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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 23, 2024

 

Applied Optoelectronics, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware 001-36083 76-0533927

(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation)

(Commission File Number) (IRS Employer Identification
No.)

 

13139 Jess Pirtle Blvd.
Sugar Land, Texas
77478
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

 

(281) 295-1800

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

Not Applicable

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

 

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Title of each class Trading Symbol(s) Trading Name of each exchange on which
registered
Common Stock, Par value $0.001 AAOI NASDAQ Global 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.

 

Exchange Agreement

 

On December 23, 2024, Applied Optoelectronics, Inc. (the “Company”) closed the transaction contemplated by the exchange agreements (the “Exchange Agreements”) with certain holders (the “Noteholders”) of its 5.250% Convertible Senior Notes due 2026 (the “2026 Notes”). Pursuant to the Exchange Agreements, the Company exchanged approximately $76.7 million principal amount of the 2026 Notes for aggregate consideration consisting of (i) $125.0 million aggregate principal amount of 2.750% Convertible Senior Notes due 2030 (the “2030 Notes”), (ii) an aggregate of 1,487,874 shares of common stock, par value ($0.001 per share (“Common Stock”) (such shares being the “Exchange Shares”) and (iii) approximately $89.6 thousand of cash in aggregate, representing accrued and unpaid interest on the 2026 Notes and the value of fractional shares of Common Stock (such transactions, collectively, the “Exchanges”).

 

The issuance of the 2030 Notes and the Exchange Shares pursuant to the Exchanges were made in transactions exempt from registration pursuant to Sections 3(a)(9) and 4(a)(2) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”).

 

The foregoing description of the Exchange Agreements is only a summary and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the form of Exchange Agreement, which was filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 20, 2024, and such form of Exchange Agreement is incorporated by reference herein.

 

Indenture and the 2030 Notes

 

The 2030 Notes were issued pursuant to an Indenture, dated as of December 23, 2024 (the “Indenture”), between the Company, as issuer, and Computershare Trust Company, N.A., as trustee.

 

The 2030 Notes bear interest at a rate of 2.750% per year and will pay interest semiannually in arrears on January 15 and July 15 of each year, beginning on July 15, 2025. The 2030 Notes will mature on January 15, 2030, unless earlier converted, redeemed or repurchased in accordance with their terms.

 

The conversion rate for the 2030 Notes is 23.0884 shares of Common Stock per $1,000 principal amount of the 2030 Notes (which is equivalent to a conversion price of approximately $43.31 per share of Common Stock, representing a premium of approximately 27.50% over the last reported sale price of the Common Stock on December 18, 2024 of $33.97 per share), subject to adjustment. Before October 15, 2029, holders of the 2030 Notes will have the right to convert their 2030 Notes only upon the satisfaction of a common stock sale price condition or a note trading price condition (each, as described in the Indenture) or upon the occurrence of certain events (including the occurrence of a Fundamental Change, Make-Whole Fundamental Change or Common Stock Change Event (each as defined in the Indenture). From and after October 15, 2029, holders of the 2030 Notes may convert their 2030 Notes at any time at their election until the close of business on the second scheduled trading day immediately before the maturity date. The Company will settle conversions by paying or delivering, as applicable, cash, shares of its Common Stock or a combination of cash and shares of its Common Stock, at the Company’s election, based on the applicable conversion rate(s).

 

The 2030 Notes will be redeemable, in whole or in part (subject to certain limitations described in the Indenture), at the Company’s option at any time, and from time to time, on or after January 15, 2027 and on or before the 40th scheduled trading day immediately before the maturity date, at a cash redemption price equal to the principal amount of the 2030 Notes to be redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the redemption date, but only if the last reported sale price per share of the 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 it sends such notice.

 

In addition, the 2030 Notes will be redeemable, in whole or in part, at the Company’s option at any time, and from time to time, on or before the 40th scheduled trading day immediately before the maturity date, at a cash redemption price equal to the principal amount of the 2030 Notes to be redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the redemption date (subject to the right of a holder of 2030 Notes as of the close of business on a record date to receive the related interest payment on the corresponding interest payment date), if the “Specified Divestiture” (as defined in the Indenture) is completed.

 

 

 

 

Calling any 2030 Note for redemption will constitute a “Make-Whole Fundamental Change” (as defined in the Indenture) with respect to that 2030 Note, in which case the conversion rate applicable to the conversion of that 2030 Note will be increased in certain circumstances if it is converted after it is called for redemption.

