the Observation Period for such conversion, in the case of Combination Settlement.

 

(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 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 Business Day following 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) shares of Common Stock, together, if applicable, with cash in lieu of fractional shares as provided in Section 5.03(B)(i)(1) (a “Physical Settlement”); (y) solely cash as provided in Section 5.03(B)(i)(2) (a “Cash Settlement”); or (z) 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)(3) (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 March 15, 2030, will be settled using the same Settlement Method, and the Company will send written notice of such Settlement Method to Holders, the Trustee and the Conversion Agent no later than the Open of Business on March 15, 2030;

 

(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 March 15, 2030, then the Company will send written notice of such Settlement Method to the Holder of such Note, the Trustee and the Conversion Agent no later than the Close of Business on the Business Day immediately after such Conversion Date;

 

(3)           if any Notes are called for Redemption, then (1) 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 (2) if such Redemption Date occurs on or after March 15, 2030, 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 March 15, 2030;

 

(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);

 

(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); and

 

(7)           the Settlement Method will be subject to Sections 4.03(D), 5.09(A)(2) and 5.01(C)(i)(3)(a).

 

(ii)           The Company’s Right to Irrevocably Fix the Settlement Method. The Company will have the right, exercisable at its election by sending written 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 elect Combination Settlement to apply to all conversions of Notes with a Conversion Date that occurs on or after the date such notice is sent to Holders, and eliminate a Specified Dollar Amount or range of Specified Dollar Amounts that will apply to such conversions, provided, in each case, that; (w) the Settlement Method(s) so elected pursuant to clause (1) or (2) above 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 or Default Settlement Method change will affect any Settlement Method 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 Combination Settlement with a Specified Dollar Amount that is consistent with such irrevocable election. Such notice, if sent, must set forth the applicable Settlement Method 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 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 Section 5.03(B)(ii), Section 5.03(B)(iii) and Section 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 Physical Settlement applies to such conversion, a number of shares of Common Stock equal to the Conversion Rate in effect on the Conversion Date for such conversion;

 

(2)           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

 

(3)           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 Physical Settlement or 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) (x) the Daily VWAP on the Conversion Date for such conversion (or, if such Conversion Date is not a VWAP Trading Day, the immediately preceding VWAP Trading Day), in the case of Physical Settlement; or (y) the Daily VWAP on the last VWAP Trading Day of the Observation Period for such conversion, in the case of Combination Settlement.

 

(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 Cash Settlement or Combination Settlement applies to the conversion of any Note, 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 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 as follows: (i) if Cash Settlement or Combination Settlement applies to such conversion, on the second (2nd) Business Day immediately after the last VWAP Trading Day of the Observation Period for such conversion; and (ii) if Physical Settlement applies to such conversion, on the second (2nd) Business Day immediately after the Conversion Date for such conversion; provided, however, that if Physical Settlement applies to the conversion of any Note with a Conversion Date that is after the Record Date immediately before the Maturity Date, then, solely for purposes of such conversion, (x) the Company will pay or deliver, as applicable, the Conversion Consideration due upon such conversion on the Maturity Date (or, if the Maturity Date is not a Business Day, the next Business Day); and (y) the Conversion Date will instead be deemed to be the second (2nd) Scheduled Trading Day immediately before the Maturity Date.

 

(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 but unissued shares of Common Stock that are not reserved for other purposes) a number of shares of Common Stock sufficient to permit the conversion of all then-outstanding Notes, assuming (x) Physical Settlement will apply to such conversion; and (y) 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.

 

(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 and 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:

 

 

 

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 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.

 

For the avoidance of doubt, each adjustment to the Conversion Rate made pursuant to this Section 5.05(A)(i) will become effective as of the time set forth in the preceding definition of CR1. 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 sixty (60) calendar days after the record 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:

 

 

 

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.

 

For the avoidance of doubt, each adjustment to the Conversion Rate made pursuant to this Section 5.05(A)(ii) will become effective as of the time set forth in the preceding definition of CR1. To the extent 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, options or warrants.

 

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 and in a commercially reasonable manner.

 

 

(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 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,

 

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

 

 

 

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 and in a commercially reasonable manner), 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, and without having to convert its Notes, 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. For the avoidance of doubt, each adjustment to the Conversion Rate made pursuant to this Section 5.05(A)(iii)(1) will become effective at the time set forth in the definition of CR1 above.

 

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:

 

 

 

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.

 

For the avoidance of doubt, each adjustment to the Conversion Rate made pursuant to this Section 5.05(A)(iii)(2) will become effective at the time set forth in the definition of CR1 above. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 5.05(A)(iii)(2), (i) if any VWAP Trading Day of the Observation Period for a Note whose conversion will be settled pursuant to Cash Settlement or Combination Settlement 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; and (ii) if the Conversion Date for a Note whose conversion will be settled pursuant to Physical Settlement occurs during the Spin-Off Valuation Period for such Spin-Off, then, solely for purposes of determining the Conversion Consideration 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 Conversion Date.

 

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

 

 

 

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; 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, and without having to convert its Notes, 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. For the avoidance of doubt, each adjustment to the Conversion Rate made pursuant to this Section 5.05(A)(iv) will become effective at the time set forth in the definition of CR₁ above.

 

(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 Time by the Company in good faith and in a commercially reasonable manner) 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:

 

 

 

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 Company in good faith and in a commercially reasonable manner) 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. For the avoidance of doubt, each adjustment to the Conversion Rate made pursuant to this Section 5.05(A)(v) will become effective at the time set forth in the definition of CR1 above. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 5.05(A)(v), (i) if any VWAP Trading Day of the Observation Period for a Note whose conversion will be settled pursuant to Cash Settlement or Combination Settlement 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; and (ii) if the Conversion Date for a Note whose conversion will be settled pursuant to Physical Settlement occurs during the Tender/Exchange Offer Valuation Period for such tender or exchange offer, then, solely for purposes of determining the Conversion Consideration 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 to, and including, such Conversion Date.

 

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;

 

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

 

(6)           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 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 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 effective date a Fundamental Change or Make-Whole Fundamental Change occurs; (iv) the date the Company calls any Notes for Redemption; and (v) March 15, 2030.

 

(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 Physical Settlement or 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 the Conversion Date for such conversion (in the case of Physical Settlement) or on or before any VWAP Trading Day in the Observation Period for such conversion (in the case of Combination Settlement), but an adjustment to the Conversion Rate for such event has not yet become effective as of such Conversion Date or VWAP Trading Day, as applicable;

 

 

(iii)          the Conversion Consideration due upon such conversion includes any whole shares of Common Stock (in the case of Physical Settlement) or due in respect of such VWAP Trading Day includes any whole or fractional shares of Common Stock (in the case of Combination Settlement); 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 Conversion Date (in the case of Physical Settlement) or such VWAP Trading Day (in the case of Combination Settlement). 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.

 

(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 Physical Settlement or Combination Settlement;

 

(iii)          the Conversion Date for such conversion (in the case of Physical Settlement) or any VWAP Trading Day in the Observation Period for such conversion (in the case of Combination Settlement) occurs on or after such Ex-Dividend Date and on or before the related Record Date;

 

(iv)          the Conversion Consideration due upon such conversion includes any whole shares of Common Stock (in the case of Physical Settlement) or due in respect of such VWAP Trading Day includes any whole or fractional shares of Common Stock (in the case of Combination Settlement), in each case 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 (x) in the case of Physical Settlement, such Conversion Rate adjustment will not be given effect for such conversion and the shares of Common Stock issuable upon such conversion based on such unadjusted Conversion Rate will not be entitled to participate in such dividend or distribution, but there will be added, to the Conversion Consideration otherwise due upon such conversion, the same kind and amount of consideration that would have been delivered in such dividend or distribution with respect to such shares of Common Stock had such shares been entitled to participate in such dividend or distribution; and (y) in the case of Combination Settlement, 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 the Company has a stockholder rights plan in effect upon conversion of any Notes into Common Stock, the Holder converting such Notes will receive, in addition to any shares of Common Stock such Holder receives in connection with such conversion, the rights under such stockholder rights plan. However, if, prior to any conversion of Notes, the rights have separated from the shares of Common Stock in accordance with the provisions of the applicable stockholder rights plan, then the Conversion Rate will be adjusted pursuant to Section 5.05(A)(iii)(1) at the time of such separation as if the Company distributed, to all or substantially all holders of Common Stock, shares of its capital stock, evidences of indebtedness, assets, property, rights, options or warrants as described above in Section 5.05(A)(iii)(1), subject to readjustment in accordance with the final 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, Daily Conversion Values, Daily Cash Amounts or Daily Share Amounts over an Observation Period, the Company will make proportionate adjustments to such calculations to account for any adjustment to the Conversion Rate that becomes effective, or any event requiring an adjustment to the Conversion Rate where the Ex-Dividend Date, effective date or Expiration Date, as applicable, of such event occurs, at any time during such period or Observation Period, as applicable.

 

(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 written 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 Board of Directors 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 Board of Directors 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 written 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.

 

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:

 

Make-Whole Fundamental Change Effective		Stock Price
Date		$16.42				$18.00			$20.00			$21.35			$25.00			$27.75			$30.00			$40.00			$50.00			$75.00			$125.00
December 12, 2024			14.0541			11.7072			9.4440			8.2436			5.8860			4.6804			3.9307			2.0043			1.1354			0.3137			0.0000
June 15, 2025			14.0541			11.7072			9.4025			8.1700			5.7668			4.5506			3.7997			1.9008			1.0642			0.2891			0.0000
June 15, 2026			14.0541			11.6328			9.1535			7.8600			5.3820			4.1600			3.4213			1.6278			0.8860			0.2317			0.0000
June 15, 2027			14.0541			11.3483			8.6955			7.3340			4.7928			3.5885			2.8830			1.2755			0.6714			0.1701			0.0000
June 15, 2028			14.0541			10.8278			7.9355			6.4885			3.9052			2.7640			2.1330			0.8475			0.4354			0.1103			0.0000
June 15, 2029			14.0541			9.8800			6.5760			5.0061			2.4756			1.5387			1.0913			0.3788			0.2038			0.0541			0.0000
June 15, 2030			14.0541			8.7084			3.1528			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 $125.00 (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 $16.42 (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 60.9013 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 (or deemed 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.

 

(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 written 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 through its Depository Participant 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 Depository Participant 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. If the Designated Financial Institution agrees to accept any Note for exchange but does not timely pay and/or deliver, as the case may be, the related Conversion Consideration, or if such Designated Financial Institution does not accept the Note for exchange, the Company shall pay and/or deliver, as the case may be, the relevant Conversion Consideration, as, and at the time, required pursuant to this Indenture as if the Company had not made the Exchange Election.

 

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 5.03, 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

 

(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 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 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; 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 written notice of each Common Stock Change Event to Holders, the Trustee and the Conversion Agent no later than the Business Day after 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.

 

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.

 

(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.

 

 

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 any 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 three (3) 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 three (3) Business Days after its occurrence;

 

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

 

(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 Significant 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 twenty five million dollars ($25,000,000) (or its foreign currency equivalent) in the aggregate of the Company or any of the Company’s Significant 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, or premium or interest on, any 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 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)        [reserved];

 

(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;

 

(5)           takes any comparable action under any foreign Bankruptcy Law; or

 

(6)           generally is not paying its debts as they become due; or

 

(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.

 

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 one hundred and eighty (180) 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 one hundred and eighty first (181st) 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 one hundred and eighty first (181st) 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 ninety (90) 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 (excluding any interest that accrues on any Deferred Interest Pursuant to Section 3.04(C)), 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.

 

(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 with) 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.

 

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 Redemption Price or Fundamental Change Repurchase Price for, or 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 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 Redemption Price or Fundamental Change Repurchase Price for, or 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 Redemption Price or Fundamental Change Repurchase Price for, or 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.

 

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 (senior to the rights of Holders) 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.

 

Any money or other property that the Trustee it collects pursuant to this Article 7 or, after an Event of Default, any money or other property distributable in respect of the Company’s obligations under this Indenture shall be applied in the following order:

 

First: to the Trustee (including any predecessor trustee) and its 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 Redemption Price or Fundamental Change Repurchase 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.

 

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 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);

 

(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 the Notes” section of the Company’s preliminary offering memorandum, dated December 9, 2024, as supplemented by the related pricing term sheet, dated December 10, 2024;

 

(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 the 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 change 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 absolute 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

 

(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 written 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.

 

 

(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 the Trustee concludes 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 Company’s 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;

 

 

(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.

 

 

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 their 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 bad faith 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 certificates 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 (but need not confirm or investigate the accuracy of mathematical calculations or other facts, statements, opinions or conclusions stated therein).

 

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

 

(i)             this paragraph will not limit the effect of Sections 10.01(B) and 10.01(D);

 

(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)            [Reserved]

 

(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.

 

(G)            Each provision of this Indenture that in any way relates to the Trustee is subject to this Section 10.01, regardless of whether such provision so expressly provides.

 

 

Section 10.02     Rights of the Trustee.

 

(A)           The Trustee may conclusively rely on any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, direction, consent, order, bond, debenture, note, other evidence of indebtedness or other paper or 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 written 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. Any request or direction of the Company mentioned herein shall be sufficiently evidenced by a Company Order and any resolution of the Board of Directors may be sufficiently evidenced by a board resolution;

 

(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 security or indemnity satisfactory to the Trustee against any loss, cost, 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 Trustee shall not be bound to make any investigation into the facts or matters stated in any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, direction, consent, order, bond, debenture, note, other evidence of indebtedness or other paper or document, but the Trustee, in its discretion, may make such further inquiry or investigation into such facts or matters as it may see fit, and, if the Trustee shall determine to make such further inquiry or investigation, it shall be entitled to examine the books, records and premises of the Company, personally or by agent or attorney at the sole cost of the Company and shall incur no liability or additional liability of any kind by reason of such inquiry or investigation.

 

(I)             It shall not be the duty of the Trustee to see that any duties or obligations imposed herein upon the Company or other persons are performed, and the Trustee shall not be liable or responsible for the failure of the Company or such other persons to perform any act required of them by this Indenture.

 

 

(J)            The Trustee shall not be deemed to have knowledge or notice of any Default or Event of Default unless a Responsible Officer of the Trustee has actual knowledge thereof or unless written notice of any event which is in fact such a default is received by the Trustee at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee, and such notice references the Securities and this Indenture.

 

(K)           The rights, privileges, protections, immunities and benefits given to the Trustee, including, without limitation, its right to be indemnified, are extended to, and shall be enforceable by, the Trustee in each of its capacities hereunder, and each agent, custodian and other Person employed to act hereunder; provided, however, that only the Trustee, and not any agent, custodian or other Person employed to act hereunder, shall be held to a prudent person standard upon the occurrence of and during an Event of Default.

