8-K
AMGEN INC false 0000318154 0000318154 2022-02-24 2022-02-24 0000318154 us-gaap:CommonStockMember 2022-02-24 2022-02-24 0000318154 us-gaap:SeniorNotesMember 2022-02-24 2022-02-24

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 8-K

 

 

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 OR 15(d)

of The Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported)

February 24, 2022

 

 

Amgen Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   001-37702   95-3540776

(State or other jurisdiction

of incorporation)

 

(Commission

File Number)

 

(IRS Employer

Identification No.)

 

One Amgen Center Drive  
Thousand Oaks  
California   91320-1799
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code

(805) 447-1000

 

 

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

 

 

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

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

 

Title of each class

 

Trading

Symbol(s)

 

Name of each exchange

on which registered

Common stock, $0.0001 par value   AMGN   The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC
2.000% Senior Notes due 2026   AMGN26   The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC

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

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

 

 

 


Item 1.01

Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement.

On February 24, 2022, Amgen Inc. (the Company) entered into accelerated stock buyback agreements, pursuant to the form of ASR Agreement filed herewith (hereinafter referred to as the ASR Agreements), with each of Bank of America, N.A., Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, and Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC (each, a Financial Institution, and together, the Financial Institutions) to repurchase an aggregate of up to $6 billion of the Company’s common stock, as previously announced on February 8, 2022. The Company is funding the share repurchases under the ASR Agreements with existing cash resources.

Under the terms of the ASR Agreements, the Company will make payments in an aggregate amount of $6 billion to the Financial Institutions on February 25, 2022, and expects to receive on the same day initial deliveries of approximately 23,258,997 shares of the Company’s common stock in the aggregate from the Financial Institutions. The final number of shares to be repurchased by the Company will be based on the volume-weighted average stock price of the Company’s common stock during the term of the ASR Agreements, less a discount and subject to adjustments pursuant to the terms and conditions of the ASR Agreements. At settlement, under certain circumstances, one or more of the Financial Institutions may be required to deliver additional shares of common stock to the Company, or under certain circumstances, the Company may be required to deliver shares of common stock or to make a cash payment, at its election, to a Financial Institution. The final settlement under the ASR Agreements is scheduled to occur in the third quarter of 2022, subject to earlier termination under certain limited circumstances, as set forth in the ASR Agreements.

Each of the ASR Agreements contains customary terms for these types of transactions, including, but not limited to, the mechanisms to determine the number of shares or the amount of cash that will be delivered at settlement, the required timing of delivery of the shares, the specific circumstances under which adjustments may be made to the transactions, the specific circumstances under which the transactions may be terminated prior to their scheduled maturities and various acknowledgements, representations and warranties made by the Company.

From time to time, one or more of the Financial Institutions and/or their affiliates have directly and indirectly engaged, and may engage in the future, in investment and/or commercial banking transactions with the Company for which such Financial Institution has received, or may receive, customary compensation, fees and expense reimbursement.

The foregoing description of the ASR Agreements does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the form of the ASR Agreement, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit 10.1, and is incorporated herein by reference.


Item 9.01

Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(d) Exhibits.

 

10.1    Form of ASR Agreement.
104    Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document).


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.

 

    AMGEN INC.

Date: February 24, 2022

    By:  

/s/ Peter H. Griffith

    Name:   Peter H. Griffith
    Title:   Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
EX-10.1

Exhibit 10.1

Form of ASR Agreement

 

   [     ], 2022
To:    Amgen Inc.
   1 Amgen Center Drive
   Thousand Oaks, CA 91320
   Attn: [    ]
   Telephone: [    ]
   Email: [    ]
From:    [Dealer]
   [__________]
   [__________]
   Attention: [__________]
   Telephone: [__________]
   Email: [__________]
Re:    Issuer Forward Repurchase Transaction
   (Dealer Reference Number: ___________)

Ladies and Gentlemen:

The purpose of this communication (this “Confirmation”) is to confirm the terms and conditions of the Transaction entered into between [Dealer] (“Dealer”) and Amgen Inc. (“Counterparty”) on the Trade Date specified below (the “Transaction”). The terms of the Transaction shall be set forth in this Confirmation. This Confirmation shall constitute a “Confirmation” as referred to in the ISDA Master Agreement specified below.

1. This Confirmation is subject to, and incorporates, the definitions and provisions of the 2006 ISDA Definitions (including the Annex thereto) (the “2006 Definitions”) and the definitions and provisions of the 2002 ISDA Equity Derivatives Definitions (the “Equity Definitions”, and together with the 2006 Definitions, the “Definitions”), in each case as published by the International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. (“ISDA”). In the event of any inconsistency between the 2006 Definitions and the Equity Definitions, the Equity Definitions will govern.

This Confirmation evidences a complete and binding agreement between Dealer and Counterparty as to the terms of the Transaction to which this Confirmation relates. This Confirmation shall be subject to an agreement (the “Agreement”) in the form of the 2002 ISDA Master Agreement as if Dealer and Counterparty had executed an agreement in such form (without any Schedule but with the elections set forth in this Confirmation). The Transaction shall be the only Transaction under the Agreement.

All provisions contained in, or incorporated by reference to, the Agreement will govern this Confirmation except as expressly modified herein. In the event of any inconsistency between this Confirmation and either the Definitions or the Agreement, this Confirmation shall govern. The Transaction is a Share Forward Transaction within the meaning set forth in the Equity Definitions.

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


General Terms:

 

Trade Date:

   As provided in Annex B to this Confirmation.

Seller:

   Dealer

Buyer:

   Counterparty

Shares:

   The common stock of Counterparty, par value USD 0.0001 per share (Ticker Symbol: “AMGN”)

Prepayment:

   Applicable

Prepayment Amount:

   As provided in Annex B to this Confirmation.

Prepayment Date:

   As provided in Annex B to this Confirmation.

Exchange:

   Nasdaq Global Select Market

Related Exchange(s):

   All Exchanges

Calculation Agent:

   Dealer, whose judgments, determinations and calculations shall be made in good faith and in a commercially reasonable manner. Following any determination or calculation by the Calculation Agent hereunder, upon a written request by Counterparty, the Calculation Agent shall promptly (but in any event within three Scheduled Trading Days) provide to Counterparty by e-mail to the e-mail address provided by Counterparty in such request a report (in a commonly used file format for the storage and manipulation of financial data) displaying in reasonable detail the basis for such determination or calculation (including any assumptions used in making such determination or calculation), it being understood that the Calculation Agent shall not be obligated to disclose any proprietary models used by it for such determination or calculation or any information that may be proprietary or confidential or subject to an obligation not to disclose such information.
Valuation Terms:   

Relevant Dates:

   As provided in Annex C to this Confirmation.

Averaging Dates:

   Each of the Relevant Dates commencing on, and including, the Relevant Date immediately following the Trade Date and ending on, and including, the Final Averaging Date.

Final Averaging Date:

   The Scheduled Final Averaging Date; provided that Dealer shall have the right, in its absolute discretion, at any time to accelerate the Final Averaging Date, in whole or in part, to any date that is on or after the Scheduled Earliest Acceleration Date by written notice to Counterparty no later than 8:00 P.M., New York City time, on the Relevant Date immediately following the accelerated Final Averaging Date.
   In the case of any acceleration of the Final Averaging Date in part (a “Partial Acceleration”), Dealer shall specify in its written notice to Counterparty accelerating the Final Averaging Date the corresponding percentage of the Prepayment Amount that is subject to valuation on the related Valuation Date, and Calculation Agent shall adjust the terms of the Transaction (but not the Relevant Dates) as it deems appropriate, in a commercially reasonable manner, in order to take into account the occurrence of such Partial Acceleration (including cumulative adjustments to take into account all Partial Accelerations that occur during the term of the Transaction).

Scheduled Final Averaging

  

Date:

   As provided in Annex B to this Confirmation.

Scheduled Earliest Acceleration

  

Date:

   As provided in Annex B to this Confirmation.

Valuation Date:

   The Final Averaging Date.