 

In addition, if the Specified Divestiture is completed, then unless the Company has previously elected to redeem all of the 2030 Notes, each holder of 2030 Notes will have the right to require the Company to repurchase its 2030 Notes for cash on a date of the Company’s choosing, which must be a business day that is no more than 35, nor less than 20, business days after the date the Company’s sends the related notice of Specified Divestiture. The repurchase price for a note tendered for such repurchase will be equal to the principal amount of the 2030 Notes to be repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the repurchase date (subject to the right of a holder of 2030 Notes as of the close of business on a record date to receive the related interest payment on the corresponding interest payment date).

 

Moreover, if the Company undergoes a fundamental change, as described in the Indenture, holders of the 2030 Notes may require the Company to repurchase for cash all or part of their 2030 Notes at a repurchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 2030 Notes to be repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the required repurchase date.

 

Additionally, the 2030 Notes are subject to customary events of default. The 2030 Notes do not restrict the Company’s ability to incur debt or liens. No sinking fund is provided for the 2030 Notes. There are no guarantors of the 2030 Notes.

 

The foregoing description of the Indenture and the 2030 Notes does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Indenture (including the form of 2030 Note included therein), filed as an exhibit hereto and incorporated by reference herein.

 

The 2030 Notes, the Exchange Shares and the shares of the Common Stock, if any, issuable upon conversion of the 2030 Notes have not been and will not be registered under the Securities Act, or any applicable state securities laws. The 2030 Notes, the Exchange Shares and the shares of the Common Stock, if any, issuable upon conversion of the 2030 Notes may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act.

 

This Current Report on Form 8-K is not an offer to sell any securities of the Company and is not soliciting an offer to buy such securities in any state where such offer and sale is not permitted.

 

Supplemental Indenture to the 2026 Notes Indenture

 

Pursuant to the terms of the Exchange Agreements governing the Exchanges, Noteholders of the 2026 Notes party thereto provided their consent to certain proposed amendments to the Indenture, dated as of December 5, 2023 (the “2026 Notes Indenture”), by and between the Company and Computershare Trust Company, N.A., as trustee (the “2026 Notes Indenture Trustee”). In connection with the Exchanges, the Company and the 2026 Notes Indenture Trustee entered into a first supplemental indenture, dated as of December 23, 2024 (the “Supplemental Indenture”), to the 2026 Notes Indenture. The Supplemental Indenture amends the 2026 Notes Indenture to eliminate certain restrictive covenants in the 2026 Notes Indenture that limit the Company’s ability and the ability of our subsidiaries to, among other things: (i) incur or guarantee additional indebtedness or issue disqualified stock; and (ii) create or incur liens.

 

The foregoing description of the Supplemental Indenture is only a summary and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Supplemental Indenture, which is filed as Exhibit 4.3 hereto and is incorporated by reference herein.

 

 

 

 

Registered Direct Offering

 

Concurrently with the closing of the Exchanges, on December 23, 2024, the Company issued an aggregate of 1,036,458 shares of Common Stock, at a purchase price of $33.97 per share, in a registered direct offering (the “Registered Direct Offering”). The Registered Direct Offering was made pursuant to an automatic shelf registration statement on Form S-3ASR (Registration File No. 333-283905). The Registered Direct Offering closed on December 23, 2024.

 

Raymond James and Associates, Inc. acted as the sole placement agent (the “Placement Agent”) for the Company in connection with the Registered Direct Offering. Pursuant to that certain Placement Agency Agreement, dated as of December 18, 2024, between the Company and the Placement Agent, the Placement Agent is entitled to a fee equal to an aggregate of 3% of the aggregate principal amount of the Registered Direct Offering.

 

The Registered Direct Offering generated proceeds of approximately $33.7 million, after deducting placement agent fees and other estimated offering expenses payable by us. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the Registered Direct Offering for general corporate purposes, which may include among other things, capital expenditures and working capital. The Company may also use such proceeds to fund acquisitions of businesses, technologies or product lines that complement its current business; however the Company has no present plans, agreements or commitments with respect to any potential acquisition.

 

The foregoing description of the Placement Agency Agreement is only a summary and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Placement Agency Agreement, which was filed as Exhibit 1.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 20, 2024, and such Placement Agency Agreement is incorporated by reference herein.

 

Item 1.02. Termination of a Material Definitive Agreement.