 

(L)            The Trustee may request that the Company deliver a certificate setting forth the names of individuals and/or titles of officers authorized at such time to take specified actions pursuant to this Indenture.

 

(M)          The permissive right of the Trustee to take or refrain from taking action hereunder shall not be construed as a duty.

 

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     Trustee’s Disclaimer.

 

The Trustee will not be (A) responsible or liable 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. The Trustee shall not be responsible to make any calculation with respect to any matter under this Indenture. The Trustee shall have no duty to monitor or investigate the Company’s compliance with or the breach of, or cause to be performed or observed, any representation, warranty, or covenant, or agreement of any Person, other than the Trustee, made in this Indenture.

 

Section 10.05     Notice of Defaults.

 

If a Default or Event of Default occurs and is continuing and is 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 known to the Trustee at such time, promptly (and in any event within ten (10) Business Days) after it becomes known to a Responsible Officer; provided, however, that, except in the case of a Default or Event of Default in the payment of the principal of, or interest, if any, on, any Note, or a Default in the payment or delivery of any Conversion Consideration upon conversion of 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 pay the Trustee such compensation as the Company and the Trustee shall from time to time agree in writing for its acceptance of this Indenture and services under this Indenture. 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 each predecessor Trustee) against any and all losses, damages, claims, liabilities or expenses, including fees and expenses of counsel, including taxes (other than taxes based upon, measured by or determined by the income of the Trustee) 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 enforcement of 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 with the exercise or performance of any of its powers or duties under this Indenture, except to the extent any such loss, damage, claim, liability or expense is determined to have been caused by its own negligence or willful misconduct. 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), except to the extent the Company is materially prejudiced by such failure. 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.

 

 

(F)            “Trustee” for purposes of this Section shall include any predecessor Trustee; provided, however, that the negligence, willful misconduct or bad faith of any Trustee hereunder shall not affect the rights of any other Trustee hereunder.

 

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. 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.

 

(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 sixty (60) 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 written 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 Person, then such Person 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.

 

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), 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:

 

Fluence Energy, Inc.
4601 Fairfax Drive, Suite 600
Arlington, Virginia 22203
Attention: John Haberl
Email: John.Haberl@fluenceenergy.com
Telephone: (571) 224-2513

 

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

 

Latham & Watkins LLP
1271 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10020
Attention: Senet Bischoff

 

If to the Trustee:

 

UMB Bank National Association
100 William Street, Suite 1850
New York, NY 10038

Attention: Corporate Trust – Julius Zamora Email: Julius.Zamora@umb.com Telephone: 646-650-3178

 

 

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

 

Any communication sent to Trustee under this Indenture that requires a signature must be in the form of a document that is signed manually or by way of a digital signature provided by DocuSign (or such other digital signature provider as specified in writing to Trustee by an authorized representative of the Company). The Company agrees to assume all risks arising out of its use of digital signatures and electronic methods to submit communications to Trustee, including the risk of the Trustee acting on unauthorized instructions and the risk of interception and misuse by third parties.

 

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 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.

 

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, except in the case of notices or communications given to the Trustee, which shall be deemed to have been duly given only upon actual receipt by the Trustee at its Corporate Trust Office.

 

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 Officer’s 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 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 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.

 

Section 11.03     Statements Required in Officer’s 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, THE TRUSTEE AND EACH HOLDER BY THEIR ACCEPTANCE OF THE NOTES 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.

 

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 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 strikes, work stoppages, accidents, acts of war or terrorism, civil or military disturbances, pandemics, epidemics, recognized public emergencies, quarantine restrictions, nuclear or natural catastrophes or acts of God, and interruptions, loss or malfunctions of utilities, communications or computer (software and hardware) services; it being understood that the Trustee shall use reasonable efforts which are consistent with accepted practices in the banking industry to resume performance as soon as practicable under the circumstances).

 

 

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, the Daily VWAP, the Trading Price, accrued interest on the Notes (including Additional Interest or Deferred Additional Interest) and the Conversion Rate.

 

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 Trustee will promptly forward a copy of each such schedule to a Holder upon its written request therefor. For the avoidance of doubt, neither the Trustee nor any Note Agent will be obligated to make or confirm any calculations called for under this Indenture or the Notes.

 

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.

 

The parties may sign any number of copies of this Indenture. Each signed copy will be an original, and all of them together represent the same agreement. Delivery of an executed counterpart of this Indenture by facsimile, electronically in portable document format or in any other format will be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart.

 

 

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.

 

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, withhold from or 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 proceeds of any sale, exchange or other disposition of such Notes 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]

 

 

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

 

	FLUENCE ENERGY, INC.
	By:	/s/ Julian Nebreda
		Name:	Julian Nebreda
		Title:	Chief Executive Officer and President
	By:	/s/ Ahmed Pasha
		Name:	Ahmed Pasha
		Title:	Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
	UMB BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,
	as Trustee.
	By:	/s/ Julius R. Zamora
		Name:	Julius R. Zamora
		Title:	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 and ERISA Legend]

 

FLUENCE, INC.

 

2.25% Convertible Senior Note due 2030

 

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

 

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

 

Fluence Energy, 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 June 15, 2030 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:	June 15 and December 15 of each year, commencing on June 15, 2025.
Regular Record Dates:	June 1 and December 1 (whether or not a Business Day).

 

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.

 

†

Insert bracketed language for Global Notes only.

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Fluence Energy, Inc. has caused this instrument to be duly executed as of the date set forth below.

 

Date:	FLUENCE ENERGY, INC.
	By:
		Name:
		Title:

 

 

TRUSTEE’S CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION

 

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

 

	By:
		Authorized Signatory

 

 

FLUENCE ENERGY, INC.

 

2.25% Convertible Senior Note due 2030

 

This Note is one of a duly authorized issue of notes of Fluence Energy, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), designated as its 2.25% Convertible Senior Notes due 2030 (the “Notes”), all issued or to be issued pursuant to an indenture, dated as of December 12, 2024 (as the same may be amended from time to time, the “Indenture”), between the Company and UMB Bank, 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 June 15, 2030, 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 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.

 

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:

 

Fluence Energy, Inc.
4601 Fairfax Drive, Suite 600
Arlington, Virginia 22203
Attention: John Haberl

 

 

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.

 

 

CONVERSION NOTICE

 

FLUENCE ENERGY, INC.

 

2.25% Convertible Senior Notes due 2030

 

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.

 

 

FUNDAMENTAL CHANGE REPURCHASE NOTICE

 

Fluence Energy, INC.

 

2.25% Convertible Senior Notes due 2030

 

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.

 

 

ASSIGNMENT FORM

 

Fluence Energy, INC.

 

2.25% Convertible Senior Notes due 2030

 

Subject to the terms of the Indenture, the undersigned Holder of the within Note assigns to:

 

Name:

 

Address:

 

Social security or tax identification number:

 

the within Note and all rights thereunder 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

 

 

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

 

 

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:

 

 

EXHIBIT B-1

 

FORM OF RESTRICTED NOTE LEGEND

 

THE OFFER AND SALE OF THIS NOTE AND THE SHARES OF CLASS A 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, PLEDGED 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 FLUENCE ENERGY, INC. (THE “COMPANY”) THAT IT WILL NOT OFFER, SELL, PLEDGE 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 PERSON REASONABLY BELIEVED TO BE 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.

 

 

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.

 

 

EXHIBIT B-3

 

FORM OF NON-AFFILIATE AND ERISA LEGEND

 

NO AFFILIATE (AS DEFINED IN RULE 144 UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED) OF THE COMPANY AND NO PERSON THAT HAS BEEN AN AFFILIATE (AS DEFINED IN RULE 144 UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED) OF THE COMPANY DURING THE THREE IMMEDIATELY PRECEDING MONTHS MAY PURCHASE, OTHERWISE ACQUIRE OR OWN THIS NOTE AND THE SHARES OF CLASS A COMMON STOCK, IF ANY, ISSUABLE UPON CONVERSION OF THIS NOTE OR A BENEFICIAL INTEREST HEREIN OR THEREIN.

 

BY ITS ACQUISITION OF THIS NOTE, THE HOLDER HEREOF WILL BE DEEMED TO HAVE REPRESENTED AND WARRANTED THAT EITHER (1) NO PORTION OF THE ASSETS USED BY SUCH HOLDER TO ACQUIRE OR HOLD THIS NOTE CONSTITUTES THE ASSETS OF AN EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN THAT IS SUBJECT TO TITLE I OF THE U.S. EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT INCOME SECURITY ACT OF 1974, AS AMENDED (“ERISA”), OF A PLAN, INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ACCOUNT OR OTHER ARRANGEMENT THAT IS SUBJECT TO SECTION 4975 OF THE U.S. INTERNAL REVENUE CODE OF 1986, AS AMENDED (THE “CODE”), OR PROVISIONS UNDER ANY OTHER U.S. OR NON-U.S. FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL OR OTHER LAWS OR REGULATIONS THAT ARE SIMILAR TO SUCH PROVISIONS OF ERISA OR THE CODE (“SIMILAR LAWS”), OR OF AN ENTITY WHOSE UNDERLYING ASSETS ARE CONSIDERED TO INCLUDE “PLAN ASSETS” OF ANY SUCH PLAN, ACCOUNT OR ARRANGEMENT, OR (2) THE ACQUISITION, HOLDING AND SUBSEQUENT DISPOSITION OR CONVERSION OF THIS NOTE WILL NOT CONSTITUTE A NONEXEMPT PROHIBITED TRANSACTION UNDER SECTION 406 OF ERISA OR SECTION 4975 OF THE CODE OR A SIMILAR VIOLATION UNDER ANY APPLICABLE SIMILAR LAWS.

 

 

 

Exhibit 10.1

 

[______]¹

[__], 2024

 

To:

Fluence Energy, Inc. 4601 Fairfax Drive, Suite 600

Arlington, Virginia 22203

Telephone No.:     (833) 358-3623

 

Re: [Base][Additional] Call Option Transaction

 

The purpose of this letter agreement (this “Confirmation”) is to confirm the terms and conditions of the call option transaction entered into between [____] (“Dealer”) and Fluence Energy, Inc. (“Counterparty”) as of the Trade Date specified below (the “Transaction”). This letter agreement constitutes a “Confirmation” as referred to in the ISDA Master Agreement specified below. Each party further agrees that this Confirmation together with the Agreement evidence a complete binding agreement between Counterparty and Dealer as to the subject matter and terms of the Transaction to which this Confirmation relates, and shall supersede all prior or contemporaneous written or oral communications with respect thereto.

 

The definitions and provisions contained in the 2002 ISDA Equity Derivatives Definitions (the “Equity Definitions”), as published by the International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. (“ISDA”) are incorporated into this Confirmation. In the event of any inconsistency between the Equity Definitions and this Confirmation, this Confirmation shall govern. Certain defined terms used herein are based on terms that are defined in the Offering Memorandum dated [__], 2024 (the “Offering Memorandum”) relating to the [__]% Convertible Senior Notes due 2030 (as originally issued by Counterparty, the “Convertible Notes” and each USD 1,000 principal amount of Convertible Notes, a “Convertible Note”) issued by Counterparty in an aggregate initial principal amount of USD [__________] (as increased by [up to]² an aggregate principal amount of USD [__________] [if and to the extent that]³[pursuant to the exercise by]⁴ the Initial Purchasers (as defined herein) [exercise]⁵[of]⁶ their option to purchase additional Convertible Notes pursuant to the Purchase Agreement (as defined herein)) pursuant to an Indenture [to be]⁷ dated [__], 2024 between Counterparty and UMB Bank, N.A., as trustee (the “Indenture”). In the event of any inconsistency between the terms defined in the Offering Memorandum, 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 which are also defined herein by reference to the Indenture and (ii) sections of the Indenture that are referred to herein 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. The parties further acknowledge that the Indenture section numbers used herein are based on the [draft of the Indenture last reviewed by Dealer as of the date of this Confirmation, and if any such section numbers are changed in the Indenture as executed, the parties will amend this Confirmation in good faith to preserve the intent of the parties]⁸[Indenture as executed]⁹. Subject to the foregoing, references to the Indenture herein are references to the Indenture as in effect on the date of its execution, and if the Indenture is amended or supplemented following such date (other than any amendment or supplement (x) pursuant to Section [8.01(I)]¹⁰ of the Indenture that, as determined by the Calculation Agent, conforms the Indenture to the description of Convertible Notes in the Offering Memorandum or (y) pursuant to Section [5.09]¹¹ of the Indenture, subject, in the case of this clause (y), to the second paragraph under “Method of Adjustment” in Section ‎3), any such amendment or supplement will be disregarded for purposes of this Confirmation (other than as provided in Section ‎9(i)(iii) below) unless the parties agree otherwise in writing.

 

¹ Include Dealer name, address and, if applicable, logo.

² Include in the Base Call Option Confirmation.

³ Include in the Base Call Option Confirmation.

⁴ Include in the Additional Call Option Confirmation.

⁵ Include in the Base Call Option Confirmation.

⁶ Include in the Additional Call Option Confirmation.

⁷ Insert if Indenture is not completed at the time of the Confirmation.

⁸ Include in the Base Call Option Confirmation. Include in the Additional Call Option Confirmation if it is executed before closing of the base deal.

⁹ Include in the Additional Call Option Confirmation, but only if the Additional Call Option Confirmation is executed after closing of the base deal.

¹⁰ Include cross-reference to Indenture section permitting amendments without holder consent to conform the Indenture to the Description of Notes.

¹¹ Include cross-reference to Indenture section governing common stock change events.

 

 

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.

 

1.            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 supplement, form a part of, and be subject to an agreement in the form of the 2002 ISDA Master Agreement (the “Agreement”) as if Dealer and Counterparty had executed an agreement in such form (but without any Schedule except for (i) the election of the laws of the State of New York as the governing law (without reference to choice of law doctrine), (ii) in respect of Section 5(a)(vi) of the Agreement, the election that the “Cross Default” provisions shall apply to Dealer with (a) a “Threshold Amount” with respect to Dealer of three percent of the shareholders’ equity of [Dealer][[Dealer Parent] (“Dealer Parent”)] as of the Trade Date, (b) the deletion of the phrase “, or becoming capable at such time of being declared,” from clause (1) and (c) the following language 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.”, (iii) the modification that the term “Specified Indebtedness” shall have the meaning specified in Section 14 of the Agreement, except that such term shall not include obligations in respect of deposits received in the ordinary course of a party’s banking business, and (iv) the modification that following the payment of the Premium, the condition precedent in Section 2(a)(iii) of the Agreement with respect to Events of Default or Potential Events of Default (other than an Event of Default or Potential Event of Default arising under Section 5(a)(ii), 5(a)(iv) or 5(a)(vii) of the Agreement) shall not apply to a payment or delivery owing by Dealer to Counterparty) on the Trade Date. In the event of any inconsistency between provisions of the Agreement and this Confirmation, this Confirmation will prevail for the purpose of the Transaction to which this Confirmation relates. The parties hereby agree that no transaction other than the Transaction to which this Confirmation relates shall be governed by the Agreement.