 

2


Averaging Date Disruption:

   Modified Postponement, provided that notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Equity Definitions, if a Market Disruption Event occurs on any Averaging Date, the Calculation Agent may, if appropriate in light of market conditions, regulatory considerations or otherwise, take any or all of the following actions: (i) determine that such Averaging Date is a Disrupted Day in full, in which case, the VWAP Price for such Disrupted Day shall not be included for purposes of determining the Settlement Price and the Scheduled Final Averaging Date shall be postponed in accordance with Modified Postponement (as modified herein) and/or (ii) determine that such Averaging Date is a Disrupted Day only in part, in which case the Calculation Agent shall (x) determine the VWAP Price for such Disrupted Day based on Rule 10b-18 eligible transactions in the Shares on such Disrupted Day taking into account the nature and duration of such Market Disruption Event and (y) determine the Settlement Price based on an appropriately weighted average instead of the arithmetic average described under “Settlement Price” below Any Exchange Business Day on which, as of the date hereof, the Exchange is scheduled to close prior to its normal close of trading shall be deemed not to be an Exchange Business Day. If a closure of the Exchange prior to its normal close of trading on any Exchange Business Day is scheduled following the date hereof, then such Exchange Business Day shall be deemed to be a Disrupted Day in full. Section 6.6(a) of the Equity Definitions is hereby amended by replacing the word “shall” in the fifth line thereof with the word “may,” and by deleting clause (i) thereof, and Section 6.7(c)(iii)(A) of the Equity Definitions is hereby amended by replacing the word “shall” in the sixth and eighth line thereof with the word “may.”

Market Disruption Events:

   Section 6.3(a) of the Equity Definitions is hereby amended (A) by deleting the words “during the one hour period that ends at the relevant Valuation Time, Latest Exercise Time, Knock-in Valuation Time or Knock-out Valuation Time, as the case may be” in clause (ii) thereof, and (B) by replacing the words “or (iii) an Early Closure.” therein with “(iii) an Early Closure, or (iv) a Regulatory Disruption.”
   Section 6.3(d) of the Equity Definitions is hereby amended by deleting the remainder of the provision following the term “Scheduled Closing Time” in the fourth line thereof.

Regulatory Disruption:

   Any event that Dealer, in its reasonable discretion in good faith and upon the advice of counsel, determines makes it appropriate with regard to any legal, regulatory or self-regulatory requirements or related policies and procedures (provided that such policies and procedures are applied to transactions similar to the Transaction in a similar manner) for Dealer to refrain from or decrease any market activity in connection with the Transaction. Dealer shall notify Counterparty as soon as reasonably practicable that a Regulatory Disruption has occurred and the Averaging Dates affected by it.
Settlement Terms:   

Initial Share Delivery:

   On the Initial Share Delivery Date, Dealer shall deliver to Counterparty the Initial Shares.

Initial Share Delivery Date:

   As provided in Annex B to this Confirmation.

Initial Shares:

   As provided in Annex B to this Confirmation.

 

3


Settlement Date:

   The date that falls one Settlement Cycle following the date that Dealer notifies Counterparty of the Final Averaging Date.

Settlement:

   On the Settlement Date, Dealer shall deliver to Counterparty the Number of Shares to be Delivered, if a positive number. If the Number of Shares to be Delivered is a negative number, the Counterparty Settlement Provisions in Annex A shall apply.

Number of Shares to be Delivered:

   A number of Shares equal to (a) the Prepayment Amount divided by (b) (i) the Settlement Price minus (ii) the Price Adjustment Amount; provided that the Number of Shares to be Delivered as so determined shall be reduced by the number of Shares delivered on the Initial Share Delivery Date.

Settlement Price:

   The arithmetic average of the VWAP Prices for all Averaging Dates.

VWAP Price:

   For any Averaging Date, the Rule 10b-18 dollar volume weighted average price per Share for such day based on transactions executed during such day, as reported at 4:15 P.M., New York City time on Bloomberg Page “AMGN <Equity> AQR SEC” (or any successor thereto) or, in the event such price is not so reported on such day for any reason or is manifestly incorrect, as reasonably determined by the Calculation Agent using a volume weighted method.

Price Adjustment Amount:

   As provided in Annex B to this Confirmation.

Excess Dividend Amount:

   For the avoidance of doubt, all references to the Excess Dividend Amount in Section 9.2(a)(iii) of the Equity Definitions shall be deleted.

Other Applicable Provisions:

   To the extent either party is obligated to deliver Shares hereunder, the provisions of the last sentence of Section 9.2 and Sections 9.8, 9.9, 9.10, 9.11 (except that the Representation and Agreement contained in Section 9.11 of the Equity Definitions shall be modified by excluding any representations therein relating to restrictions, obligations, limitations or requirements under applicable securities laws arising as a result of the fact that Counterparty is the Issuer of the Shares) and 9.12 of the Equity Definitions will be applicable as if “Physical Settlement” applied to the Transaction.
Dividends:   

Extraordinary Dividend:

   Any dividend or distribution on the Shares (other than any dividend or distribution of the type described in Section 11.2(e)(i) or Section 11.2(e)(ii)(A) of the Equity Definitions) the amount or value of which (as determined by the Calculation Agent) when aggregated with the amount or value (as determined by the Calculation Agent) of any and all previous Dividends with ex-dividend dates occurring in the same calendar quarter, differs from the Ordinary Dividend. For the avoidance of doubt, any dividend or distribution on the Shares (other than any dividend or distribution of the type described in Section 11.2(e)(i) or Section 11.2(e)(ii)(A) of the Equity Definitions) the amount or value of which (as determined by the Calculation Agent) when aggregated with the amount or value (as determined by the Calculation Agent) of any and all previous Dividends with ex-dividend dates occurring in the same calendar quarter, is less than the Ordinary Dividend shall not constitute an Additional Termination Event or a Potential Adjustment Event.

Ordinary Dividend:

   As provided in Annex B to this Confirmation; provided that, if an ex-dividend date for any dividend that is not an Extraordinary Dividend occurs

 

4


   during any calendar quarter occurring (in whole or in part) during the Relevant Period (as defined below) on a date that is not a Scheduled Ex-Dividend Date for such calendar quarter, the Calculation Agent shall make such commercially reasonable adjustments to the exercise, settlement, payment or any other terms of the relevant Transaction (including without limitation, the Number of Shares to be Delivered and the Price Adjustment Amount) as the Calculation Agent determines appropriate to account for the economic effect on such Transaction of such event. Any such adjustment shall be made without regard to any difference between actual dividends declared with respect to the Shares and expected dividends with respect to the Shares as of the Trade Date for the relevant Transaction.

Scheduled Ex-Dividend

  

Dates:

   As provided in Annex B to this Confirmation.

Relevant Dividend Period:

   The period from and including the first day of the first Averaging Date to and including the Relevant Dividend Period End Date.

Relevant Dividend Period End Date:

   If Annex A applies, the last day of the Relevant Period; otherwise, the Final Averaging Date.
Share Adjustments:   

Method of Adjustment:

   Calculation Agent Adjustment; provided that the declaration or payment of Dividends shall not be a Potential Adjustment Event.
   It shall constitute an additional Potential Adjustment Event if the Scheduled Final Averaging Date is postponed pursuant to “Averaging Date Disruption” above, in which case the Calculation Agent may, in its commercially reasonable discretion, adjust any relevant terms of the Transaction as the Calculation Agent determines appropriate to account for the economic effect on the Transaction of such postponement.

Potential Adjustment Events:

   Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in Section 11.2(e) of the Equity Definitions, the Other Specified Repurchase Agreement shall not constitute a Potential Adjustment Event.
Extraordinary Events:   

Consequences of Merger Events:

  

(a) Share-for-Share:

   Modified Calculation Agent Adjustment

(b) Share-for-Other:

   Cancellation and Payment

(c) Share-for-Combined:

   Cancellation and Payment

Tender Offer:

   Applicable

Consequences of Tender Offers:

  

(a) Share-for-Share:

   Modified Calculation Agent Adjustment

(b) Share-for-Other:

   Modified Calculation Agent Adjustment

(c) Share-for-Combined:

   Modified Calculation Agent Adjustment

Composition of Combined

  

Consideration:

   Not Applicable

 

5


New Shares:    In the definition of New Shares in Section 12.1(i) of the Equity Definitions, the text in clause (i) thereof shall be deleted in its entirety (including the word “and” following such clause (i)) and replaced with “publicly quoted, traded or listed on any of the New York Stock Exchange, The NASDAQ Global Select Market or The NASDAQ Global Market (or their respective successors)”.
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 shall 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 Market or The NASDAQ Global Select Market (or their respective successors); if the Shares are immediately re-listed, re-traded or re-quoted on any such exchange or quotation system, such exchange or quotation system shall thereafter be deemed to be the Exchange.
Additional Disruption Events:   

Change in Law:

   Applicable; provided that Section 12.9(a)(ii) of the Equity Definitions is hereby amended (i) by replacing the phrase “the interpretation” in the third line thereof with the phrase “, or public announcement of, the formal or informal interpretation”, (ii) by replacing the word “Shares” where it appears in clause (X) thereof with the words “Hedge Position”, (iii) by immediately following the word “Transaction” in clause (X) thereof, adding the phrase “in the manner contemplated by the Hedging Party on the Trade Date” and (iv) by replacing the parenthetical beginning after the word “regulation” in the second line thereof the words “(including, for the avoidance of doubt and without limitation, (x) any tax law or (y) adoption or promulgation of new regulations authorized or mandated by existing statute)”.