 

2.            The terms of the particular Transaction to which this Confirmation relates are as follows:

 

General Terms.

 

	Trade Date:	[__], 2024
	Effective Date:	The closing date of the [initial]12 issuance of the Convertible Notes [issued pursuant to the option to purchase additional Convertible Notes exercised on the date hereof]13
	Option Style:	“Modified American”, as described under “Procedures for Exercise” below
	Option Type:	Call
	Buyer:	Counterparty
	Seller:	Dealer
	Shares:	Class A common stock of Counterparty, par value $0.00001 per share (Exchange symbol “FLNC”).

 

 

¹² Include in the Base Call Option Confirmation.

¹³ Include in the Additional Call Option Confirmation.

 

 

	Number of Options:	[_______]14. For the avoidance of doubt, the Number of Options shall be reduced by any Options exercised by Counterparty. In no event will the Number of Options be less than zero.
	Applicable Percentage:	[__]%
	Option Entitlement:	A number equal to the product of the Applicable Percentage and [______]15.
	Strike Price:	USD [______]
	Cap Price:	USD [______]
	Premium:	USD [______]
	Premium Payment Date:	The Effective Date
	Exchange:	The Nasdaq Global Select Market
	Related Exchange(s):	All Exchanges   “Relevant Stock Exchange” means the Exchange, or, if the shares are not then listed on the Exchange, on the principal other U.S. national or regional securities exchange on which the Shares are then listed.
	Excluded Provisions:	Section [5.06(A)]16 and Section [5.07]17 of the Indenture.

 

Procedures for Exercise.

 

Conversion Date:

With respect to any conversion of a Convertible Note (other than (x) any conversion of Convertible Notes with a Conversion Date occurring prior to the Free Convertibility Date or (y) any conversion of a Convertible Note in respect of which the “Holder” (as such term is defined in the Indenture) of such Convertible Note would be entitled to an increase in the “Conversion Rate” (as such term is defined in the Indenture) pursuant Section [5.07]18 of the Indenture (any such conversion described in clause (x) or clause (y), an “Early Conversion”), to which the provisions of Section ‎9(i)(i) of this Confirmation shall apply), the date on which the “Holder” (as such term is defined in the Indenture) of such Convertible Note satisfies all of the requirements for conversion thereof as set forth in Section [5.02(A)]19 of the Indenture; provided that if Counterparty has not delivered to Dealer a related Notice of Exercise, then in no event shall a Conversion Date be deemed to occur hereunder (and no Option shall be exercised or deemed to be exercised hereunder) with respect to any surrender of a Convertible Note for conversion in respect of which Counterparty has elected to designate a financial institution for exchange in lieu of conversion of such Convertible Note pursuant to Section [5.08]20 of the Indenture.

 

¹⁴ For the Base Call Option Confirmation, this is equal to the number of Convertible Notes in principal amount of $1,000 initially issued on the closing date for the Convertible Notes. For the Additional Call Option Confirmation, this is equal to the number of additional Convertible Notes in principal amount of $1,000.

¹⁵ Insert the initial Conversion Rate for the Convertible Notes.

¹⁶ Include cross-reference to Indenture section(s) containing discretionary adjustments to the Conversion Rate by Counterparty.

¹⁷ Include cross-reference to Indenture section(s) governing make-whole adjustments to the Conversion Rate.

¹⁸ Include cross-reference to Indenture section(s) governing make-whole adjustments to the Conversion Rate.

¹⁹ Include cross-reference to Indenture section(s) setting forth the requirements for conversion of the Convertible Notes.

²⁰ Include cross-reference to section of the Indenture containing provisions for exchange in lieu of conversion.

 

 

	Free Convertibility Date:	March 15, 2030
	Expiration Time:	The Valuation Time
	Expiration Date:	June 15, 2030, subject to earlier exercise.
	Multiple Exercise:	Applicable, as described under “Automatic Exercise” and “Automatic Exercise of Remaining Repurchase Options After Free Convertibility Date” below.
	Automatic Exercise:	Notwithstanding Section 3.4 of the Equity Definitions, on each Conversion Date occurring on or after the Free Convertibility Date, a number of Options equal to [(i)] the number of Convertible Notes in denominations of USD 1,000 as to which such Conversion Date has occurred [minus (ii) the number of Options that are or are deemed to be automatically exercised on such Conversion Date under the Base Call Option Transaction Confirmation letter agreement dated [__], 2024 between Dealer and Counterparty (the “Base Call Option Confirmation”),]21 shall be deemed to be automatically exercised; provided that such Options shall be exercised or deemed exercised only if Counterparty has provided a Notice of Exercise to Dealer in accordance with “Notice of Exercise” below.   Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event shall the number of Options that are exercised or deemed exercised hereunder exceed the Number of Options.

 

²¹ Include for Additional Call Option Confirmation only.

 

 

Automatic Exercise of Remaining Repurchase Options After Free Convertibility Date:

Notwithstanding anything herein or in Section 3.4 of the Equity Definitions to the contrary, unless Counterparty notifies Dealer in writing prior to 5:00 p.m. (New York City time) on the Scheduled Valid Day immediately preceding the Expiration Date that it does not wish Automatic Exercise to occur with respect to any Remaining Repurchase Options (as defined below), a number of Options equal to the lesser of (a) the Number of Options (after giving effect to the provisions opposite the caption “Automatic Exercise” above) as of 9:00 a.m. (New York City time) on the Expiration Date and (b) the Remaining Repurchase Options [minus the number of Remaining Options (as defined in the Base Call Option Transaction Confirmation)]22 (such lesser number, the “Remaining Options”) will be deemed to be automatically exercised as if (i) a number of Convertible Notes (in denominations of USD 1,000 principal amount) equal to such number of Remaining Options were converted with a “Conversion Date” (as defined in the Indenture) occurring on or after the Free Convertibility Date and (ii) the Relevant Settlement Method applied to such Convertible Notes; provided that no such automatic exercise pursuant to this paragraph will occur if the Relevant Price for each Valid Day during the Settlement Averaging Period is less than or equal to the Strike Price. “Remaining Repurchase Options” shall mean the excess of (I) the aggregate number of Convertible Notes (in denominations of USD 1,000 principal amount) that were subject to Repayment Events (as defined below) (other than Repayment Events pursuant to the terms of the Indenture) described in clause (y) of Section 9(i)(iv) (“Repurchase Events”) during the term of the Transaction over (II) the aggregate number of Repayment Options (as defined below) that were terminated hereunder relating to Repurchase Events during the term of the Transaction [and the number of Repayment Options (as defined in the Base Call Option Confirmation) terminated under the Base Call Option Confirmation relating to Repurchase Events (as defined therein) during the term of the “Transaction” under the Base Call Option Confirmation]23. Counterparty shall notify Dealer in writing of the number of Remaining Repurchase Options before 5:00 p.m. (New York City time) on the Scheduled Valid Day immediately preceding the Expiration Date.

 

²² Insert for Additional Call Option Confirmation only.

²³ Insert for Additional Call Option Confirmation only.

 

 

Notice of Exercise:

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Equity Definitions or under “Automatic Exercise” above, but subject to “Automatic Exercise of Remaining Repurchase Options After Free Convertibility Date” above, in order to exercise any Options relating to Convertible Notes with a Conversion Date occurring on or after the Free Convertibility Date, Counterparty must notify Dealer in writing (which, for the avoidance of doubt, may be by email) before 5:00 p.m. (New York City time) on the Scheduled Valid Day immediately preceding the Expiration Date specifying the number of such Options; provided that, notwithstanding the foregoing, such notice (and the related exercise of Options hereunder) shall be effective if given after the applicable notice deadline specified above but prior to 5:00 p.m. (New York City time) on the fifth Exchange Business Day following such notice deadline, in which event the Calculation Agent shall have the right to (i) postpone the Settlement Date by up to three Scheduled Trading Days and/or (ii) adjust the number of Shares and/or amount of cash deliverable by Dealer with respect to such Options in good faith and in a commercially reasonable manner as appropriate to reflect the additional commercially reasonable costs (including, but not limited to losses as a result of, hedging mismatches and market losses) and expenses incurred by Dealer or any of its affiliates in connection with its hedging activities (including the unwinding of any hedge position) as a result of Dealer not having received such notice prior to such notice deadline (it being understood that the adjusted delivery obligation described in this proviso can never be less than zero and can never require any payment by Counterparty); provided, further that if the Relevant Settlement Method for such Options is (x) Net Share Settlement and the Specified Cash Amount (as defined below) is not USD 1,000, (y) Cash Settlement or (z) Combination Settlement, Dealer shall have received a separate notice (the “Notice of Final Settlement Method”) (which, for the avoidance of doubt, may be by email) in respect of all such Convertible Notes before 5:00 p.m. (New York City time) on the Free Convertibility Date specifying (1) the Relevant Settlement Method for such Options, and (2) if the settlement method for the related Convertible Notes is not Settlement in Shares or Settlement in Cash (each as defined below), the fixed amount of cash per Convertible Note that Counterparty has elected to deliver to “Holders” (as such term is defined in the Indenture) of the related Convertible Notes (the “Specified Cash Amount”). If Counterparty fails to timely provide such Notice of Final Settlement Method, it shall be deemed to have provided a Notice of Final Settlement Method indicating that the Relevant Settlement Method is Net Share Settlement and that the settlement method for the related Convertible Notes is a combination of cash and shares with a Specified Cash Amount of USD 1,000. Counterparty acknowledges its responsibilities under applicable securities laws, and in particular Section 9 and Section 10(b) of the Exchange Act (as defined below) and the rules and regulations thereunder, in respect of any election of a settlement method with respect to the Convertible Notes.

 

	Valuation Time:	At the close of trading of the regular trading session on the Exchange; provided that if the principal trading session is extended, the Calculation Agent shall determine the Valuation Time in its commercially reasonable discretion.
	VWAP Market Disruption Event:	With respect to any date, (i) a failure by the Relevant Stock Exchange, to open for trading during its regular trading session on such date; or (ii) 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 Shares or in any options contracts or futures contracts relating to the Shares, and such suspension or limitation occurs or exists at any time before 1:00 p.m., New York City time, on such date.

 

 

Market Disruption Event:

Section 6.3(a) of the Equity Definitions is hereby replaced in its entirety by the following:

 

“‘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 Relevant Stock Exchange, 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 Shares or in any options contracts or futures contracts relating to the Shares.”

 

Settlement Terms.

 

	Settlement Method:	For any Option, Net Share Settlement; provided that if the Relevant Settlement Method set forth below for such Option is not Net Share Settlement, then the Settlement Method for such Option shall be such Relevant Settlement Method, but only if Counterparty shall have notified Dealer of the Relevant Settlement Method in the Notice of Final Settlement Method for such Option.
	Relevant Settlement Method:	In respect of any Option:
		(i)            if Counterparty has elected, or is deemed to have elected, to settle its conversion obligations in respect of the related Convertible Note (A) entirely in Shares pursuant to Section [5.03(B)(i)(1)]24 of the Indenture (together with cash in lieu of fractional Shares) (such settlement method, “Settlement in Shares”), (B) in a combination of cash and Shares pursuant to Section [5.03(B)(i)(3)]25 of the Indenture with a Specified Cash Amount less than USD 1,000 or (C) in a combination of cash and Shares pursuant to Section [5.03(B)(i)(3)]26 of the Indenture with a Specified Cash Amount equal to USD 1,000, then, in each case, the Relevant Settlement Method for such Option shall be Net Share Settlement;
		(ii)            if Counterparty has elected to settle its conversion obligations in respect of the related Convertible Note in a combination of cash and Shares pursuant to Section [5.03(B)(i)(3)]27 of the Indenture with a Specified Cash Amount greater than USD 1,000, then the Relevant Settlement Method for such Option shall be Combination Settlement; and
		(iii)            if Counterparty has elected to settle its conversion obligations in respect of the related Convertible Note entirely in cash pursuant to Section [5.03(B)(i)(2)]28 of the Indenture (such settlement method, “Settlement in Cash”), then the Relevant Settlement Method for such Option shall be Cash Settlement.

 

²⁴ Include cross-reference to section of the Indenture containing provisions for full physical settlement of the Convertible Notes.

²⁵ Include cross-reference to section of the Indenture containing provisions for combination settlement of the Convertible Notes.

²⁶ Include cross-reference to section of the Indenture containing provisions for combination settlement of the Convertible Notes.

²⁷ Include cross-reference to section of the Indenture containing provisions for combination settlement of the Convertible Notes.

²⁸ Include cross-reference to section of the Indenture containing provisions for cash settlement of the Convertible Notes.