Failure to Deliver:

   Applicable

Insolvency Filing:

   Applicable

Hedging Disruption:

   Applicable

Increased Cost of Hedging:

   Applicable

Loss of Stock Borrow:

   Applicable

Maximum Stock Loan Rate:

   As provided in Annex B to this Confirmation.

Increased Cost of Stock Borrow:

   Applicable

Initial Stock Loan Rate:

   As provided in Annex B to this Confirmation.
Hedging Party:    For all applicable Potential Adjustment Events and Extraordinary Events, Dealer
Determining Party:    For all Extraordinary Events, Dealer
Non-Reliance:    Applicable. In addition, Section 13.1 of the Equity Definitions is hereby amended by (A) deleting the word “and” immediately before subsection (e) thereof and (B) inserting the following words “and (f) Counterparty has engaged legal counsel of its own choosing and has been advised by such counsel of the availability, risks and considerations of the proposed and existing laws, rules and regulations relating to the Transaction” immediately after subsection (e) thereof.
Agreements and Acknowledgments Regarding Hedging Activities:    Applicable
Additional Acknowledgments:    Applicable

 

6


3.  Account Details:

(a) Account for payments to Counterparty: To be provided separately upon request

(b) Account for payments to Dealer:

Dealer

City, State

SWIFT:

Bank Routing:

Account Name:

Account No.:

4.  Offices:

(a) The Office of Counterparty for the Transaction is: Counterparty is not a Multibranch Party

(b) The Office of Dealer for the Transaction is: New York

5.  Notices: For purposes of this Confirmation:

(a) Address for notices or communications to Counterparty:

Amgen Inc.

1 Amgen Center Drive

Thousand Oaks, CA 91320

Attn: Corporate Secretary

(b) Address for notices or communications to Dealer:

[Dealer to provide]

 

6.

Additional Provisions Relating to Transactions in the Shares.

(a) Counterparty acknowledges and agrees that the Initial Shares delivered on the Initial Share Delivery Date may be sold short to Counterparty. Counterparty further acknowledges and agrees that Dealer may, during (i) the period from the first Relevant Date to the Valuation Date or, if later, the Scheduled Earliest Acceleration Date without regard to any adjustment thereof pursuant to “Special Provisions regarding Transaction Announcements” below, and (ii) the period from and including the first Settlement Valuation Date to and including the last Settlement Valuation Date, if any (together, the “Relevant Period”), purchase Shares in connection with the Transaction, which Shares may be used to cover all or a portion of such short sale or may be delivered to Counterparty. Such purchases will be conducted independently of Counterparty. The timing of such purchases by Dealer, the number of Shares purchased by Dealer on any day, the price paid per Share pursuant to such purchases and the manner in which such purchases are made, including without limitation whether such purchases are made on any securities exchange or privately, shall be within the absolute discretion of Dealer, provided that Dealer shall act in a commercially reasonable manner. Counterparty acknowledges and agrees that (A) Counterparty does not have, and shall not attempt to exercise, any influence over how, when or whether Dealer effects any purchases of Shares in connection with the Transaction, (B) during the period beginning on (but excluding) the date of this Confirmation and ending on (and including) the last day of the Relevant Period, neither Counterparty nor its officers or employees shall, directly or indirectly, communicate any information regarding Counterparty or the Shares to any employee of Dealer or its Affiliates responsible for trading the Shares in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby, (C) Counterparty is entering into the Transaction in good faith and not as part of a plan or scheme to evade compliance with federal securities laws including, without limitation, the prohibitions on manipulative and deceptive devices under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) and

 

7


(D) Counterparty will not alter or deviate from this Confirmation or enter into or alter a corresponding hedging transaction with respect to the Shares. Counterparty also acknowledges and agrees that any amendment, modification, waiver or termination of this Confirmation must be effected in accordance with the requirements for the amendment or termination of a written trading plan for trading securities. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, any such amendment, modification, waiver or termination shall be made in good faith and not as part of a plan or scheme to evade the prohibitions on manipulative and deceptive devices under the Exchange Act, and no such amendment, modification or waiver shall be made at any time at which Counterparty or any officer or director of Counterparty is aware of any material nonpublic information regarding Counterparty or the Shares.

(b) Counterparty agrees that neither Counterparty nor any of its Affiliates or agents shall take any action that would cause Regulation M to be applicable to any purchases of Shares, or any security for which the Shares are a reference security (as defined in Regulation M), by Counterparty or any of its affiliated purchasers (as defined in Regulation M) during the Relevant Period.

(c) Counterparty shall, at least one day prior to the first day of the Relevant Period, notify Dealer of the total number of Shares purchased in Rule 10b-18 purchases of blocks pursuant to the once-a-week block exception contained in Rule 10b-18(b)(4) by or for Counterparty or any of its affiliated purchasers during each of the four calendar weeks preceding the first day of the Relevant Period and during the calendar week in which the first day of the Relevant Period occurs (“Rule 10b-18 purchase”, “blocks” and “affiliated purchaser” each being used as defined in Rule 10b-18).

(d) During the Relevant Period, Counterparty shall (i) notify Dealer prior to the opening of trading in the Shares on any day on which Counterparty makes, or expects to be made, any public announcement (as defined in Rule 165(f) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) of any merger, acquisition, or similar transaction involving a recapitalization relating to Counterparty (other than any such transaction in which the consideration consists solely of cash and there is no valuation period), (ii) promptly notify Dealer following any such announcement that such announcement has been made, and (iii) promptly deliver to Dealer following the making of any such announcement a certificate indicating (A) Counterparty’s average daily Rule 10b-18 purchases (as defined in Rule 10b-18) during the three full calendar months preceding the date of the announcement of such transaction and (B) Counterparty’s block purchases (as defined in Rule 10b-18) effected pursuant to paragraph (b)(4) of Rule 10b-18 during the three full calendar months preceding the date of the announcement of such transaction. In addition, Counterparty shall promptly notify Dealer of the earlier to occur of the completion of such transaction and the completion of the vote by target shareholders. Counterparty acknowledges that any such public announcement may result in a Regulatory Disruption and may cause the Relevant Period to be suspended. Accordingly, Counterparty acknowledges that its actions in relation to any such announcement or transaction must comply with the standards set forth in Section 6(a) above.

(e) Without the prior written consent of Dealer, Counterparty shall not, and shall cause its Affiliates and affiliated purchasers (each as defined in Rule 10b-18) not to, directly or indirectly (including, without limitation, by means of a cash-settled or other derivative instrument) purchase, offer to purchase, place any bid or limit order that would effect a purchase of, or commence any tender offer relating to, any Shares (or an equivalent interest, including a unit of beneficial interest in a trust or limited partnership or a depository share) or any security convertible into or exchangeable for Shares on any Relevant Date during the Relevant Period. For the avoidance of doubt, the entry into any Other Specified Repurchase Agreement shall not fall within the ambit of the previous sentence. “Other Specified Repurchase Agreement” means, with respect to the Transaction, any similar and substantially contemporaneous transaction or transactions entered into between Counterparty and one or more dealers, which other transaction shall have terms substantially identical to the terms of the Transaction, except for pricing terms and relevant dates that do not coincide with any Relevant Dates hereunder.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, (i) purchases of Shares that do not constitute “Rule 10b-18 purchases” under subparagraphs (ii) or (iii) of Rule 10b-18(a)(13), (ii) withholding of Shares to cover amounts payable (including tax liabilities and/or payment of exercise price) in respect of the exercise of employee stock options or the vesting of restricted stock or stock units, (iii) purchases of shares pursuant to any employee share purchase plan of Issuer and (iv) privately negotiated (off-market) transactions by Issuer, not involving any derivative instrument, to purchase Shares from existing holders of Shares in transactions that do not result in, or relate to, purchases of Shares in the public market by such existing holders in connection with such transactions, shall, in each case, not be subject to this Section 6(e).

 

8


7. Representations, Warranties and Agreements.

(a) In addition to the representations, warranties and agreements in the Agreement and those contained elsewhere herein, Counterparty represents and warrants to and for the benefit of, and agrees with, Dealer as follows:

(i) As of the Trade Date, and as of the date of any election by Counterparty of the Share Termination Alternative under (and as defined in) Section 10(a) below, (A) none of Counterparty and its officers and directors is aware of any material nonpublic information regarding Counterparty or the Shares and (B) all reports and other documents filed by Counterparty with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to the Exchange Act when considered as a whole (with the more recent such reports and documents deemed to amend inconsistent statements contained in any earlier such reports and documents), do not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or any omission of a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances in which they were made, not misleading.