 

 

	Net Share Settlement:	If Net Share Settlement is applicable to any Option exercised or deemed exercised hereunder, Dealer will deliver to Counterparty, on the relevant Settlement Date for each such Option, a number of Shares (the “Net Share Settlement Amount”) equal to the sum, for each Valid Day during the Settlement Averaging Period for each such Option, of (i) (a) the Daily Option Value for such Valid Day, divided by (b) the Relevant Price on such Valid Day, divided by (ii) the number of Valid Days in the Settlement Averaging Period.
		Dealer will pay cash in lieu of delivering any fractional Shares to be delivered with respect to any Net Share Settlement Amount valued at the Relevant Price for the last Valid Day of the Settlement Averaging Period; provided that in no event shall the Net Share Settlement Amount for any Option exceed a number of Shares equal to the Applicable Limit for such Option divided by the Applicable Limit Price on the Settlement Date for such Option.
	Combination Settlement:	If Combination Settlement is applicable to any Option exercised or deemed exercised hereunder, Dealer will pay or deliver, as the case may be, to Counterparty, on the relevant Settlement Date for each such Option:

 

(i)

cash (the “Combination Settlement Cash Amount”) equal to the sum, for each Valid Day during the Settlement Averaging Period for such Option, of (A) an amount (the “Daily Combination Settlement Cash Amount”) equal to the lesser of (1) the product of (x) the Applicable Percentage and (y) the Specified Cash Amount minus USD 1,000 and (2) the Daily Option Value, divided by (B) the number of Valid Days in the Settlement Averaging Period; provided that if the calculation in clause (A) above results in zero or a negative number for any Valid Day, the Daily Combination Settlement Cash Amount for such Valid Day shall be deemed to be zero; and

 

(ii)

Shares (the “Combination Settlement Share Amount”) equal to the sum, for each Valid Day during the Settlement Averaging Period for such Option, of a number of Shares for such Valid Day (the “Daily Combination Settlement Share Amount”) equal to (A) (1) the Daily Option Value on such Valid Day minus the Daily Combination Settlement Cash Amount for such Valid Day, divided by (2) the Relevant Price on such Valid Day, divided by (B) the number of Valid Days in the Settlement Averaging Period; provided that if the calculation in sub-clause (A)(1) above results in zero or a negative number for any Valid Day, the Daily Combination Settlement Share Amount for such Valid Day shall be deemed to be zero;

 

 

		provided that in no event shall the sum of (x) the Combination Settlement Cash Amount for any Option and (y) the Combination Settlement Share Amount for such Option multiplied by the Applicable Limit Price on the Settlement Date for such Option exceed the Applicable Limit for such Option.
		Dealer will pay cash in lieu of delivering any fractional Shares to be delivered with respect to any Combination Settlement Share Amount valued at the Relevant Price for the last Valid Day of the Settlement Averaging Period.
	Cash Settlement:	If Cash Settlement is applicable to any Option exercised or deemed exercised hereunder, in lieu of Section 8.1 of the Equity Definitions, Dealer will pay to Counterparty, on the relevant Settlement Date for each such Option, an amount of cash (the “Cash Settlement Amount”) equal to the sum, for each Valid Day during the Settlement Averaging Period for such Option, of (i) the Daily Option Value for such Valid Day, divided by (ii) the number of Valid Days in the Settlement Averaging Period; provided that in no event shall the Cash Settlement Amount for any Option exceed the Applicable Limit for such Option.
	Daily Option Value:	For any Valid Day, an amount equal to (i) the Option Entitlement on such Valid Day, multiplied by (ii) (A) the lesser of the Relevant Price on such Valid Day and the Cap Price, less (B) the Strike Price on such Valid Day; provided that if the calculation contained in clause (ii) above results in a negative number, the Daily Option Value for such Valid Day shall be deemed to be zero. In no event will the Daily Option Value be less than zero.
	Applicable Limit:	For any Option, an amount of cash equal to the Applicable Percentage multiplied by the excess of (i) the aggregate of (A) the amount of cash, if any, paid to the “Holder” (as such term is defined in the Indenture) of the related Convertible Note upon conversion of such Convertible Note and (B) the number of Shares, if any, delivered to the “Holder” (as such term is defined in the Indenture) of the related Convertible Note upon conversion of such Convertible Note multiplied by the Applicable Limit Price on the Settlement Date for such Option, over (ii) USD 1,000.
	Applicable Limit Price:	On any day, the opening price as displayed under the heading “Op” on Bloomberg page FLNC <equity> (or any successor thereto).
	Valid Day:	A day on which (i) there is no VWAP Market Disruption Event and (ii) trading in the Shares generally occurs on the Relevant Stock Exchange. If the Shares are not so listed, then a “Valid Day” means a Business Day.

 

 

	Scheduled Valid Day:	A day that is scheduled to be a Valid Trading Day on the Relevant Stock Exchange. If the Shares are not so listed or traded, a “Scheduled Valid Day” means a Business Day.
	Valid Trading Day:	Any day on which (i) trading in the Shares generally occurs on the Relevant Stock Exchange or, if the Shares are not then listed on the Relevant Stock Exchange, on the principal other market on which the Shares are then traded; and (ii) there is no Market Disruption Event. If the Shares not so listed or traded, then “Valid Trading Day” means a Business Day.
	Business Day:	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.
	Relevant Price:	On any Valid Day, the per Share volume-weighted average price of the Shares as displayed under the heading “Bloomberg VWAP” on Bloomberg page “FLNC <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 Valid Day (or if such volume-weighted average price is unavailable at such time, the market value of one Share on such Valid Day, determined by the Calculation Agent, if practicable, using a volume-weighted average method). The Relevant Price will be determined without regard to after-hours trading or any other trading outside of the regular trading session.
	Settlement Averaging Period:	For any Option and regardless of the Settlement Method applicable to such Option, the 50 consecutive Valid Days commencing on, and including, the 51st Scheduled Valid Day immediately prior to the Expiration Date.
	Settlement Date:	For any Option, the second Business Day immediately following the final Valid Day of the Settlement Averaging Period for such Option.
	Settlement Currency:	USD
	Other Applicable Provisions:	The provisions of Sections 9.1(c), 9.8, 9.9 and 9.11 of the Equity Definitions will be applicable, except that all references in such provisions to “Physically-settled” shall be read as references to “Share Settled”. “Share Settled” in relation to any Option means that Net Share Settlement or Combination Settlement is applicable to that Option.
	Representation and Agreement:	Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Equity Definitions (including, but not limited to, Section 9.11 thereof), the parties acknowledge that (i) any Shares delivered to Counterparty shall be, upon delivery, subject to restrictions and limitations arising from Counterparty’s status as issuer of the Shares under applicable securities laws, (ii) Dealer may deliver any Shares required to be delivered hereunder in certificated form in lieu of delivery through the Clearance System and (iii) any Shares delivered to Counterparty may be “restricted securities” (as defined in Rule 144 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”)).

 

 

3.            Additional Terms applicable to the Transaction.

 

Adjustments applicable to the Transaction:

 

	Potential Adjustment Events:	Notwithstanding Section 11.2(e) of the Equity Definitions, a “Potential Adjustment Event” means an occurrence of any event or condition, as set forth in any Dilution Adjustment Provision, that would result in an adjustment under the Indenture to the “Conversion Rate” or the composition of a “Reference Property Unit” or to any “Last Reported Sale Price,” “Daily VWAP,” “Daily Conversion Value,” “Daily Share Amount” or “Daily Cash Amount” (each as defined in the Indenture). For the avoidance of doubt, Dealer shall not have any delivery or payment obligation hereunder, 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 holders of the Convertible Notes (upon conversion or otherwise) or (y) any other transaction in which holders of the Convertible Notes are entitled to participate, in each case, in lieu of an adjustment under the Indenture of the type referred to in the immediately preceding sentence (including, without limitation, pursuant to [the proviso in the first paragraph of Section 5.05(A)(iii)(1)29 of the Indenture or the proviso in the first paragraph of Section 5.05(A)(iv)]30 of the Indenture).
	Method of Adjustment:	Calculation Agent Adjustment, which means that, notwithstanding Section 11.2(c) of the Equity Definitions, upon any Potential Adjustment Event, the Calculation Agent shall make a corresponding adjustment 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 for the Transaction; 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, in each case, to the extent that, after giving effect to such transactions, the aggregate number of Shares repurchased during the term of the Transaction pursuant to all transactions described in this proviso would not exceed 20% of the number of Shares outstanding as of the Trade Date, as determined by the Calculation Agent.

 

²⁹ Include cross-reference to provision in the Indenture for pass-through of distributed property, at the same time as it is received by holders of the Shares, in lieu of a Conversion Rate adjustment.

³⁰ Include cross-reference to provision in the Indenture for pass-through of cash, at the same time as it is received by holders of the Shares, in lieu of a Conversion Rate adjustment.

 

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing and “Consequences of Merger Events / Tender Offers” below:

 

(i)

if the Calculation Agent in good faith disagrees with any adjustment to the Convertible Notes that involves an exercise of discretion by Counterparty or its board of directors (including, without limitation, pursuant to Section [5.05(H)]31 of the Indenture, Section [5.09]32 of the Indenture or any supplemental indenture entered into thereunder or in connection with any proportional adjustment or the determination of the fair value of any securities, property, rights or other assets), then in each such case, the Calculation Agent will, in good faith and in a commercially reasonable manner, determine the 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 for the Transaction in a commercially reasonable manner; provided that, notwithstanding the foregoing, if any Potential Adjustment Event occurs during the Settlement Averaging Period but no adjustment was made to any Convertible Note under the Indenture because the relevant “Holder” (as such term is defined in the Indenture) was deemed to be a record owner of the underlying Shares on the related Conversion Date, then the Calculation Agent shall make a commercially reasonable adjustment, as determined by it, to the terms hereof in order to account for such Potential Adjustment Event;

 

(ii)

in connection with any Potential Adjustment Event as a result of an event or condition set forth in Section [5.05(A)(ii)]33 of the Indenture or Section [5.05(A)(iii)(1)]34 of the Indenture where, in either case, the period for determining “Y” (as such term is used in Section [5.05(A)(ii)]35 of the Indenture) or “SP” (as such term is used in Section [5.05(A)(iii)(1)]36 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 costs (including, but not limited to, hedging mismatches and market losses) and expenses incurred by Dealer in connection with its hedging activities, with such adjustments made assuming that Dealer maintains commercially reasonable hedge positions, as a result of such event or condition not having been publicly announced prior to the beginning of such period; and

 

³¹ Include cross-reference to Indenture section providing for adjustments where a Conversion Rate adjustment occurs during a period over which Last Reported Sale Prices, Daily VWAPs, Daily Conversion Values, Daily Cash Amount or Daily Share Amounts are calculated.

³² Include cross-reference to Indenture section relating to common stock change events.

³³ Include cross-reference to Indenture section providing for an adjustment to the Conversion Rate in connection with a below-market rights, options or warrants offering.

³⁴ Include cross-reference to Indenture section providing for an adjustment to the Conversion Rate in connection with distributions of distributed property.

³⁵ Include cross-reference to Indenture section providing for an adjustment to the Conversion Rate in connection with a below-market rights, options or warrants offering.

³⁶ Include cross-reference to Indenture section providing for an adjustment to the Conversion Rate in connection with distributions of distributed property.

 

 

(iii)

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 costs (including, but not limited to, hedging mismatches and market losses) and expenses incurred by Dealer in connection with its hedging activities, with such adjustments made assuming that Dealer maintains commercially reasonable hedge positions, as a result of such Potential Adjustment Event Change.

 

Dilution Adjustment Provisions:

Sections [5.05(A)(i), (ii), (iii), (iv) and (v)]37 and Section [5.05(H)]38 of the Indenture.

 

Extraordinary Events applicable to the Transaction:

 

Merger Events:

Applicable; provided that notwithstanding Section 12.1(b) of the Equity Definitions, a “Merger Event” means the occurrence of any event or condition set forth in the definition of [“Common Stock Change Event”]39 in Section [5.09(A)]40 of the Indenture.

 

³⁷ Include cross-references to Indenture sections containing anti-dilution adjustments to the Conversion Rate.

³⁸ Include cross-reference to Indenture section providing for adjustments where a Conversion Rate adjustment occurs during a period over which Last Reported Sale Prices, Daily VWAPs, Daily Conversion Values, Daily Cash Amount or Daily Share Amounts are calculated.

³⁹ Update references as needed based on terms used in the common stock change event provision of the Indenture.

⁴⁰ Include cross-reference to Indenture section describing consequences of common stock change events.

 

 

	Tender Offers:	Applicable; provided that notwithstanding Section 12.1(d) of the Equity Definitions, a “Tender Offer” means the occurrence of any event or condition set forth in Section [5.05(A)(v)]41 of the Indenture.
	Consequences of Merger Events/ Tender Offers:	Notwithstanding Section 12.2 and Section 12.3 of the Equity Definitions, upon the occurrence of a Merger Event or a Tender Offer, the Calculation Agent shall make a corresponding adjustment in respect of any adjustment under the Indenture to any one or more of the nature of the Shares (in the case of a Merger Event), Strike Price, Number of Options, Option Entitlement and any other variable relevant to the exercise, settlement or payment for the Transaction, subject to the second paragraph under “Method of Adjustment”; provided, however, that such adjustment shall be made without regard to any adjustment to the “Conversion Rate” (as defined in the Indenture) pursuant to any Excluded Provision; 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) shares of an entity or person that is not a corporation or is not 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 or Tender Offer will not be a corporation organized under the laws of the United States, any State thereof or the District of Columbia, then, in either case, Cancellation and Payment (Calculation Agent Determination) may apply at Dealer’s reasonable election; provided further that, for the avoidance of doubt, adjustments shall be made pursuant to the provisions set forth above regardless of whether any Merger Event or Tender Offer gives rise to an Early Conversion.
	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, (w) 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”, (x) 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)”, (y) the phrases “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 (and, if so, shall adjust the Cap Price accordingly) 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 (i) any adjustment in respect of an Announcement Event shall take into account any earlier adjustment relating to the same Announcement Event and (ii) in making any adjustment the Calculation Agent shall take into account volatility, liquidity or other factors before and after such 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.

 

⁴¹ Include cross-reference to Indenture section describing consequences of tender offers.

 

 

Announcement Event:

(i) The public announcement by Counterparty, any subsidiary, affiliate or agent of Counterparty, any Valid Third-Party Entity or any affiliate or agent of such Valid Third-Party Entity (any such person or entity, a “Relevant Party”) 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 35% of the market capitalization of Issuer as of the date of such announcement (an “Acquisition Transaction”) or (z) the intention to enter into a Merger Event or Tender Offer or an Acquisition 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 an Acquisition Transaction or (iii) any subsequent public announcement by a Relevant Party 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 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; provided that (1) Section 12.1(d) of the Equity Definitions is hereby amended by (x) replacing “10%” with “20%” in the third line thereof and (y) replacing the words “voting shares of the Issuer” in the fourth line thereof with the word “Shares” and (2) Section 12.1(e) of the Equity Definitions is hereby amended by replacing the words “voting shares” in the first line thereof with the word “Shares”.

 

 

	Valid Third Party Entity:	In respect of any transaction or event, any third party that has a bona fide intent to enter into or consummate such transaction (it being understood and agreed that in determining, in a commercially reasonable manner, whether such third party has such a bona fide intent, the Calculation Agent shall take into consideration whether the relevant announcement by such party has had a material economic effect on the Shares and/or Options on 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 Exchange is located in the United States and 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 of the New York Stock Exchange, The Nasdaq Global Select Market or The Nasdaq Global Market (or their respective successors), such exchange or quotation system shall thereafter be deemed to be the Exchange.
	Additional Disruption Events:
	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) replacing the word “Shares” where it appears in clause (X) thereof with the words “Hedge Position” and (iii) 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, effectiveness or promulgation of new regulations authorized or mandated by existing statute)”.
	Failure to Deliver:	Applicable
	Hedging Disruption:	Applicable; provided that:

 

(i)

Section 12.9(a)(v) of the Equity Definitions is hereby amended by (a) inserting the following words at the end of clause (A) thereof:  “in the manner contemplated by the Hedging Party on the Trade Date” and (b) inserting the following two phrases at the end of such Section:

 

 

			“For the avoidance of doubt, the term “equity price risk” shall be deemed to include, but shall not be limited to, stock price and volatility risk. And, for the further avoidance of doubt, any such transactions or assets referred to in phrases (A) or (B) above must be available on commercially reasonable pricing 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”.

 

	Increased Cost of Hedging:	Applicable solely with respect to a “Change in Law” described in clause (Y) of Section 12.9(a)(ii) of the Equity Definitions as set forth in the last sentence opposite the caption “Change in Law” above (which determination shall be consistently applied by the Determining Party across transactions similar to the Transaction and for counterparties similar to Counterparty).
	Hedging Party:	For all applicable Additional Disruption Events, Dealer.
	Determining Party:	For all applicable Extraordinary Events, Dealer.
	Non-Reliance:	Applicable
	Agreements and Acknowledgments Regarding Hedging Activities:	Applicable
	Additional Acknowledgments:	Applicable
	Hedging Adjustment:	For the avoidance of doubt, whenever Hedging Party, Determining Party or the Calculation Agent makes an adjustment, calculation or determination permitted or required to be made pursuant to the terms of this Confirmation or the Equity Definitions to take into account the effect of any event (other than an adjustment, calculation or determination made by reference to the Indenture), the Calculation Agent, Determining Party or Hedging Party, as the case may be, shall make such adjustment, calculation or determination in a commercially reasonable manner and by reference to the effect of such event on Dealer assuming that Dealer maintains a commercially reasonable hedge position.

 

 

4.

Calculation Agent.

Dealer; provided that all calculations and determinations by the Calculation Agent (other than calculations or determinations made by reference to the Indenture) shall be made in good faith and in a commercially reasonable manner and assuming for such purposes that Dealer is maintaining, establishing and/or unwinding, as applicable, a commercially reasonable hedge position; provided further that if 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 occurs, Counterparty shall have the right to appoint a successor calculation agent which shall be a nationally recognized third-party dealer in over-the-counter corporate equity derivatives. The Calculation Agent agrees that it will promptly (but in any event within five (5) Exchange Business Days), upon written notice from Counterparty, provide a statement displaying in reasonable detail the basis for such determination, adjustment or calculation, as the case may be (including any quotations, market data or information from internal or external sources used in making such determination, adjustment or calculation, it being understood that the Calculation Agent shall not be required to disclose any confidential information or proprietary models used by it in connection with such determination, adjustment or calculation, as the case may be).

 

5.            Account Details.

 

(a)

Account for payments to Counterparty:

 

To be provided by Counterparty.

 

Account for delivery of Shares to Counterparty:

 

To be provided by Counterparty.

 

(b)

Account for payments to Dealer:

 

[Bank:]

[_________]42

[SWIFT:]

[_________]

[Bank Routing:]

[_________]

[Acct Name:]

[_________]

[Acct No.:]

[_________]

 

Account for delivery of Shares from Dealer:

 

[__________]

 

6.            Offices.

 

(a)

The Office of Counterparty for the Transaction is: Inapplicable, Counterparty is not a Multibranch Party.

 

(b)

The Office of Dealer for the Transaction is: [____________][Inapplicable; Dealer is not a Multibranch Party]

 

⁴² Insert Dealer’s account information.

 

 

7.            Notices.

 

(a)

Address for notices or communications to Counterparty:43

 

Fluence Energy, Inc.

4601 Fairfax Drive, Suite 600

Arlington, Virginia 22203

Email: [·]

 

With a copy to:

 

Fluence Energy, Inc.

4601 Fairfax Drive, Suite 600

Arlington, Virginia 22203

Email: [·]

 

(b)

Address for notices or communications to Dealer:

 

[____________]⁴⁴

 

Attention:

[____________]

Telephone:

[____________]

Email:

[____________]

 

[With a copy to:

 

[____________]

 

Attention:

[____________]

Telephone:

[____________]

Email:

[____________]]

 

8.            Representations and Warranties of Counterparty.

 

Each of the representations and warranties of Counterparty set forth in Section 1 of the Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) dated as of [__], 2024, between the Counterparty and Citigroup Global Markets Inc.as representative of the several initial purchasers named in Schedule I thereto (the “Initial Purchasers”), are true and correct and are hereby deemed to be repeated to Dealer as if set forth herein. Counterparty hereby further represents and warrants to Dealer on the date hereof and on and as of the Premium Payment Date that:

 

(a)

Counterparty has all necessary corporate power and authority to execute, deliver and perform its obligations in respect of the Transaction; such execution, delivery and performance have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action on Counterparty’s part; and this Confirmation has been duly and validly executed and delivered by Counterparty and constitutes its valid and binding obligation, enforceable against Counterparty in accordance with its terms, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent conveyance, reorganization, moratorium and similar laws affecting creditors’ rights and remedies generally, and subject, as to enforceability, 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 except that rights to indemnification and contribution hereunder may be limited by federal or state securities laws or public policy relating thereto.

 

⁴³ Counterparty to confirm/provide.

⁴⁴ Insert Dealer’s notice contact information.

 

 

(b)

Neither the execution and delivery of this Confirmation nor the incurrence or performance of obligations of Counterparty hereunder will conflict with or result in a breach of the certificate of incorporation or by-laws (or any equivalent documents) of Counterparty, or any applicable law or regulation, or any order, writ, injunction or decree of any court or governmental authority or agency, or any agreement or instrument to which Counterparty or any of its subsidiaries is a party or by which Counterparty or any of its subsidiaries is bound or to which Counterparty or any of its subsidiaries is subject, or constitute a default under, or result in the creation of any lien under, any such agreement or instrument.

 

(c)

To the knowledge of Counterparty, no consent, approval, authorization, or order of, or filing with, any governmental agency or body or any court is required in connection with the execution, delivery or performance by Counterparty of this Confirmation, except such as have been obtained or made and such as may be required under the Securities Act or state securities laws; provided 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.

 

(d)

Counterparty is not and, after consummation of 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.

 

(e)

Counterparty is an “eligible contract participant” (as such term is defined in Section 1a(18) of the Commodity Exchange Act, as amended, other than a person that is an eligible contract participant under Section 1a(18)(C) of the Commodity Exchange Act).

 

(f)

Each of it and its affiliates is not, on the date hereof, in possession of any material non-public information with respect to Counterparty or the Shares.

 

(g)

No state or local (including any non-U.S. jurisdiction’s) 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.

 

(h)

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.

 

(i)

The assets of Counterparty do not constitute “plan assets” within the meaning of 29 C.F.R. § 2510.3-101 under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended.

 

(j)

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 (as such terms are defined in Section 154 and Section 244 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware) 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 (including the adequate surplus and capital requirements of Sections 154 and 160 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware).

 

 

(k)

Counterparty represents and warrants that it has not applied, and shall not, without the consent of Dealer, 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 Trade Date 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 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 it has not, as of the date specified in the condition, made a capital distribution or will make a capital distribution, or (ii) where the terms of the Transaction would cause Counterparty under any circumstances to fail to satisfy any condition for application for or receipt or retention of the Financial Assistance (collectively “Restricted Financial Assistance”); provided that Counterparty may apply for Restricted Financial Assistance if (x) Counterparty either (a) determines based on advice of outside counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Dealer that the terms of the Transaction would not cause Counterparty 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) and (y) on the basis of which Dealer consents to Counterparty’s application for such Restricted Financial Assistance (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed).  Counterparty further represents and warrants that the Premium is not being paid, in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, with funds received under or pursuant to any program or facility, including the U.S. Small Business Administration’s “Paycheck Protection Program”, that (a) is established under applicable law (whether in existence as of the Trade Date or subsequently enacted, adopted or amended), including without limitation the CARES Act and the Federal Reserve Act, as amended, and (b) requires under such applicable law (or any regulation, guidance, interpretation or other pronouncement of a governmental authority with jurisdiction for such program or facility) that such funds be used for specified or enumerated purposes that do not include the purchase of the Transaction (either by specific reference to the Transaction or by general reference to transactions with the attributes of the Transaction in all relevant respects).

 

(l)

[Counterparty 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”.]45

 

9.            Other Provisions.

 

(a)

Opinions. Counterparty shall deliver to Dealer an opinion of counsel, dated as of the Trade Date, with respect to the matters set forth in Sections 8(a) through (c) of this Confirmation. Delivery of such opinion to Dealer shall be a condition precedent for the purpose of Section 2(a)(iii) of the Agreement with respect to each obligation of Dealer under Section 2(a)(i) of the Agreement.

 

⁴⁵ Include for applicable Dealers.

 

 

(b)

Repurchase Notices. Counterparty shall, on any day on which Counterparty effects any repurchase of Shares, promptly give Dealer a written notice (which, for the avoidance of doubt may be by email) of such repurchase (a “Repurchase Notice”) on such day if following such repurchase, the number of outstanding Shares as determined on such day is (i) less than [__]46 million (in the case of the first such notice) or (ii) thereafter more than [__]47 million less than the number of Shares included in the immediately preceding Repurchase Notice; provided that, with respect to any repurchase of Shares pursuant to a plan under Rule 10b5-1 under the Exchange Act (as defined below), Counterparty may elect to satisfy such requirement by promptly giving Dealer written notice of entry into such plan, the maximum number of Shares that may be purchased thereunder and the approximate dates or periods during which such repurchases may occur (with such maximum number of Shares deemed repurchased on the date of such notice for purposes of this Section 9(b)). Counterparty agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Dealer and its affiliates and their respective officers, directors, employees, affiliates, advisors, agents and controlling persons (each, an “Indemnified Person”) from and against any and all losses (including losses relating to Dealer’s 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 the Transaction), claims, damages, judgments, liabilities and reasonable and documented out-of-pocket expenses (including reasonable attorney’s fees), joint or several, which an Indemnified Person may become subject to, as a result of Counterparty’s failure to provide Dealer with a Repurchase Notice on the day and in the manner specified in this paragraph, and to reimburse, within 30 days, upon written request, each of such Indemnified Persons for any reasonable legal or other out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with investigating, preparing for, providing testimony or other evidence in connection with or defending any of the foregoing. If any suit, action, proceeding (including any governmental or regulatory investigation), claim or demand shall be brought or asserted against the Indemnified Person as a result of Counterparty’s failure to provide Dealer with a Repurchase Notice in accordance with this paragraph, such Indemnified Person shall promptly notify Counterparty in writing, and Counterparty, upon request of the Indemnified Person, shall retain counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Indemnified Person to represent the Indemnified Person and any others Counterparty may designate in such proceeding and shall pay the reasonable fees and expenses of such counsel related to such proceeding. Counterparty shall not be liable for any settlement of any proceeding contemplated by this paragraph that is effected without its written consent, but if settled with such consent or if there be a final judgment for the plaintiff, Counterparty agrees to indemnify any Indemnified Person from and against any loss or liability by reason of such settlement or judgment. Counterparty shall not, without the prior written consent of the Indemnified Person, effect any settlement of any pending or threatened proceeding contemplated by this paragraph that is in respect of which any Indemnified Person is or could have been a party and indemnity could have been sought hereunder by such Indemnified Person, unless such settlement includes an unconditional release of such Indemnified Person from all liability on claims that are the subject matter of such proceeding on terms reasonably satisfactory to such Indemnified Person. If the indemnification provided for in this paragraph is unavailable to an Indemnified Person or insufficient in respect of any losses, claims, damages or liabilities referred to therein, then Counterparty hereunder, in lieu of indemnifying such Indemnified Person thereunder, shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by such Indemnified Person as a result of such losses, claims, damages or liabilities. The remedies provided for in this paragraph ‎(b) are not exclusive and shall not limit any rights or remedies which may otherwise be available to any Indemnified Person at law or in equity. The indemnity and contribution agreements contained in this paragraph shall remain operative and in full force and effect regardless of the termination of the Transaction.

 

(c)

Regulation M. Counterparty is not on the Trade Date engaged in a distribution, as such term is used in Regulation M under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), of any securities of Counterparty, other than a distribution meeting the requirements of the exception set forth in Rules 101(b)(10) and 102(b)(7) of Regulation M. Counterparty shall not, until the second Scheduled Trading Day immediately following the Trade Date, engage in any such distribution.

 

⁴⁶ Insert the number of Shares outstanding that would cause Dealer’s current position in the Shares underlying the Transaction (including the number of Shares underlying any additional transaction if the greenshoe is exercised in full, and any Shares under pre-existing call option transactions with Counterparty) to increase by 0.5%. To be based on Dealer with highest Applicable Percentage.

⁴⁷ Insert the number of Shares that, if repurchased, would cause Dealer’s current position in the Shares underlying the Transaction (including the number of Shares underlying any additional transaction if the greenshoe is exercised in full, and any Shares under pre-existing call option transactions with Counterparty) to increase by a further 0.5% from the threshold for the first Repurchase Notice. To be based on Dealer with highest Applicable Percentage.

 

 

(d)

No Manipulation. Counterparty is not entering into the Transaction to create actual or apparent trading activity in the Shares (or any security convertible into or exchangeable for the Shares) or to raise or depress or otherwise manipulate the price of the Shares (or any security convertible into or exchangeable for the Shares) or otherwise in violation of the Exchange Act.

 

(e)

Transfer or Assignment.

 

(i)

Counterparty shall have the right to transfer or assign its rights and obligations hereunder with respect to all, but not less than all, of the Options hereunder (such Options, the “Transfer Options”); provided that such transfer or assignment shall be subject to 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 ‎9(b) or any obligations under Section ‎9(n) or ‎9(s) 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 Section 7701(a)(30) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (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, an undertaking 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 and reasonably satisfactory to Dealer;

 

(D)

Dealer will not, as a result of such transfer or assignment, be required to pay the transferee or assignee on any payment date an amount 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 or assignment;

 

(E)

Dealer will not, as a result of such transfer or assignment, receive from the transferee or assignee on any payment date (after accounting for amounts paid by the transferee or assignee under Section 2(d)(i)(4) of the Agreement as well as any withholding or deduction of Tax from the payment) an amount less than the amount it would have been entitled to receive from Counterparty in the absence of such transfer and assignment;

 

(F)

An Event of Default, Potential Event of Default or Termination Event will not occur as a result of such transfer or assignment;

 

(G)

Without limiting the generality of clause ‎(B), the transferee or assignee shall make such Payee Tax Representations and provide a properly executed IRS Form W-9 and any such other 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 or 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.