(ii) Without limiting the generality of Section 13.1 of the Equity Definitions, Counterparty acknowledges that Dealer is not making any representations or warranties or taking any position or expressing any view with respect to the treatment of the Transaction under any accounting standards including ASC Topic 260, Earnings Per Share, ASC Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging, or ASC Topic 480, Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity and ASC 815-40, Derivatives and Hedging – Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity (or any successor issue statements) or under FASB’s Liabilities & Equity Project.

(iii) Without limiting the generality of Section 3(a)(iii) of the Agreement, the Transaction will not violate Rule 13e-1 or Rule 13e-4 under the Exchange Act.

(iv) Prior to the Trade Date, Counterparty shall deliver to Dealer a resolution of Counterparty’s board of directors authorizing the Transaction and such other certificate or certificates as Dealer shall reasonably request. Counterparty has publicly disclosed its intention to institute a program for the acquisition of Shares.

(v) Counterparty is not entering into this Confirmation to create actual or apparent trading activity in the Shares (or any security convertible into or exchangeable for Shares) or to raise or depress or otherwise manipulate the price of the Shares (or any security convertible into or exchangeable for Shares) or otherwise in violation of the Exchange Act, and will not engage in any other securities or derivative transaction to such ends.

(vi) Counterparty is not, and after giving effect to the transactions contemplated hereby will not be, required to register as an “investment company” as such term is defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.

(vii) On the Trade Date, the Prepayment Date, the Initial Share Delivery Date and the Settlement Date, Counterparty is not, or will not be, “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 Counterparty would be able to purchase the Shares hereunder in compliance with the corporate laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation.

(viii) To the knowledge of Counterparty, no state or local (including non-U.S. jurisdictions) law, rule, regulation or regulatory order applicable to the Shares would give rise to any reporting, consent, registration or other requirement (including without limitation a requirement to obtain prior approval from any person or entity) as a result of Dealer or its affiliates owning or holding (however defined) Shares; provided that Counterparty makes no such 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 affiliates being financial institutions or broker-dealers.

(ix) [Reserved]

(x) Counterparty understands no obligations of Dealer to it hereunder will be entitled to the benefit of deposit insurance and that such obligations will not be guaranteed by any affiliate of Dealer or any governmental agency.

 

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(xi) Counterparty is (i) a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes and is organized under the laws of Delaware and (ii) a “U.S. person” (as that term is used in section 1.1441-4(a)(3)(ii) of United States Treasury Regulations) for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

(xii) Counterparty (i) is capable of evaluating investment risks independently, both in general and with regard to particular transactions and investment strategies involving a security or securities; (ii) 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 (iii) has total assets of at least USD50 million as of the date hereof.

(b) Each of Dealer and Counterparty agrees and represents that it is an “eligible contract participant” as defined in Section 1a(18) of the U.S. Commodity Exchange Act, as amended.

(c) Counterparty acknowledges that the offer and sale of the Transaction to it is intended to be exempt from registration under the Securities Act, by virtue of Section 4(a)(2) thereof. Accordingly, Counterparty represents and warrants to Dealer that (i) it has the financial ability to bear the economic risk of its investment in the Transaction and is able to bear a total loss of its investment, (ii) it is an “accredited investor” as that term is defined in Regulation D as promulgated under the Securities Act, (iii) it is entering into the Transaction for its own account and without a view to the distribution or resale thereof, and (iv) the assignment, transfer or other disposition of the Transaction has not been and will not be registered under the Securities Act and is restricted under this Confirmation, the Securities Act and state securities laws.

(d) Counterparty agrees and acknowledges that Dealer is a “financial institution,” “swap participant” and “financial participant” within the meaning of Sections 101(22), 101(53C) and 101(22A) of the Bankruptcy Code. The parties hereto further agree and acknowledge that it is the intent of the parties that (A) this Confirmation is (i) a “securities contract,” as such term is defined in Section 741(7) of the Bankruptcy Code, with respect to which each payment and delivery hereunder or in connection herewith is a “termination value,” “payment amount” or “other transfer obligation” within the meaning of Section 362 of the Bankruptcy Code and a “settlement payment,” within the meaning of Section 546 of the Bankruptcy Code and (ii) a “swap agreement,” as such term is defined in Section 101(53B) of the Bankruptcy Code, with respect to which each payment and delivery hereunder or in connection herewith is a “termination value,” “payment amount” or “other transfer obligation” within the meaning of Section 362 of the Bankruptcy Code and a “transfer,” as such term is defined in Section 101(54) of the Bankruptcy Code and a “payment or other transfer of property” within the meaning of Sections 362 and 546 of the Bankruptcy Code, and (B) Dealer is entitled to the protections afforded by, among other sections, Sections 362(b)(6), 362(b)(17), 362(o), 546(e), 546(g), 548(d)(2), 555, 560 and 561 of the Bankruptcy Code.

8. Agreements and Acknowledgements Regarding Hedging.

Counterparty acknowledges and agrees that:

(a) During the Relevant Period, 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 Counterparty’s securities 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 Settlement Price and/or the VWAP Price (for the avoidance of doubt, all adjustments and determinations that relate to Dealer or the Hedging Party’s hedge position shall be made presuming that Dealer or the Hedging Party are hedging the Transaction in a commercially reasonable manner); and

 

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(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 Settlement Price and/or the VWAP Price, each in a manner that may be adverse to Counterparty.

9. Special Provisions regarding Transaction Announcements.

(a) If a Transaction Announcement occurs on or prior to the Settlement Date, then the Calculation Agent shall make such adjustment to the exercise, settlement, payment or any of the other terms of the Transaction (including without limitation, the Number of Shares to be Delivered and the Price Adjustment Amount) as the Calculation Agent determines appropriate to account for the economic effect of the Transaction Announcement on Hedging Party’s commercially reasonable hedge position (and, for the avoidance of doubt, in such event the Number of Shares to be Delivered may be reduced below zero pursuant to the proviso to such definition). If a Transaction Announcement occurs after the Trade Date but prior to the Scheduled Earliest Acceleration Date, the Scheduled Earliest Acceleration Date shall be adjusted to be the date of such Transaction Announcement if such date is a Relevant Date. If the date of such Transaction Announcement is not a Relevant Date, the Scheduled Earliest Acceleration Date shall be adjusted to the first Relevant Date immediately following the date of such Transaction Announcement.

(b) “Transaction Announcement” means (i) the announcement by Issuer, its representatives, its affiliates or any of its subsidiaries or a Valid Third Party Entity of an Acquisition Transaction, (ii) an announcement by Issuer or any of its subsidiaries that Issuer, its representatives, its affiliates or any of its subsidiaries has entered into an agreement, a letter of intent or an understanding to enter into an Acquisition Transaction, (iii) the announcement by Issuer, its representatives, its affiliates or any of its subsidiaries of an intention to solicit or enter into, or to explore strategic alternatives or other similar undertaking that may include, an Acquisition Transaction, or (iv) any other announcement by Issuer, its representatives, its affiliates or any of its subsidiaries that in the reasonable judgment of the Calculation Agent may result in an Acquisition Transaction.

Acquisition Transaction” means (i) any Merger Event (and for purposes of this definition the definition of Merger Event shall be read with the references therein to “100%” being replaced by “30%” and to “50%” by “85%” and as if the clause beginning immediately following the definition of Reverse Merger therein to the end of such definition were deleted) or Tender Offer, or any other transaction involving the merger of Counterparty with or into any third party, (ii) the sale or transfer of all or substantially all of the assets of Counterparty, (iii) a recapitalization, reclassification, binding share exchange or other similar transaction, (iv) any acquisition, lease, exchange, transfer, disposition (including by way of spin-off or distribution) of assets (including any capital stock or other ownership interests in subsidiaries) or other similar event by Counterparty or any of its subsidiaries where the aggregate consideration transferable or receivable by or to Counterparty or its subsidiaries exceeds 30% of the market capitalization of Counterparty and (v) any transaction in which Counterparty or its board of directors has a legal obligation to make a recommendation to its shareholders in respect of such transaction (whether pursuant to Rule 14e-2 under the Exchange Act or otherwise).