 

 

(ii)

Dealer may transfer or assign all or any part of its rights or obligations under the Transaction (A) without Counterparty’s consent (but with prompt subsequent (but in no event more than two Exchange Business Days) written notice to Counterparty), to any affiliate of Dealer (1) that has a long-term issuer rating that is equal to or better than Dealer’s credit rating at the time of such transfer or assignment, or (2) whose obligations hereunder will be guaranteed, pursuant to the terms of a customary guarantee in a form used by Dealer generally for similar transactions, by Dealer or Dealer’s ultimate parent, as applicable (provided that in connection with any assignment or transfer pursuant to clause (A)(2) hereof, the guarantee of any guarantor of the relevant transferee’s obligations under the Transaction shall constitute a Credit Support Document under the Agreement), or (B) with Counterparty’s consent (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed), to any other third party financial institution that is a recognized dealer in the market for U.S. corporate equity derivatives and that has a long-term issuer rating equal to or better than the lesser of (1) the credit rating of Dealer at the time of the transfer or assignment and (2) A- by Standard and Poor’s Financial Services LLC or its successor (“S&P”), or A3 by Moody’s Investor Service, Inc. or its successor (“Moody’s”) or, if either S&P or Moody’s ceases to rate such debt, at least an equivalent rating or better by a substitute rating agency mutually agreed by Counterparty and Dealer; provided that, in the case of any transfer or assignment described in clause (A) or (B) above, (I) such a transfer or assignment shall not occur unless an Event of Default, Potential Event of Default or Termination Event will not occur as a result of such transfer and assignment; and (II) at the time of such transfer or assignment the transfer or assignment does not result in a deemed exchange by Counterparty within the meaning of Section 1001 of the Code. In addition, (A) the transferee or assignee shall agree that following such transfer or assignment, Counterparty will not (x) receive from the transferee or assignee on any payment date or delivery date (after accounting for amounts paid by the transferee or assignee under Section 2(d)(i)(4) of the Agreement as well as any withholding or deduction of Tax from the payment or delivery) an amount or a number of Shares, as applicable, lower than the amount or the number of Shares, as applicable, that Counterparty would have been entitled to receive from Dealer in the absence of such transfer or assignment or (y) be required to pay such assignee or transferee on any payment date (taking into account any additional amount required to be paid by Counterparty under Section 2(d)(i)(4) of the Agreement) an amount greater than the amount that Counterparty would have been required to pay to Dealer in the absence of such transfer or assignment and (B) the transferee or assignee shall make such Payee Tax Representations and shall provide such tax documentation as may be reasonably requested by Counterparty including in order to permit Counterparty to make any necessary determinations pursuant to clause (A) of this sentence. If at any time at which (A) the Section 16 Percentage exceeds 8.0%, (B) the Option Equity Percentage exceeds 14.5%, or (C) the Share Amount exceeds the Applicable Share Limit (if any applies) (any such condition described in clauses (A), (B) or (C), an “Excess Ownership Position”), Dealer is unable after using its commercially reasonable efforts to effect a transfer or assignment of Options to a third party on pricing terms reasonably acceptable to Dealer and within a time period reasonably acceptable to Dealer such that no Excess Ownership Position exists (after giving effect to such transfer or assignment and any resulting change in Dealer’s commercially reasonable Hedge Positions), then Dealer may designate any Exchange Business Day as an Early Termination Date with respect to a portion of the Transaction (the “Terminated Portion”), such that following such partial termination no Excess Ownership Position exists (after giving effect to such transfer or assignment and any resulting change in Dealer’s commercially reasonable Hedge Positions). In the event that Dealer so designates an Early Termination Date with respect to a portion of the Transaction, a payment shall be made 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 the Transaction and a Number of Options equal to the number of Options underlying the Terminated Portion, (2) Counterparty were the sole Affected Party with respect to such partial termination and (3) the Terminated Portion were the sole Affected Transaction (and, for the avoidance of doubt, the provisions of Section ‎9(l) shall apply to any amount that is payable by Dealer to Counterparty pursuant to this sentence as if Counterparty was not the Affected Party). The “Section 16 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 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. The “Option Equity Percentage” as of any day is the fraction, expressed as a percentage, (A) the numerator of which is the sum of (1) the product of the Number of Options and the Option Entitlement and (2) the aggregate number of Shares underlying any other call option transaction sold by Dealer to Counterparty, and (B) the denominator of which is the number of Shares outstanding. The “Share Amount” as of any day is the number of Shares that Dealer and any person whose ownership position would be aggregated with that of Dealer (Dealer or any such person, a “Dealer Person”) under any law, rule, regulation, regulatory order or organizational documents or contracts of Counterparty that are, in each case, 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 under any Applicable Restriction, as determined by Dealer in its reasonable discretion. The “Applicable Share Limit” means a number of Shares equal to (A) the minimum number of Shares that could give rise to reporting or registration obligations (except for any filing requirements on Form 13F, Schedule 13D or Schedule 13G under the Exchange Act, in each case, as in effect on the Trade Date) or other requirements (including obtaining prior approval from any person or entity) of a Dealer Person, or could result in an adverse effect on a Dealer Person, under any Applicable Restriction, as determined by Dealer in its reasonable discretion, minus (B) 1% of the number of Shares outstanding.

 

 

(iii)

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, or make or receive any payment in cash, to or from Counterparty, Dealer may designate any of its affiliates (each, a “Dealer Designated Affiliate”) to purchase, sell, receive or deliver such Shares or other securities, or to make or receive such payment in cash, and otherwise to perform Dealer’s obligations in respect of the Transaction and any such designee may assume such obligations; provided, that such Dealer Designated Affiliate shall comply with the provisions of the Transaction in the same manner as Dealer would have been required to comply. For the avoidance of doubt, the representations and covenants with respect to Sections 9(z)(i) and 9(z)(ii) shall remain unaffected by such designation. Dealer shall be discharged of its obligations to Counterparty to the extent of any such performance.

 

(f)

Staggered Settlement. If upon advice of counsel with respect to applicable legal and regulatory requirements, including any requirements relating to Dealer’s commercially reasonable hedging activities hereunder, Dealer reasonably determines 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 (each of which shall occur on or prior to 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)

if the Net Share Settlement terms or the Combination Settlement terms set forth above were to apply on the Nominal Settlement Date, then the Net Share Settlement terms or the Combination Settlement terms, as the case may be, will apply on each Staggered Settlement Date, except that 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.

 

(g)

[Insert any relevant agency provisions][Reserved].

 

(h)

[Conduct Rules. Each party acknowledges and agrees to be bound by the Conduct Rules of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority applicable to transactions in options, and further agrees not to violate the position and exercise limits set forth therein.][Reserved.]48

 

(i)

Additional Termination Events.

 

(i)

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Confirmation, upon any Early Conversion for which a Conversion Date has occurred:

 

(A)

Counterparty shall, within five Scheduled Trading Days of the Conversion Date for such Early Conversion, provide written notice (an “Early Conversion Notice”) to Dealer specifying the number of Convertible Notes surrendered for conversion on such Conversion Date (such Convertible Notes, the “Affected Convertible Notes”), and the giving of such Early Conversion Notice shall constitute an Additional Termination Event as provided in this clause ‎(i);

 

(B)

upon receipt of any such Early Conversion Notice, Dealer shall designate an Exchange Business Day as an Early Termination Date (which Exchange Business Day shall be no earlier than one Scheduled Valid Day following the Conversion Date for such Early Conversion) 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 Notes [minus the “Affected Number of Options” (as defined in the Base Call Option Confirmation), if any, that relate to such Affected Convertible Notes]49 and (y) the Number of Options as of the Conversion Date 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) to the Holder (as such term is defined in the Indenture) of an Affected Convertible Note upon conversion of such Affected Convertible Note (including any cash payable as the result of an adjustment to the “Conversion Rate” (as defined in the Indenture) pursuant to Section [5.07]50 of the Indenture) and (ii) the number of Shares delivered (if any) to the Holder (as such term is defined in the Indenture) of an Affected Convertible Note upon conversion of such Affected Convertible Note (including any Shares deliverable as the result of an adjustment to the “Conversion Rate” (as defined in the Indenture) pursuant to Section [5.07]51 of the Indenture), multiplied by the Applicable Limit Price on the settlement date for the conversion of such Affected Convertible Note (the “Conversion Settlement Date”), minus (y) the Synthetic Instrument Adjusted Issue Price per Affected Convertible Note on the Conversion Settlement Date, as determined by the Calculation Agent in good faith and in a commercially reasonable manner. “Synthetic Instrument Adjusted Issue Price” shall mean the amount determined by the Calculation Agent by reference to the table set forth below based on the relevant Conversion Settlement Date (the “Synthetic Instrument AIP Table”). 52 If the relevant Conversion Settlement Date is not listed below, the amount in the preceding sentence shall be determined by the Calculation Agent by reference to the Synthetic Instrument AIP Table using a linear interpolation between the lower and higher Synthetic Instrument Adjusted Issue Prices for the dates immediately preceding and immediately following the relevant Conversion Settlement Date;

 

⁴⁸ Include for applicable Dealers.

⁴⁹ Include in Additional Call Option Confirmation only.

⁵⁰ Include cross-reference to Indenture section(s) governing make-whole adjustments to the Conversion Rate.

⁵¹ Include cross-reference to Indenture section(s) governing make-whole adjustments to the Conversion Rate.

⁵² Table to be filled out by calculating the synthetic adjusted issue price of a Convertible Note after giving effect to the integration pursuant to Section 1.1275-6 of the United States Treasury Regulations of the Transaction (and other call option transactions with respect to such Convertible Note entered into by the Counterparty) and the Convertible Note.

 

 

	Conversion Settlement Date/Repayment Date	Synthetic Instrument Adjusted Issue Price
	[_], 2024	USD[_______]
	June 15, 2025	USD [_______]
	December 15, 2025	USD [_______]
	June 15, 2026	USD [_______]
	December 15, 2026	USD [_______]
	June 15, 2027	USD [_______]
	December 15, 2027	USD [_______]
	June 15, 2028	USD [_______]
	December 15, 2028	USD [_______]
	June 15, 2029	USD [_______]
	December 15, 2029	USD [_______]
	June 15, 2030	USD 1,000.00

 

(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 adjustments to the “Conversion Rate” (as defined in the Indenture) have occurred pursuant to any Excluded Provision and (z) the corresponding Convertible Notes remain outstanding as if the circumstances related to such Early Conversion had not occurred; and

 

(E)

the Transaction shall remain in full force and effect, except that, as of the Conversion Date for such Early Conversion, the Number of Options shall be reduced by the Affected Number of Options.

 

 

(ii)

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Confirmation if an event of default with respect to Counterparty occurs under the terms of the Convertible Notes as set forth in Section [7.01]53 of the Indenture, which event of default has resulted in the Convertible Notes becoming due and payable under the terms thereof, then such event of default 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.

 

(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 Notes governing the principal amount, coupon, maturity, repurchase obligation of Counterparty, redemption right of Counterparty, any term relating to conversion of the Convertible Notes (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 Notes to amend (other than, in each case, any amendment or supplement (v) pursuant to Section [8.01(B)]54 of the Indenture, (w) pursuant to Section [8.01(I)]55 of the Indenture that, as determined by the Calculation Agent, conforms the Indenture to the description of Convertible Notes in the Offering Memorandum, (x) pursuant to Section [8.01(G)]56 of the Indenture, (y) pursuant to Section [5.09]57 of the Indenture, or (z) pursuant to Section [8.01(A)] of the Indenture that, as determined by Calculation Agent, cures any ambiguity or corrects any omission, defect or inconsistency in the Indenture or in the Convertible Notes), in each case, without the consent of Dealer.

 

⁵³ Include cross-reference to the Indenture section containing events of default.

⁵⁴ Include cross-reference for Indenture section regarding adding guarantees with respect to the Notes.

⁵⁵ Include cross-reference to Indenture section permitting amendments without holder consent to conform the Indenture to the Description of Notes.

⁵⁶ Include cross-reference for Indenture section regarding amendments to irrevocably elect or eliminate a settlement method.

⁵⁷ Include cross-reference to Indenture section governing common stock change events.

 

 

(iv)

Within five Scheduled Trading Days promptly following any Repayment Event (as defined below), Counterparty (x) in the case of a Repayment Event resulting from the redemption of any Convertible Notes by Counterparty or from the repurchase of any Convertible Notes by Counterparty upon the occurrence of a “Fundamental Change” (as defined in the Indenture), shall notify Dealer in writing of such Repayment Event and (y) in the case of a Repayment Event not described in clause (x) above, may notify Dealer of such Repayment Event, in each case, including the number of Convertible Notes subject to such Repayment Event (any such notice, a “Repayment Notice”); provided that no such Repayment Notice described in clause (y) above shall be effective unless it contains the representation by Counterparty set forth in Section 8(f) hereunder as of the date of such Repayment Notice [; provided further that any “Repayment Notice” delivered to Dealer pursuant to the Base Call Option Confirmation shall be deemed to be a Repayment Notice pursuant to this Confirmation and the terms of such Repayment Notice shall apply, mutatis mutandis, to this Confirmation]58. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Confirmation, the receipt by Dealer from Counterparty of any Repayment Notice shall constitute an Additional Termination Event as provided in this Section 9(i)(iv). Upon receipt of any such Repayment Notice, Dealer shall promptly designate an Exchange Business Day following receipt of such Repayment Notice (which in no event shall be earlier than the related settlement date for the relevant Repayment Event) as an Early Termination Date with respect to the portion of the Transaction corresponding to a number of Options (the “Repayment Options”) equal to the lesser of (A) the number of such Convertible Notes specified in such Repayment Notice [minus the number of Repayment Options (as defined in the Base Call Option Confirmation), if any, that relate to such Convertible Notes (and for purposes of determining whether any Options under this Confirmation or under the Base Call Option Confirmation will be among the Repayment Options hereunder or under, and as defined in, the Base Call Option Confirmation, the Convertible Notes specified in such Repayment Notice shall be allocated first to the Base Call Option Confirmation until all Options thereunder are exercised or terminated)]59 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 Repayment Options. Any payment hereunder with respect to such termination (the “Repayment 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 the Transaction and a Number of Options equal to the number of Repayment Options, (2) Counterparty were the sole Affected Party with respect to such Additional Termination Event, (3) the terminated portion of the Transaction were the sole Affected Transaction, (4) the relevant Repayment Event and any conversions, adjustments, agreements, payments, deliveries or acquisitions by or on behalf of Counterparty leading thereto had not occurred, (5)  no adjustments to the “Conversion Rate” (as defined in the Indenture) have occurred pursuant to any Excluded Provision and (6) the corresponding Convertible Notes remain outstanding as if the circumstances related to such Repayment Event had not occurred; provided that, in the event of a Repayment Event pursuant to Section [4.02]60 of the Indenture or Section [4.03]61 of the Indenture, the Repayment Unwind Payment shall not be greater than (x) the number of Repayment Options multiplied by (y) the product of (A) the Applicable Percentage and (B) the excess of (I) the amount paid by the Counterparty per Convertible Note pursuant to the relevant sections of the Indenture over (II) the Synthetic Instrument Adjusted Issue Price determined by the Calculation Agent based on the date of the Repayment Event (the “Repayment Date”), as determined by the Calculation Agent in good faith and in a commercially reasonable manner. If the relevant Repayment Date is not listed in the Synthetic Instrument AIP Table, the amount in the preceding sentence shall be determined by the Calculation Agent by reference to the Synthetic Instrument AIP Table, using a linear interpolation between the lower and higher Synthetic Instrument Adjusted Issue Prices for the Repayment Dates immediately preceding and immediately following the relevant Repayment Date. “Repayment Event” means that (i) any Convertible Notes are repurchased (whether pursuant to Section [4.02]62 of the Indenture or Section [4.03]63 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 redemption, a tender offer, exchange offer or similar transaction or for any other reason), (ii) any Convertible Notes 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 Notes is repaid in full prior to the final maturity date of the Convertible Notes (other than upon acceleration of the Convertible Notes pursuant to Section [7.02]64 of the Indenture), or (iv) any Convertible Notes 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, any conversion of Convertible Notes (whether into cash, Shares, a combination of cash and Shares or any “Reference Property” (as defined in the Indenture)) pursuant to the terms of the Indenture shall not constitute a Repayment Event. Counterparty acknowledges and agrees that if an Additional Termination Event has occurred under this Section 9(i)(iv), then any related Convertible Notes subject to a Repayment Event will be deemed to be cancelled and disregarded and no longer outstanding for all purposes hereunder.

 

⁵⁸ Include for additional capped call.

⁵⁹ Include for additional capped call

⁶⁰ Include cross-reference to Indenture section governing repurchase upon a fundamental change.

⁶¹ Include cross-reference to Indenture section governing optional redemption.

⁶² Include cross-reference to Indenture section governing repurchase upon a fundamental change.

⁶³ Include cross-reference to Indenture section governing optional redemption.

⁶⁴ Include cross-reference to Indenture section governing acceleration of the Convertible Notes.

 

 

(j)

Amendments to Equity Definitions; Agreement.

 

(i)

Section 11.2(e)(vii) of the Equity Definitions is hereby replaced in its entirety with the words “any other corporate event involving the Issuer that has a material effect on the theoretical value of the Shares or the Options.”

 

(ii)

Section 12.6(a)(ii) of the Equity Definitions is hereby amended by (1) inserting “(1)” immediately following the word “means” in the first line thereof and (2) inserting immediately prior to the semi-colon at the end of subsection (B) thereof the following words: “or (2) the occurrence of any of the events specified in Section 5(a)(vii)(1) through (9) of the ISDA Master Agreement with respect to that Issuer”.

 

(iii)

Section 12.9(b)(i) of the Equity Definitions is hereby amended by (1) replacing “either party may elect” with “Dealer may elect” and (2) replacing “notice to the other party” with “notice to Counterparty” in the first sentence of such section.

 

(iv)

Section 12.9(b)(vi) of the Equity Definitions is hereby amended by (1) adding the word “or” immediately before subsection “(B)”, (2) deleting the comma at the end of subsection (A), (3) deleting subsection (C) in its entirety, (4) deleting the word “or” immediately preceding subsection (C) and (5) replacing the words “either party” in the last sentence of such Section with “Dealer”.

 

(v)

Section 12(a) of the Agreement is hereby amended by (1) deleting the phrase “or email” in the third line thereof and (2) deleting the phrase “or that communication is delivered (or attempted) or received, as applicable, after the close of business on a Local Business Day” in the final clause thereof.

 

(k)

Setoff. In addition to and without limiting any rights of set-off that a party hereto may have as a matter of law, pursuant to contract or otherwise, upon the occurrence of an Early Termination Date, Dealer (and only Dealer) shall have the right to set off any obligation that it may have to Counterparty under this Confirmation, including without limitation any obligation to make any payment of cash or delivery of Shares to Counterparty, against any obligation Counterparty may have to Dealer under any other agreement between Dealer and Counterparty relating to Shares (each such contract or agreement, a “Separate Agreement”), including without limitation any obligation to make a payment of cash or a delivery of Shares or any other property or securities. For this purpose, Dealer shall be entitled to convert any obligation (or the relevant portion of such obligation) denominated in one currency into another currency at the rate of exchange at which it would be able to purchase the relevant amount of such currency, and to convert any obligation to deliver any non-cash property into an obligation to deliver cash in an amount calculated by reference to the market value of such property as of the Early Termination Date, as determined by the Calculation Agent in its sole discretion; provided that in the case of a set-off of any obligation to release or deliver assets against any right to receive fungible assets, such obligation and right shall be set off in kind and; provided further that in determining the value of any obligation to deliver Shares, the value at any time of such obligation shall be determined by reference to the market value of the Shares at such time, as determined in good faith by the Calculation Agent. If an obligation is unascertained at the time of any such set-off, the Calculation Agent may in good faith estimate the amount or value of such obligation, in which case set-off will be effected in respect of that estimate, and the relevant party shall account to the other party at the time such obligation or right is ascertained. For the avoidance of doubt and notwithstanding anything to the contrary provided in this Section ‎9(k), in the event of bankruptcy or liquidation of either Counterparty or Dealer neither party shall have the right to set off any obligation that it may have to the other party under the Transaction against any obligation such other party may have to it, whether arising under the Agreement, this Confirmation or any other agreement between the parties hereto, by operation of law or otherwise.

 

 

(l)

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 holders of Shares consists solely of cash, (ii) an Announcement Event, 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) of the Agreement or any Cancellation Amount pursuant to Article 12 of the Equity Definitions (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 date of the Announcement Event, 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) Counterparty remakes the representation set forth in Section ‎8(f) as of the date of such election and (c) Dealer agrees, in its commercially reasonable discretion, to such election, in which case the provisions of Section 12.7 or Section 12.9 of the Equity Definitions, or the provisions of Section 6(d)(ii) of the Agreement, as the case may be, shall apply.

 

	Share Termination Alternative:	If applicable, Dealer shall deliver to Counterparty the Share Termination Delivery Property on, or within a commercially reasonable period of time after, the date when the relevant Payment Obligation would otherwise be due pursuant to Section 12.7 or 12.9 of the Equity Definitions or Section 6(d)(ii) and 6(e) of the Agreement, as applicable, in satisfaction of such Payment Obligation in the manner reasonably requested by Counterparty free of payment.
	Share Termination Delivery Property:	A number of Share Termination Delivery Units, as calculated by the Calculation Agent, equal to the Payment Obligation divided by the Share Termination Unit Price. The Calculation Agent shall adjust the Share Termination Delivery Property by replacing any fractional portion 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 to Dealer of property contained in one Share Termination Delivery Unit, as determined by the Calculation Agent in its discretion by commercially reasonable means and notified by the Calculation Agent to Dealer at the time of notification of the Payment Obligation. For the avoidance of doubt, the parties agree that in determining the Share Termination Delivery Unit Price the Calculation Agent may consider the purchase price paid in connection with the purchase of Share Termination Delivery Property.

 

 

	Share Termination Delivery Unit:	One Share or, if the Shares have changed into cash or any other property or the right to receive cash or any other property as the result of a Nationalization, Insolvency or Merger Event (any such cash or other property, the “Exchange Property”), a unit consisting of the type and amount of such Exchange 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 Nationalization, Insolvency or Merger Event, as determined by the Calculation Agent.
	Failure to Deliver:	Applicable
	Other applicable provisions:	If Share Termination Alternative is applicable, the provisions of Sections 9.8, 9.9 and 9.11 (as modified above) of the Equity Definitions and the provisions set forth opposite the caption “Representation and Agreement” in Section 2 will be applicable, except that all references in such provisions to “Physically-settled” shall be read as references to “Share Termination Settled” and all references to “Shares” shall be read as references to “Share Termination Delivery Units”. “Share Termination Settled” in relation to the Transaction means that Share Termination Alternative is applicable to the Transaction.

 

(m)

Waiver of Jury Trial. Each party waives, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any right it may have to a trial by jury in respect of any suit, action or proceeding relating to the Transaction. Each party (i) certifies that no representative, agent or attorney of either party has represented, expressly or otherwise, that such other party would not, in the event of such a suit, action or proceeding, seek to enforce the foregoing waiver and (ii) acknowledges that it and the other party have been induced to enter into the Transaction, as applicable, by, among other things, the mutual waivers and certifications provided herein.

 

(n)

Registration. Counterparty hereby agrees that if, in the good faith reasonable judgment of Dealer, the Shares (“Hedge Shares”) acquired by Dealer for the purpose of hedging its obligations pursuant to the Transaction cannot be sold in the public market by Dealer without registration under the Securities Act, Counterparty shall, at its election, either (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 and enter into an agreement, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Dealer, substantially in the form of an underwriting agreement for a registered secondary offering; provided, however, that 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 paragraph 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, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Dealer (in which case, the Calculation Agent shall make any adjustments to the terms of the Transaction that are necessary, in its reasonable judgment, to compensate Dealer for any 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), requested by Dealer.

 

 

(o)

Tax 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.

 

(p)

Right to Extend. Dealer may postpone or add, in whole or in part, any Valid Day or Valid Days during the Settlement Averaging Period or any other date of valuation, payment or delivery by Dealer, with respect to some or all of the Options hereunder, if Dealer reasonably determines, in its commercially reasonable judgment (in the case of clause (i) below) or based on the advice of counsel (in the case of clause (ii) below), that such action is reasonably necessary or appropriate (i) to preserve Dealer’s commercially reasonable hedging or hedge unwind activity hereunder in light of existing liquidity conditions or (ii) to enable Dealer to effect transactions with respect to Shares in connection with its commercially reasonable hedging, hedge unwind or settlement activity hereunder in a manner that would, if 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 applicable to Dealer; provided that such policies and procedures have been adopted by Dealer in good faith and are generally applicable in similar situations and applied in a non-discriminatory manner; provided, further that no such Valid Day or any other date of valuation, payment or delivery may be postponed or added more than 75 Valid Days after the original Valid Day or any other date of valuation, payment or delivery, as the case may be.

 

(q)

Status of Claims in Bankruptcy. Dealer acknowledges and agrees that this Confirmation is not intended to convey to Dealer rights against Counterparty with respect to the Transaction that are senior to the claims of common stockholders of Counterparty in any United States bankruptcy proceedings of Counterparty; provided that nothing herein shall limit or shall be deemed to limit Dealer’s right to pursue remedies in the event of a breach by Counterparty of its obligations and agreements with respect to the Transaction; provided, further that nothing herein shall limit or shall be deemed to limit Dealer’s rights in respect of any transactions other than the Transaction.

 

(r)

Securities Contract; Swap Agreement. The parties hereto intend for (i) the Transaction to be a “securities contract” and a “swap agreement” as defined in the Bankruptcy Code, and the parties hereto to be entitled to the protections afforded by, among other Sections, Sections 362(b)(6), 362(b)(17), 546(e), 546(g), 555 and 560 of the Bankruptcy Code, (ii) a party’s right to liquidate the Transaction and to exercise any other remedies upon the occurrence of any Event of Default under the Agreement with respect to the other party to constitute a “contractual right” as described in the Bankruptcy Code, and (iii) each payment and delivery of cash, securities or other property hereunder to constitute a “margin payment” or “settlement payment” and a “transfer” as defined in the Bankruptcy Code.

 

(s)

Notice of Certain Other Events. Counterparty covenants and agrees that:

 

(i)

Promptly as reasonably practicable following the public announcement of the results of any election by the holders of Shares with respect to the consideration due upon consummation of any Merger Event, Counterparty shall give Dealer written notice of the weighted average of the types and amounts of consideration received by holders of Shares upon consummation of such Merger Event (the date of such notification, the “Consideration Notification Date”); provided that in no event shall the Consideration Notification Date be later than the date on which such Merger Event is consummated; and

 

 

(ii)

(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 Notes 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.

 

(t)

Wall Street Transparency and Accountability Act. In connection with Section 739 of the Wall Street Transparency and Accountability Act of 2010 (“WSTAA”), the parties hereby agree that neither the enactment of WSTAA or any regulation under the WSTAA, nor any requirement under WSTAA or an amendment made by WSTAA, 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, an Excess Ownership Position, or Illegality (as defined in the Agreement)).

 

(u)

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 Relevant Prices; and (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 Relevant Prices, each in a manner that may be adverse to Counterparty.

 

(v)

Early Unwind. In the event the sale of the [“Firm Securities”]65[“Optional Securities”]66 (as defined in the Purchase Agreement) is not consummated with the Initial Purchasers for any reason, or Counterparty fails to deliver to Dealer opinions of counsel as required pursuant to Section ‎9(a), in each case by 5:00 p.m. (New York City time) on the Premium Payment Date, or such later date as agreed upon by the parties (the Premium Payment Date or such later date the “Early Unwind Date”), the Transaction shall automatically terminate (the “Early Unwind”), on the Early Unwind Date and (i) the Transaction and all of the respective rights and obligations of Dealer and Counterparty under the Transaction shall be cancelled and terminated and (ii) 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 the other party arising out of and to be performed in connection with the Transaction either prior to or after the Early Unwind Date. Each of Dealer and Counterparty represents and acknowledges to the other that upon an Early Unwind, all obligations with respect to the Transaction shall be deemed fully and finally discharged.

 

(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.

 

⁶⁵ Insert for Base Call Option Confirmation.

⁶⁶ Insert for Additional Call Option Confirmation.

 

 

(x)

Other Adjustments Pursuant to the Equity Definitions. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Confirmation, solely for the purpose of adjusting the Cap Price, the terms “Potential Adjustment Event,” “Merger Event,” and “Tender Offer” shall each have the meanings assigned to such term in the Equity Definitions (as amended by Section ‎9(j)(i) or, if applicable, by the definition of “Announcement Event”, and provided that for purposes of the foregoing (1) Section 12.1(d) of the Equity Definitions shall be amended by (x) replacing “10%” with “20%” in the third line thereof and (y) replacing the words “voting shares of the Issuer” in the fourth line thereof with the word “Shares” and (2) Section 12.1(e) of the Equity Definitions is hereby amended by replacing the words “voting shares” in the first line thereof with the word “Shares”), and 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, respectively, as such terms are defined in the Equity Definitions, the Calculation Agent shall determine whether such occurrence or declaration, as applicable, has had a material economic effect on the Transaction and, if so, shall adjust the Cap Price as the Calculation Agent determines appropriate to account for the economic effect on the Transaction of such occurrence or declaration, as applicable; provided that in no event shall the Cap Price be less than the Strike Price. Solely for purposes of this Section 9(x) “Extraordinary Dividend” means any cash dividend on the Shares.

 

(y)

[Insert preferred form of U.S. QFC Stay Rule language for each Dealer, if applicable.]

 

(z)

Tax Matters.

 

(i)

Payee Tax Representations. For the purpose of Section 3(f) of the Agreement, the parties make the following representations, as applicable:

 

(A)

Counterparty is a corporation created or organized under the laws of Delaware. It is “exempt” within the meaning of Treasury Regulation section 1.6049-4(c) from information reporting on U.S. Internal Revenue Service Form 1099 and backup withholding.