Valid Third Party Entity” means, in respect of any transaction, any third party (or its affiliate, agent or representative) that has a bona fide intent to enter into or consummate such transaction (it being understood and agreed that in determining whether such third party has such a bona fide intent, the Calculation Agent may take into consideration the effect of the relevant announcement by such third party (or its affiliate, agent or representative) on the Shares and/or options relating to the Shares).

10. Other Provisions.

(a) Alternative Calculations and Payment on Early Termination and on Certain Extraordinary Events. If either party would owe the other party any amount pursuant to Sections 12.2, 12.3, 12.6, 12.7 or 12.9 of the Equity Definitions or pursuant to Section 6(d)(ii) of the Agreement (a “Payment Obligation”), the default settlement method noted in Annex A shall apply except the Counterparty shall have the right, in its sole discretion, to satisfy or to require Dealer to satisfy, as the case may be, any such Payment Obligation, in whole or in part, by the Share Termination Alternative (as defined below) by giving irrevocable telephonic notice to Dealer, confirmed in writing within one Scheduled Trading Day, no later than 9:30 A.M. New York City time on the Merger Date, Tender Offer Date, Announcement Date, Early Termination Date or date of cancellation or termination in respect of an Extraordinary Event, as applicable (“Notice of Share Termination”); provided that if Dealer would owe Counterparty the Payment Obligation and Counterparty does not elect to require Dealer to satisfy such Payment Obligation by the Share Termination

 

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Alternative in whole, Dealer shall have the right, in its sole discretion, to elect to satisfy any portion of such Payment Obligation that Counterparty has not so elected by the Share Termination Alternative, notwithstanding Counterparty’s failure to elect or election to the contrary; and provided further that Counterparty shall not have the right to so elect (but, for the avoidance of doubt, Dealer shall have the right to so elect) in the event of (i) an Insolvency, a Nationalization, a Merger Event or a Tender Offer, in each case, in which the consideration or proceeds to be paid to holders of Shares consists solely of cash or (ii) an Event of Default in which Counterparty is the Defaulting Party or a Termination Event in which Counterparty is the Affected Party, which Event of Default or Termination Event resulted from an event or events within Counterparty’s control. Upon such Notice of Share Termination, the following provisions shall apply on the Scheduled Trading Day immediately following the Merger Date, Tender Offer Date, Announcement Date, Early Termination Date or date of cancellation or termination in respect of an Extraordinary Event, as applicable, with respect to the Payment Obligation or such portion of the Payment Obligation for which the Share Termination Alternative has been elected (the “Applicable Portion”):

 

Share Termination Alternative:    Applicable and means, if delivery pursuant to the Share Termination Alternative is owed by Dealer, that Dealer shall deliver to Counterparty the Share Termination Delivery Property on the date on which the Payment Obligation would otherwise be due pursuant to Section 12.7 or 12.9 of the Equity Definitions or Section 6(d)(ii) of the Agreement, as applicable, or such later date as the Calculation Agent may reasonably determine (the “Share Termination Payment Date”), in satisfaction of the Payment Obligation or the Applicable Portion, as the case may be. If delivery pursuant to the Share Termination Alternative is owed by Counterparty, paragraphs 2 through 5 of Annex A shall apply as if such delivery were a settlement of the Transaction to which Net Share Settlement (as defined in Annex A) applied, the Cash Settlement Payment Date were the Early Termination Date, the Forward Cash Settlement Amount were zero (0) minus the Payment Obligation (or the Applicable Portion, as the case may be) owed by Counterparty, and “Shares” as used in Annex A were replaced by “Share Termination Delivery Units.”
Share Termination Delivery Property:    A number of Share Termination Delivery Units, as calculated by the Calculation Agent, equal to the Payment Obligation (or the Applicable Portion, as the case may be) 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 of property contained in one Share Termination Delivery Unit on the date such Share Termination Delivery Units are to be delivered as Share Termination Delivery Property, as determined by the Calculation Agent in its commercially reasonable discretion by commercially reasonable means and notified by the Calculation Agent to the parties at the time of notification of the Payment Obligation.
Share Termination Delivery Unit:    In the case of a Termination Event, Event of Default, Delisting or Additional Disruption Event, one Share or, in the case of an Insolvency, Nationalization, Merger Event or Tender Offer, one Share or a unit consisting of the number or amount of each type of property received by a holder of one Share (without consideration of any requirement to pay cash or other consideration in lieu of fractional amounts of any securities) in such Insolvency, Nationalization, Merger Event or Tender Offer. If such Insolvency, Nationalization, Merger Event or Tender Offer involves a choice of consideration to be received by holders, such holder shall be deemed to have elected to receive the maximum possible amount of cash.
Failure to Deliver:    Applicable
Other applicable provisions:    If Share Termination Alternative is applicable, the provisions of Sections 9.8, 9.9, 9.10, 9.11 (except that the Representation and Agreement contained in Section 9.11 of

 

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  the Equity Definitions shall be modified by excluding any representations therein relating to restrictions, obligations, limitations or requirements under applicable securities laws arising as a result of the fact that Counterparty is the issuer of the Shares or any portion of the Share Termination Delivery Units) and 9.12 of the Equity Definitions will be applicable as if “Physical Settlement” applied to the Transaction, except that all references to “Shares” shall be read as references to “Share Termination Delivery Units”.

(b) Equity Rights. Dealer acknowledges and agrees that this Confirmation is not intended to convey to it rights with respect to the Transaction that are senior to the claims of common stockholders in the event of Counterparty’s bankruptcy. For the avoidance of doubt, the parties agree that the preceding sentence shall not apply at any time other than during Counterparty’s bankruptcy to any claim arising as a result of a breach by Counterparty of any of its obligations under this Confirmation or the Agreement. For the avoidance of doubt, the parties acknowledge that this Confirmation is not secured by any collateral that would otherwise secure the obligations of Counterparty herein under or pursuant to any other agreement.

(c) Dealer Purchases. With respect to purchases of Shares by Dealer in connection with the Transaction during the Relevant Period (other than purchases made by Dealer in connection with dynamic hedge adjustments of Dealer’s exposure to the Transaction as a result of any equity optionality contained in the Transaction, including, for the avoidance of doubt, timing optionality), Dealer will use good faith, reasonable efforts to effect such purchases in a manner so that, if such purchases were made by Counterparty, they would meet the requirements of Rule 10b-18(b)(2) and (3), and effect calculations in respect thereof, taking into account any applicable Securities and Exchange Commission no-action letters as appropriate and subject to any delays between the execution and reporting of a trade of the Shares on the Exchange and other circumstances beyond Dealer’s control. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Dealer shall not be responsible for any failure to comply with paragraph (b)(3) of Rule 10b-18 to the extent any transaction that was executed (or deemed to be executed) by or on behalf of Counterparty or an “affiliated purchaser” (as defined under Rule 10b-18) pursuant to a separate agreement is not deemed to be an “independent bid” or an “independent transaction” for purposes of Rule 10b-18(b)(3).

(d) Staggered Settlement. If Dealer would owe Counterparty any Shares pursuant to the “Settlement Terms” above, Dealer may, by notice to Counterparty on or prior to the Settlement Date (a “Nominal Settlement Date”), elect to deliver the Shares deliverable on such Nominal Settlement Date on two or more dates (each, a “Staggered Settlement Date”) or at two or more times on the Nominal Settlement Date as follows: (i) in such notice, Dealer will specify to Counterparty the related Staggered Settlement Dates (each of which will be on or prior to such Nominal Settlement Date) or delivery times and how it will allocate the Shares it is required to deliver under “Settlement Terms” above among the Staggered Settlement Dates or delivery times; and (ii) the aggregate number of Shares that Dealer will deliver to Counterparty hereunder on all such Staggered Settlement Dates and delivery times will equal the number of Shares that Dealer would otherwise be required to deliver on such Nominal Settlement Date.

(e) Adjustments. For the avoidance of doubt, whenever the Calculation Agent, Determining Party, or Hedging Party are called upon to make an adjustment or determination pursuant to the terms of this Confirmation or the Definitions to take into account the effect of an event, the Calculation Agent, Determining Party, or Hedging Party, as the case may be, shall make such adjustment by reference to the effect of such event on the Hedging Party, assuming that the Hedging Party maintains a commercially reasonable hedge position.