 

(B)

[Dealer is a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes created or organized in the United States or under the laws of the United States. It is “exempt” within the meaning of Treasury Regulation section 1.6049-4(c) from information reporting on U.S. Internal Revenue Service Form 1099 and backup withholding.]67

 

(ii)

Tax Forms. For the purpose of Section 4(a)(i) of the Agreement:

 

(A)

Counterparty shall provide Dealer with a valid and duly executed U.S. Internal Revenue Service Form W-9, or any successor thereto, (i) on or before the date of execution of this Confirmation, (ii) promptly upon reasonable demand by Dealer and (iii) promptly upon learning that any such tax form previously provided by Counterparty has become obsolete or incorrect.

 

(B)

[Dealer shall provide Counterparty with a valid and duly executed U.S. Internal Revenue Service Form W-9, or any successor thereto, (i) on or before the date of execution of this Confirmation, (ii) promptly upon reasonable demand by Dealer and (iii) promptly upon learning that any such tax form previously provided by Counterparty has become obsolete or incorrect.]68

 

(iii)

Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act. “Indemnifiable Tax”, as defined in Section 14 of the Agreement, shall not include 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.

 

⁶⁷ Subject to tax review / update for specific Dealers.

⁶⁸ Subject to tax review / update for specific Dealers.

 

 

(iv)

Section 871(m) Protocol. Dealer and Counterparty hereby agree that this Agreement shall be treated as a Covered Master Agreement (as that term is defined in the 2015 Section 871(m) Protocol published by the International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. on November 2, 2015, as may be amended or modified from time to time (the “2015 Section 871(m) Protocol”)) and this Agreement shall be deemed to have been amended in accordance with the modifications specified in the Attachment to the 2015 Section 871(m) Protocol. If there is any inconsistency between this provision and a provision in any other agreement executed between the parties, this provision shall prevail unless such other agreement expressly overrides the provisions of the 871(m) Protocol.

 

(aa)

[Insert additional Dealer boilerplate, if applicable.]

 

[Signature Pages Follow.]

 

 

Please confirm that the foregoing correctly sets forth the terms of our agreement by executing this Confirmation and returning it to [Dealer].⁶⁹

 

Very truly yours,

 

	[Dealer]
	By:
	Name:
	Title:

 

⁶⁹ Include Dealer preferred signature page information, as applicable.

 

[Signature Page to [Base][Additional] Capped Call Confirmation]

 

 

Accepted and confirmed
as of the Trade Date:

 

Fluence Energy, Inc.
By:
Name:
Title:

 

By:
Name:
Title:

 

[Signature Page to [Base][Additional] Capped Call Confirmation]

 

 

Exhibit 99.1

 

Fluence Energy, Inc. Announces Closing of Offering of $400.0 Million of Convertible Senior Notes due 2030

 

ARLINGTON, VA., December 12, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) – Fluence Energy, Inc. (Nasdaq: FLNC) (“Fluence” or the “Company”), a global market leader delivering intelligent energy storage, operational services, and asset optimization software, today announced the completion of the previously announced offering of $400.0 million aggregate principal amount of 2.25% convertible senior notes due 2030 (the “Notes”). Fluence also granted the initial purchasers of the Notes an option to purchase, for settlement within a period of 13 days from, and including, the date the Notes are first issued, up to an additional $50.0 million aggregate principal amount of the Notes. The Notes issued on December 12, 2024 include $50.0 million principal amount of Notes issued pursuant to the full exercise by the initial purchasers of their option to purchase additional Notes. The Notes will be senior, unsecured obligations of Fluence, will accrue interest payable semi-annually in arrears and will mature on June 15, 2030, unless earlier repurchased, redeemed or converted.

 

On December 10, 2024, in connection with the pricing of the Notes, the Company entered into privately negotiated capped call transactions (the “base capped call transactions”) with one or more of the initial purchasers and/or their respective affiliates and/or other financial institutions (the “counterparties”). In addition, on December 11, 2024, in connection with the initial purchasers’ exercise of their option to purchase additional Notes, the Company entered into additional capped call transactions (the “additional capped call transactions” and, together with the base capped call transactions, the “capped call transactions") with the counterparties. The capped call transactions cover, subject to customary adjustments, the number of shares of the Company’s Class A common stock that will initially underlie the Notes. The cap price of the capped call transactions represents a premium over the last reported sale price of the Company’s Class A common stock on the pricing date of the offering of the Notes.

 

The capped call transactions are generally expected to offset the potential dilution to the Class A common stock and/or offset any cash payments the Company is required to make in excess of the principal amount of converted Notes, with such offset subject to a cap, as the case may be, as a result of any conversion of the Notes.

 

In connection with establishing their initial hedge of these capped call transactions, the Company has been advised that the counterparties (i) may enter into various over-the-counter cash-settled derivative transactions with respect to the Class A common stock and/or purchase the Class A common stock in secondary market transactions concurrently with, or shortly after, the pricing of the Notes; and (ii) may enter into or unwind various over-the-counter derivatives and/or purchase the Class A common stock in secondary market transactions following the pricing of the Notes. These activities could have the effect of increasing or preventing a decline in the price of the Class A common stock concurrently with or following the pricing of the Notes and under certain circumstances, could affect the ability to convert the Notes.

 

In addition, we expect that the counterparties may modify or unwind their hedge positions by entering into or unwinding various derivative transactions and/or purchasing or selling the Class A common stock or other securities of the Company in secondary market transactions following the pricing of the Notes and prior to maturity of the Notes (and are likely to do so (x) during any observation period related to a conversion of the Notes or following any redemption or fundamental change repurchase of the Notes, (y) following any other repurchase of the Notes if the Company unwinds a corresponding portion of the capped call transactions in connection with such repurchase and (z) if the Company otherwise unwinds all or a portion of the capped call transactions). The effect, if any, of these transactions and activities on the market price of the Class A common stock or the Notes will depend in part on market conditions and cannot be ascertained at this time, but any of these activities could adversely affect the value of the Class A common stock and the value of the Notes, and potentially the value of the consideration that a noteholder will receive upon the conversion of the Notes and could affect a noteholder’s ability to convert the Notes.

 

Fluence used a portion of the net proceeds from the offering to fund the cost of entering into the capped call transactions. Fluence intends to transfer the remaining net proceeds of the offering directly to purchase an intercompany subordinated convertible promissory note issued by Fluence Energy, LLC, the proceeds of which Fluence Energy, LLC intends to use for working capital needs, upgrading one of its battery cell production lines from 305 amp hour cells to 530 amp hour cells, and general corporate purposes.

 

 

The offer and sale of the Notes and any shares of Class A common stock issuable upon conversion of the Notes have not been, and will not, be registered under the Securities Act or any other securities laws, and the Notes and any such shares cannot be offered or sold except to persons reasonably believed to be qualified institutional buyers in reliance on the exemption from registration provided by Rule 144A under the Securities Act.

 

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, the Notes or any shares of Class A common stock issuable upon conversion of the Notes, nor shall there be any sale of the Notes or any such shares, in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction. Any offers of the Notes will be made only by means of a private offering memorandum.

 

About Fluence:

 

Fluence Energy, Inc. (Nasdaq: FLNC) is a global market leader delivering intelligent energy storage and optimization software for renewables and storage. The Company’s solutions and operational services are helping to create a more resilient grid and unlock the full potential of renewable portfolios. With gigawatts of projects successfully contracted, deployed and under management across nearly 50 markets, the Company is transforming the way we power our world for a more sustainable future.

 

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

 

The statements contained in this press release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  In particular, statements regarding the consummation of the offering of the Notes, the consummation of the capped calls transactions, our future results of operations and financial position, operational performance, anticipated growth and business strategy, future revenue recognition and estimated revenues, future capital expenditures and debt service obligations, projected costs, prospects, plans, and objectives of management for future operations, including, among others, statements regarding expected growth and demand for our energy storage solutions, services, and digital application offerings, relationships with new and existing customers and suppliers, introduction of new energy storage solutions, services, and digital application offerings and adoption of such offerings by customers, assumptions relating to the Company’s tax receivable agreement, expectations relating to backlog, pipeline, and contracted backlog, current expectations relating to legal proceedings, and anticipated impact and benefits from the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 and related domestic content guidelines on us and our customers as well as any other proposed or recently enacted legislation, are forward-looking statements. In some cases, you may identify forward-looking statements by terms such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “expects,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “could,” “seeks,” “intends,” “targets,” “projects,” “contemplates,” “grows,” “believes,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “potential”, “commits”, or “continue” or the negative of these terms or other similar expressions. Accordingly, we caution you that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, assumptions, and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. Among those risks and uncertainties are market conditions and the consummation of the offering of the Notes and the consummation of the capped calls transactions. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable as of the date made, actual results may prove to be materially different from the results expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements.

 

 

These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, our relatively limited operating and revenue history as an independent entity and the nascent clean energy industry; anticipated increasing expenses in the future and our ability to maintain prolonged profitability; fluctuations of our order intake and results of operations across fiscal periods; potential difficulties in maintaining manufacturing capacity and establishing expected mass manufacturing capacity in the future; risks relating to delays, disruptions, and quality control problems in our manufacturing operations; risks relating to quality and quantity of components provided by suppliers; risks relating to our status as a relatively low-volume purchaser as well as from supplier concentration and limited supplier capacity; risks relating to operating as a global company with a global supply chain; changes in the cost and availability of raw materials and underlying components; failure by manufacturers, vendors, and suppliers to use ethical business practices and comply with applicable laws and regulations; significant reduction in pricing or order volume or loss of one or more of our significant customers or their inability to perform under their contracts; risks relating to competition for our offerings and our ability to attract new customers and retain existing customers; ability to maintain and enhance our reputation and brand recognition; ability to effectively manage our recent and future growth and expansion of our business and operations; our growth depends in part on the success of our relationships with third parties; ability to attract and retain highly qualified personnel; risks associated with engineering and construction, utility interconnection, commissioning and installation of our energy storage solutions and products, cost overruns, and delays; risks relating to lengthy sales and installation cycle for our energy storage solutions; risks related to defects, errors, vulnerabilities and/or bugs in our products and technology; risks relating to estimation uncertainty related to our product warranties; fluctuations in currency exchange rates; risks related to our current and planned foreign operations; amounts included in our pipeline and contracted backlog may not result in actual revenue or translate into profits; risks related to acquisitions we have made or that we may pursue; events and incidents relating to storage, delivery, installation, operation, maintenance and shutdowns of our products; risks relating to our impacts to our customer relationships due to events and incidents during the project lifecycle of an energy storage solution; actual or threatened health epidemics, pandemics or similar public health threats; ability to obtain financial assurances for our projects; risks relating to whether renewable energy technologies are suitable for widespread adoption or if sufficient demand for our offerings do not develop or takes longer to develop than we anticipate; estimates on size of our total addressable market; barriers arising from current electric utility industry policies and regulations and any subsequent changes; risks relating to the cost of electricity available from alternative sources; macroeconomic uncertainty and market conditions; risk relating to interest rates or a reduction in the availability of tax equity or project debt capital in the global financial markets and corresponding effects on customers’ ability to finance energy storage systems and demand for our energy storage solutions; reduction, elimination, or expiration of government incentives or regulations regarding renewable energy; decline in public acceptance of renewable energy, or delay, prevent, or increase in the cost of customer projects; severe weather events; increased attention to ESG matters; restrictions set forth in our current credit agreement and future debt agreements; uncertain ability to raise additional capital to execute on business opportunities; ability to obtain, maintain and enforce proper protection for our intellectual property, including our technology; threat of lawsuits by third parties alleging intellectual property violations; adequate protection for our trademarks and trade names; ability to enforce our intellectual property rights; risks relating to our patent portfolio; ability to effectively protect data integrity of our technology infrastructure and other business systems; use of open-source software; failure to comply with third party license or technology agreements; inability to license rights to use technologies on reasonable terms; risks relating to compromises, interruptions, or shutdowns of our systems; changes in the global trade environment; potential changes in tax laws or regulations; risks relating to environmental, health, and safety laws and potential obligations, liabilities and costs thereunder; failure to comply with data privacy and data security laws, regulations and industry standards; risks relating to potential future legal proceedings, regulatory disputes, and governmental inquiries; risks related to ownership of our Class A common stock; risks related to us being a “controlled company” within the meaning of the NASDAQ rules; risks relating to the terms of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws; risks relating to our relationship with our Founders and Continuing Equity Owners; risks relating to conflicts of interest by our officers and directors due to positions with Continuing Equity Owners; risks related to short-seller activists; we depend on distributions from Fluence Energy, LLC to pay our taxes and expenses and Fluence Energy, LLC’s ability to make such distributions may be limited or restricted in certain scenarios; risks arising out of the Tax Receivable Agreement; unanticipated changes in effective tax rates or adverse outcomes resulting from examination of tax returns; risks relating to improper and ineffective internal control over reporting to comply with Sarbanes-Oxley Act; risks relating to changes in accounting principles or their applicability to us; risks relating to estimates or judgments relating to our critical accounting policies; and the factors described under the headings Part I, Item 1A. “Risk Factors” and Item 7. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024. If one or more events related to these or other risks or uncertainties materialize, or if our underlying assumptions prove to be incorrect, actual results may differ materially from what we anticipate. Many of the important factors that will determine these results are beyond our ability to control or predict. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements. We qualify all forward-looking statements contained in this press release by these cautionary statements. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made, and, except as otherwise required by law, we do not undertake any obligation to publicly update or review any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict which will arise. In addition, we cannot assess the impact of each factor on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements.

 

Contacts:

 

Analyst

Lexington May, Vice President, Finance & Investor Relations

+1 713-909-5629

Email: InvestorRelations@fluenceenergy.com

 

Media

Email: media.na@fluenceenergy.com

 

 

v3.24.3

Cover	Dec. 12, 2024
Cover [Abstract]
Document Type	8-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Dec. 12, 2024
Entity File Number	001-40978
Entity Registrant Name	FLUENCE ENERGY, INC.
Entity Central Index Key	0001868941
Entity Tax Identification Number	87-1304612
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	DE
Entity Address, Address Line One	4601 Fairfax Drive
Entity Address, Address Line Two	Suite 600
Entity Address, City or Town	Arlington
Entity Address, State or Province	VA
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	22203
City Area Code	833
Local Phone Number	358-3623
Written Communications	false
Soliciting Material	false
Pre-commencement Tender Offer	false
Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer	false
Title of 12(b) Security	Class A Common Stock $0.00001 par value per share
Trading Symbol	FLNC
Security Exchange Name	NASDAQ
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false

---