(f) Transfer and Assignment. Dealer may transfer or assign its rights and obligations hereunder, in whole or in part, without the consent of Counterparty, to any affiliate or branch 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 would be guaranteed by Dealer or Dealer’s ultimate parent; provided that (i) an Event of Default, Potential Event of Default or Termination Event will not occur as result of such transfer and assignment, (ii) Counterparty will not receive from the transferee or assignee on any payment date or delivery date an amount or number of Shares, as applicable, lower than the amount or number of Shares, as applicable, that Dealer would have been required to pay or deliver to Counterparty in the absence of such transfer or assignment, (iii) Counterparty 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 Counterparty would have been required to pay Dealer in the absence of such transfer of assignment, and (iv) Dealer shall cause the transferee or assignee to provide Counterparty with a complete and accurate U.S. Internal Revenue Service Form W-9 or W-8ECI (or successor form), as applicable, and to make such Payee Tax Representations and provide such other tax documentation as may be reasonably requested by Counterparty to permit Counterparty to determine that events described in clauses (ii) and (iii) of this proviso will not occur upon or after such transfer or assignment.

 

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(g) Additional Termination Event.

(i) The declaration by the Issuer of any Extraordinary Dividend, the ex-dividend date for which occurs or is scheduled to occur during the Relevant Dividend Period for a Transaction, will constitute an Additional Termination Event, with Counterparty as the sole Affected Party and all such Transactions hereunder as the Affected Transactions. For the avoidance of doubt, any amount payable under Section 6(d)(ii) of the Agreement in respect of such Additional Termination Event shall be calculated without regard to any difference between actual dividends declared with respect to the Shares and expected dividends with respect to the Shares as of the Trade Date for the relevant Transaction.

(ii) It shall constitute an Additional Termination Event with respect to which the Transaction is the sole Affected Transaction and Counterparty is the sole Affected Party and Dealer shall be the party entitled to designate an Early Termination Date pursuant to Section 6(b) of the Agreement if, at any time during the Relevant Period, the price per Share on the Exchange, as determined by the Calculation Agent, is at or below the Threshold Price (as provided in Annex B to this Confirmation).

(h) Amendments to Equity Definitions. The following amendments shall be made to the Equity Definitions:

(i) Section 11.2(a) of the Equity Definitions is hereby amended by deleting the words “a diluting or concentrative effect on the theoretical value of the relevant Shares” and replacing them with the words “a material economic effect on the relevant Transaction”;

(ii) The first sentence of Section 11.2(c) of the Equity Definitions, prior to clause (A) thereof, is hereby amended to read as follows: ‘(c) If “Calculation Agent Adjustment” is specified as the Method of Adjustment in the related Confirmation of a Share Option Transaction or Share Forward Transaction, then following the announcement or occurrence of any Potential Adjustment Event, the Calculation Agent will determine whether such Potential Adjustment Event has a material economic effect on the Transaction and, if so, will (i) make appropriate adjustment(s), if any, to any one or more of:’ and the portion of such sentence immediately preceding clause (ii) thereof is hereby amended by replacing the words “diluting or concentrative” with the word “material” and deleting the words “(provided that no adjustments will be made to account solely for changes in volatility, expected dividends, stock loan rate or liquidity relative to the relevant Shares)” and replacing such latter phrase with the words “(and, for the avoidance of doubt, adjustments may be made to account solely for changes in volatility, stock loan rate or liquidity relative to the relevant Shares)”;

(iii) Section 11.2(e)(vii) of the Equity Definitions is hereby amended by deleting the words “diluting or concentrative effect on the theoretical value of the relevant Shares” and replacing them with the words “material economic effect on the relevant Transaction”;

(iv) Section 12.6(a)(ii) of the Equity Definitions is hereby amended by (1) deleting from the fourth line thereof the word “or” after the word “official” and inserting a comma therefor, and (2) deleting the semi-colon at the end of subsection (B) thereof and inserting the following words therefor “or (C) at Dealer’s option, 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”;

(v) Section 12.9(b)(iv) of the Equity Definitions is hereby amended by (A) deleting (1) subsection (A) in its entirety, (2) the phrase “or (B)” following subsection (A) and (3) the phrase “in each case” in subsection (B); and (B) deleting the phrase “neither the Non-Hedging Party nor the Lending Party lends Shares in the amount of the Hedging Shares or” in the penultimate sentence; and

(vi) Section 12.9(b)(v) of the Equity Definitions is hereby amended by (A) adding the word “or” immediately before subsection “(B)” and deleting the comma at the end of subsection (A); and (B)(1) deleting subsection (C) in its entirety, (2) deleting the word “or” immediately preceding subsection (C) and (3) replacing in the penultimate sentence the words “either party” with “the Hedging Party” and (4) deleting clause (X) in the final sentence.

 

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(i) No Netting and Set-off. Each party waives any and all rights it may have to set off obligations arising under the Agreement and the Transaction against other obligations between the parties, whether arising under any other agreement, applicable law or otherwise.

(j) 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.

(k) Designation by Dealer. Notwithstanding any other provision in this Confirmation to the contrary requiring or allowing Dealer to purchase, sell, receive or deliver any Shares or other securities to or from Counterparty, Dealer (the “Designator”) may designate any of its Affiliates (the “Designee”) to deliver or take delivery, as the case may be, and otherwise perform its obligations to deliver, if any, or take delivery of, as the case may be, any such Shares or other securities in respect of the Transaction, and the Designee may assume such obligations, if any. Such designation shall not relieve the Designator of any of its obligations, if any, hereunder. Notwithstanding the previous sentence, if the Designee shall have performed the obligations, if any, of the Designator hereunder, then the Designator shall be discharged of its obligations, if any, to Counterparty to the extent of such performance.

(l) Termination Currency. The Termination Currency shall be USD.

(m) Wall Street Transparency and Accountability Act of 2010. The parties hereby agree that none of (i) Section 739 of the Wall Street Transparency and Accountability Act of 2010 (the “WSTAA”), (ii) any similar legal certainty provision included in any legislation enacted, or rule or regulation promulgated, on or after the Trade Date, (iii) the enactment of the WSTAA or any regulation under the WSTAA, (iv) any requirement under the WSTAA or (v) any amendment made by the WSTAA shall limit or otherwise impair either party’s right to terminate, renegotiate, modify, amend or supplement this Confirmation or the Agreement, as applicable, arising from a termination event, force majeure, illegality, increased cost, regulatory change or similar event under this Confirmation, the Equity Definitions or the Agreement (including, but not limited to, any right arising from any Change in Law, Hedging Disruption, Increased Cost of Hedging or Illegality).

(n) Tax Matters

 

  (i)

Withholding Tax imposed on payments to non-US counterparties under the United States Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act. “Tax” and “Indemnifiable Tax”, each 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 U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (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.

 

  (ii)

HIRE Act. To the extent that either party to the Agreement with respect to this Transaction is not an adhering party to the ISDA 2015 Section 871(m) Protocol published by the International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. on November 2, 2015 and available at www.isda.org, as may be amended, supplemented, replaced or superseded from time to time (the “871(m) Protocol”), the parties agree that the provisions and amendments contained in the Attachment to the 871(m) Protocol are incorporated into and apply to the Agreement with respect to this Transaction as if set forth in full herein. The parties further agree that, solely for purposes of applying such provisions and amendments to the Agreement with respect to this Transaction, references to “each Covered Master Agreement” in the 871(m) Protocol will be deemed to be references to the Agreement with respect to this Transaction, and references to the “Implementation Date” in the 871(m) Protocol will be deemed to be references to the Trade Date of this Transaction.

 

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  (iii)

Tax documentation. (A) Counterparty shall provide to Dealer a valid U.S. Internal Revenue Service Form W-9, or any successor thereto, (i) on or before the date of execution of this Confirmation and (ii) promptly upon learning that any such tax form previously provided by Counterparty has become obsolete or incorrect. Additionally, Counterparty shall, promptly upon request by Dealer, provide such other tax forms and documents reasonably requested by Dealer. (B) Dealer shall provide to Counterparty a valid U.S. Internal Revenue Service Form W-9, or any successor thereto, (i) on or before the date of execution of this Confirmation and (ii) promptly upon learning that any such tax form previously provided by Dealer has become obsolete or incorrect.

(o) U.S. Stay Regulations. The parties agree that (i) to the extent that prior to the date hereof both parties have adhered to the 2018 ISDA U.S. Resolution Stay Protocol (the “Protocol”), the terms of the Protocol are incorporated into and form a part of this Confirmation, and for such purposes this Confirmation shall be deemed a Protocol Covered Agreement and each party shall be deemed to have the same status as “Regulated Entity” and/or “Adhering Party” as applicable to it under the Protocol; (ii) to the extent that prior to the date hereof the parties have executed a separate agreement the effect of which is to amend the qualified financial contracts between them to conform with the requirements of the QFC Stay Rules (the “Bilateral Agreement”), the terms of the Bilateral Agreement are incorporated into and form a part of this Confirmation and each party shall be deemed to have the status of “Covered Entity” or “Counterparty Entity” (or other similar term) as applicable to it under the Bilateral Agreement; or (iii) if clause (i) and clause (ii) do not apply, the terms of Section 1 and Section 2 and the related defined terms (together, the “Bilateral Terms”) of the form of bilateral template entitled “Full-Length Omnibus (for use between U.S. G-SIBs and Corporate Groups)” published by ISDA on November 2, 2018 (currently available on the 2018 ISDA U.S. Resolution Stay Protocol page at www.isda.org and, a copy of which is available upon request), the effect of which is to amend the qualified financial contracts between the parties thereto to conform with the requirements of the QFC Stay Rules, are hereby incorporated into and form a part of this Confirmation, and for such purposes this Confirmation shall be deemed a “Covered Agreement,” Dealer shall be deemed a “Covered Entity” and Counterparty shall be deemed a “Counterparty Entity.” In the event that, after the date of this Confirmation, both parties hereto become adhering parties to the Protocol, the terms of the Protocol will replace the terms of this paragraph. In the event of any inconsistencies between this Confirmation and the terms of the Protocol, the Bilateral Agreement or the Bilateral Terms (each, the “QFC Stay Terms”), as applicable, the QFC Stay Terms will govern. Terms used in this paragraph without definition shall have the meanings assigned to them under the QFC Stay Rules. For purposes of this paragraph, references to “this Confirmation” include any related credit enhancements entered into between the parties or provided by one to the other. In addition, the parties agree that the terms of this paragraph shall be incorporated into any related covered affiliate credit enhancements, with all references to Dealer replaced by references to the covered affiliate support provider. “QFC Stay Rules” means the regulations codified at 12 C.F.R. 252.2, 252.81–8, 12 C.F.R. 382.1-7 and 12 C.F.R. 47.1-8, which, subject to limited exceptions, require an express recognition of the stay-and-transfer powers of the FDIC under the Federal Deposit Insurance Act and the Orderly Liquidation Authority under Title II of the Dodd Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and the override of default rights related directly or indirectly to the entry of an affiliate into certain insolvency proceedings and any restrictions on the transfer of any covered affiliate credit enhancements.

(p) Waiver of Trial by Jury. EACH OF COUNTERPARTY AND DEALER HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES (ON ITS OWN BEHALF AND, TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ON BEHALF OF ITS STOCKHOLDERS) ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION, PROCEEDING OR COUNTERCLAIM (WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE) ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THE TRANSACTION OR THE ACTIONS OF DEALER OR ITS AFFILIATES IN THE NEGOTIATION, PERFORMANCE OR ENFORCEMENT HEREOF.

(q) Governing Law; Jurisdiction. THIS CONFIRMATION AND ANY CLAIM, CONTROVERSY OR DISPUTE ARISING UNDER OR RELATED TO THIS CONFIRMATION SHALL BE GOVERNED BY THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK. THE PARTIES HERETO IRREVOCABLY SUBMIT TO THE EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF THE COURTS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK AND THE UNITED STATES COURT FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK IN CONNECTION WITH ALL MATTERS RELATING HERETO AND WAIVE ANY OBJECTION TO THE LAYING OF VENUE IN, AND ANY CLAIM OF INCONVENIENT FORUM WITH RESPECT TO, THESE COURTS.

 

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(r) CARES Act. Counterparty acknowledges that the Transaction constitutes a purchase of its equity securities. Counterparty further acknowledges that, pursuant to the provisions of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”), Counterparty would be required to agree to certain time-bound restrictions on its ability to purchase its equity securities if it receives loans, loan guarantees or direct loans (as that term is defined in the CARES Act) under section 4003(b) of the CARES Act. Counterparty further acknowledges that it may be required to agree to certain time-bound restrictions on its ability to purchase its equity securities if it receives loans, loan guarantees or direct loans (as that term is defined in the CARES Act) under programs or facilities established by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System for the purpose of providing liquidity to the financial system (together with loans, loan guarantees or direct loans under section 4003(b) of the CARES Act, “Governmental Financial Assistance”). Accordingly, Counterparty represents and warrants that it has not applied for, and prior to the termination or settlement of the Transaction, will not apply for Governmental Financial Assistance under any governmental program or facility that (a) is established under the CARES Act or the Federal Reserve Act, as amended, and (b) requires, as a condition of such Governmental Financial Assistance, that 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.

(s) Counterparts. This Confirmation may be executed in any number of counterparts, all of which shall constitute one and the same instrument, and any party hereto may execute this Confirmation by signing and delivering one or more counterparts. Counterparts may be delivered via facsimile, electronic mail (including any electronic signature covered by the U.S. federal ESIGN Act of 2000, Uniform Electronic Transactions Act, the Electronic Signatures and Records Act or other applicable law, e.g., www.docusign.com (any such signature, an “Electronic Signature”)) or other transmission method and any counterpart so delivered shall be deemed to have been duly and validly delivered and be valid and effective for all purposes. The words “execution,” “signed,” “signature,” and words of like import in this Confirmation or in any other certificate, agreement or document related to this Confirmation shall include any Electronic Signature, except to the extent electronic notices are expressly prohibited under this Confirmation or the Agreement.

[Signature Page Follows]

 

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Please confirm your agreement to be bound by the terms stated herein by executing the copy of this Confirmation enclosed for that purpose and returning it to us by email transmission to the address for Notices indicated above.

 

Yours sincerely,
[DEALER]
By:  

     

Name:
Title:

 

Confirmed as of the date first above written:
AMGEN INC.
By:  

     

Name:
Title:


ANNEX A

COUNTERPARTY SETTLEMENT PROVISIONS

1. The following Counterparty Settlement Provisions shall apply to the extent indicated under the Confirmation:

 

Settlement Currency:    USD
Settlement Method Election:    Applicable; provided that (i) Section 7.1 of the Equity Definitions is hereby amended by deleting the word “Physical” in the sixth line thereof and replacing it with the words “Net Share” and (ii) the Electing Party may make a settlement method election only if the Electing Party represents and warrants to Dealer in writing on the date it notifies Dealer of its election that, as of such date, (A) none of Counterparty and its officers and directors is aware of any material nonpublic information regarding Counterparty or the Shares and (B) all reports and other documents filed by Counterparty with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to the Exchange Act when considered as a whole (with the more recent such reports and documents deemed to amend inconsistent statements contained in any earlier such reports and documents), do not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or any omission of a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances in which they were made, not misleading.
Electing Party:    Counterparty
Settlement Method Election Date:    The date that is the earlier of (i) 3 Relevant Dates immediately prior to the Scheduled Final Averaging Date and (ii) the Relevant Date immediately following the Valuation Date.
Default Settlement Method:    Net Share Settlement
Forward Cash Settlement Amount:    The Number of Shares to be Delivered multiplied by the Settlement Valuation Price.
Settlement Valuation Price:    The arithmetic average of the VWAP Prices for all Settlement Valuation Dates, subject to Averaging Date Disruption, determined as if each Settlement Valuation Date were an Averaging Date (with Averaging Date Disruption applying as if the last Settlement Valuation Date were the Final Averaging Date and the Settlement Valuation Price were the Settlement Price).
Settlement Valuation Dates:    A number of Relevant Dates selected by Dealer in its commercially reasonable discretion necessary to unwind its commercially reasonable hedge position in a commercially reasonable manner, beginning on the Relevant Date immediately following the later of the Settlement Method Election Date and the Final Averaging Date.
Cash Settlement:    If Cash Settlement is applicable, then Counterparty shall pay to Dealer the absolute value of the Forward Cash Settlement Amount on the Cash Settlement Payment Date.
Cash Settlement Payment Date:    The date one Settlement Cycle following the last Settlement Valuation Date.
Net Share Settlement Procedures:    If Net Share Settlement is applicable, Net Share Settlement shall be made in accordance with paragraphs 2 through 5 below.

 

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2. Net Share Settlement shall be made by delivery on the Settlement Date of a number of Shares satisfying the conditions set forth in Paragraph 3 below (the “Registered Settlement Shares”), or a number of Shares not satisfying such conditions (the “Unregistered Settlement Shares”), in either case equal to (i) the absolute value of the Number of Shares to be delivered, plus (ii) in the case of Unregistered Settlement Shares, a commercially reasonable amount determined by Dealer using prevailing market discounts for lack of marketability to account for the fact that such Shares will not be registered for resale.

3. Counterparty may only deliver Registered Settlement Shares pursuant to paragraph 2 above if:

(a) a registration statement covering public resale of the Registered Settlement Shares by Dealer (the “Registration Statement”) shall have been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act and been declared or otherwise become effective on or prior to the date of delivery, and no stop order shall be in effect with respect to the Registration Statement; a printed prospectus relating to the Registered Settlement Shares (including, without limitation, any prospectus supplement thereto, the “Prospectus”) shall have been delivered to Dealer, in such quantities as Dealer shall reasonably have requested, on or prior to the date of delivery;

(b) the form and content of the Registration Statement and the Prospectus (including, without limitation, any sections describing the plan of distribution) shall be reasonably satisfactory to Dealer;

(c) as of or prior to the date of delivery, Dealer and its agents shall have been afforded a reasonable opportunity to conduct a due diligence investigation with respect to Counterparty customary in scope for underwritten offerings of equity securities and the results of such investigation shall be satisfactory to Dealer, in its reasonable discretion; and

(d) as of the date of delivery, an agreement (the “Underwriting Agreement”) shall have been entered into with Dealer in connection with the public resale of the Registered Settlement Shares by Dealer substantially similar to underwriting agreements customary for underwritten offerings of equity securities, in form and substance satisfactory to Dealer, which Underwriting Agreement shall include, without limitation, provisions substantially similar to those contained in such underwriting agreements relating, without limitation, to the indemnification of, and contribution in connection with the liability of, Dealer and its affiliates and the provision of customary opinions, accountants’ comfort letters and lawyers’ negative assurance letters.

4. If Counterparty delivers Unregistered Settlement Shares pursuant to paragraph 2 above:

(a) All Unregistered Settlement Shares shall be delivered to Dealer (or any affiliate of Dealer designated by Dealer) pursuant to the exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act provided by Section 4(a)(2) thereof.

(b) As of or prior to the date of delivery, Dealer and any potential purchaser of any such Shares from Dealer (or any affiliate of Dealer designated by Dealer) identified by Dealer shall be afforded a commercially reasonable opportunity to conduct a due diligence investigation with respect to Counterparty customary in scope for private placements of equity securities of similar size (including, without limitation, the right to have made available to them for inspection all financial and other records, pertinent corporate documents and other information reasonably requested by them).

(c) As of the date of delivery, Counterparty shall enter into an agreement (a “Private Placement Agreement”) with Dealer (or any affiliate of Dealer designated by Dealer) in connection with the private placement of such Shares by Counterparty to Dealer (or any such affiliate) and the private resale of such Shares by Dealer (or any such affiliate), substantially similar to private placement purchase agreements customary for private placements of equity securities of similar size, in form and substance commercially reasonably satisfactory to Dealer, which Private Placement Agreement shall include, without limitation, provisions substantially similar to those contained in such private placement purchase agreements relating to the indemnification of, and contribution in connection with the liability of, Dealer and its affiliates, and shall provide for the payment by Counterparty of all reasonable fees and expenses in connection with such resale, including all fees and expenses of one counsel for Dealer, and shall contain representations, warranties and agreements of Counterparty reasonably necessary or advisable to establish and maintain the availability of an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act for such resales.

 

A-2


(d) Counterparty shall not take or cause to be taken any action that would make unavailable either (i) the exemption set forth in Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act for the sale of any Unregistered Settlement Shares by Counterparty to Dealer or (ii) an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act reasonably acceptable to Dealer for resales of Restricted Payment Shares and Make-Whole Payment Shares by the Dealer (or an affiliate of Dealer).

5. If Unregistered Settlement Shares are delivered in accordance with paragraph 4 above, on the last Settlement Valuation Date, a balance (the “Settlement Balance”) shall be established with an initial balance equal to the absolute value of the Forward Cash Settlement Amount. Following the delivery of Unregistered Settlement Shares, Dealer shall sell all such Unregistered Settlement Shares in a commercially reasonable manner. At the end of each Exchange Business Day upon which sales have been made, the Settlement Balance shall be reduced by an amount equal to the aggregate proceeds received by Dealer or its affiliate upon the sale of such Unregistered Settlement Shares, less a customary and commercially reasonable private placement fee for private placements of common stock by similar issuers. If, on any Exchange Business Day, all Unregistered Settlement Shares have been sold and the Settlement Balance has not been reduced to zero, Counterparty shall (i) deliver to Dealer or as directed by Dealer one Settlement Cycle following such Exchange Business Day an additional number of Shares (the “Make-Whole Payment Shares” and, together with the Unregistered Payment Shares, the “Payment Shares”) equal to (x) the Settlement Balance as of such Exchange Business Day divided by (y) the Unregistered Settlement Shares as of such Exchange Business Day or (ii) promptly deliver to Dealer cash in an amount equal to the then remaining Settlement Balance. This provision shall be applied successively until either the Settlement Balance is reduced to zero or the aggregate number of Unregistered Settlement Shares equals the Maximum Deliverable Number. If on any Exchange Business Day, Unregistered Settlement Shares remain unsold and the Settlement Balance has been reduced to zero, Dealer shall promptly return such unsold Unregistered Settlement Shares.

6. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event shall Counterparty be required to deliver more than the Maximum Deliverable Number of Shares hereunder. “Maximum Deliverable Number” means the number of Shares set forth as such in Annex B to this Confirmation. Counterparty represents and warrants to Dealer (which representation and warranty shall be deemed to be repeated on each day from the date hereof to the Settlement Date or, if Counterparty has elected to deliver any Unregistered Settlement Shares, to the date on which resale of such Payment Shares is completed (the “Final Resale Date”)) that the Maximum Deliverable Number is equal to or less than the number of authorized but unissued Shares of Counterparty that are not reserved for future issuance in connection with transactions in such Shares (other than the transactions under this Confirmation) on the date of the determination of the Maximum Deliverable Number (such Shares, the “Available Shares”). In the event Counterparty shall not have delivered the full number of Shares otherwise deliverable as a result of this paragraph 5 (the resulting deficit, the “Deficit Shares”), Counterparty shall be continually obligated to deliver, from time to time until the full number of Deficit Shares have been delivered pursuant to this paragraph, Shares when, and to the extent that, (i) Shares are repurchased, acquired or otherwise received by Counterparty or any of its subsidiaries after the date hereof (whether or not in exchange for cash, fair value or any other consideration), (ii) authorized and unissued Shares reserved for issuance in respect of other transactions prior to such date which prior to the relevant date become no longer so reserved or (iii) Counterparty additionally authorizes any unissued Shares that are not reserved for other transactions. Counterparty shall immediately notify Dealer of the occurrence of any of the foregoing events (including the number of Shares subject to clause (i), (ii) or (iii) and the corresponding number of Shares to be delivered) and promptly deliver such Shares thereafter.

 

A-3


ANNEX B

 

Trade Date:    [    ]
Prepayment Amount:    [     ]
Prepayment Date:    [     ]
Relevant Dates:    Each Scheduled Trading Day set forth in Annex C hereto (or if such Relevant Date is not an Exchange Business Day, the next following Relevant Date that is also an Exchange Business Day).
Scheduled Final Averaging Date:    [     ] (or if such Relevant Date is not an Exchange Business Day, the next following Relevant Date that is also an Exchange Business Day).
Scheduled Earliest Acceleration Date:    [    ] (or if such Relevant Date is not an Exchange Business Day, the next following Relevant Date that is also an Exchange Business Day).
Initial Share Delivery Date:    [     ]
Initial Shares:    [     ] Shares; provided that if, in connection with the Transaction, Dealer after using good faith and commercially reasonable efforts in connection with establishing a commercially reasonable hedge position is unable to borrow or otherwise acquire a number of Shares equal to the Initial Shares for delivery to Counterparty on the Initial Share Delivery Date, the Initial Shares delivered on the Initial Share Delivery Date shall be reduced to such number of Shares that Dealer is able to so borrow or otherwise acquire; provided that if the Initial Shares are reduced as provided in the preceding proviso, then Dealer shall use commercially reasonable efforts to borrow or otherwise acquire an additional number of Shares equal to the shortfall in the Initial Shares delivered on the Initial Share Delivery Date and shall deliver such additional Shares as promptly as practicable, and all Shares so delivered shall be considered Initial Shares.
Price Adjustment Amount:    USD [     ]
Ordinary Dividend:    USD [     ]
Scheduled Ex-Dividend Dates:    [     ]
Maximum Stock Loan Rate:    [     ] basis points
Initial Stock Loan Rate:    [     ] basis points
Threshold Price:    USD [     ]
Maximum Deliverable Number:    [     ] Shares

 

B-1


ANNEX C

The Relevant Dates for the Transaction shall be as follows:

Relevant Dates

 

  1.

[insert date]

  2.

[insert date]

  3.

[insert date]

  4.

[insert date]

  5.

[insert date]

 

 

C-1