 

The information set forth under Item 1.01 of this Current Report on Form 8-K is incorporated by reference regarding the termination of $76.7 million of the 2026 Notes. Following the cancellation of $76.7 million of the 2026 Notes in connection with the Exchanges, $3.5 million in aggregate principal amount of the 2026 Notes remain outstanding.

 

Item 2.03 Creation of a Direct Financial Obligation or an Obligation under an Off-Balance Sheet Arrangement of a Registrant.

 

The information set forth under Item 1.01 of this Current Report on Form 8-K is incorporated by reference regarding the 2030 Notes.

 

Item 3.02. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities.

 

The information set forth under Item 1.01 of this Current Report on Form 8-K is incorporated herein by reference regarding the 2030 Notes and the Exchange Shares. Approximately 3,679,688 shares of Common Stock may be issued upon conversion of the 2030 Notes, based on an increase from the initial conversion rate of 23.0884 shares of Common Stock to the initial maximum conversion rate of 29.4375 per $1,000 principal amount of the 2030 Notes, if a “Make-Whole Fundamental Change” as described in the Indenture occurs, which additional amount is subject to customary anti-dilution adjustment provisions.

 

Item 7.01. Regulation FD Disclosure.

 

On December 23, 2024, the Company issued a press release announcing the consummation of the Registered Direct Offering and the Exchanges. The full text of the press release is attached as Exhibit 99.1 and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

In accordance with General Instruction B.2 of Form 8-K, the information in this Item 7.01 of this Current Report on Form 8-K, including Exhibit 99.1 shall not be deemed “filed” for the purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section, nor shall it be deemed incorporated by reference in any filing under the Exchange Act or the Securities Act, except as shall be expressly set forth by reference in such a filing.

 

 

 

 

Forward-Looking Information

 

This Current Report on Form 8-K contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as “believe,” “may,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “should,” “could,” “would,” “target,” “seek,” “aim,” “predicts,” “think,” “objectives,” “optimistic,” “new,” “goal,” “strategy,” “potential,” “is likely,” “will,” “expect,” “plan” “project,” “permit” or by other similar expressions that convey uncertainty of future events or outcomes. Such forward-looking statements reflect the views of management at the time such statements are made. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, as well as assumptions and current expectations, which could cause our actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to: reduction in the size or quantity of customer orders; change in demand for our products due to industry conditions; changes in manufacturing operations; volatility in manufacturing costs; delays in shipments of products; disruptions in the supply chain; change in the rate of design wins or the rate of customer acceptance of new products; our reliance on a small number of customers for a substantial portion of its revenues; potential pricing pressure; a decline in demand for our customers’ products or their rate of deployment of their products; general conditions in the internet datacenter, cable television (CATV) broadband, telecom, or fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) markets; changes in the world economy (particularly in the United States and China); changes in the regulation and taxation of international trade, including the imposition of tariffs; changes in currency exchange rates; the negative effects of seasonality; the impact of any pandemic or similar events on our business and financial results; and other risks and uncertainties described more fully in our documents filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 and our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2024, June 30, 2024 and September 30, 2024. More information about these and other risks that may impact our business are set forth in the “Risk Factors” section of our quarterly and annual reports on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You should not rely on forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. All forward-looking statements in this Current Report on Form 8-K are based upon information available to us as of the date hereof, and qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. Except as required by law, we assume no obligation to update forward-looking statements for any reason after the date of this Current Report on Form 8-K to conform these statements to actual results or to changes in our expectations.

 

Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits.

 

(d) Exhibits.

 

Exhibit No.   Description
1.1   Placement Agency Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 20, 2024).
     
4.1   Indenture, dated as of December 23, 2024, between Applied Optoelectronics, Inc. and Computershare Trust Company, N.A., as Trustee.
     
4.2   Form of 2.750% Convertible Senior Note due 2030 (included as an exhibit to Exhibit 4.1).
     
4.3   First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of December 23, 2024 between Applied Optoelectronics, Inc. and Computershare Trust Company, N.A., as Trustee.
     
10.1*   Form of Exchange Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 20, 2024).
     
99.1   Press Release of Applied Optoelectronics, Inc. dated December 23, 2024.
     
104  

Cover Page Interactive File (the cover page tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document).

 

* Certain schedules and exhibits to this agreement have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(a)(5) of Regulation S-K. A copy of any omitted schedule or exhibit will be furnished supplementally to the SEC or its staff upon request.

     

 

 

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

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

 

  APPLIED OPTOELECTRONICS, INC.
   
Date: December 23, 2024 By: /s/ David C. Kuo
  Name: David C. Kuo
  Title: Senior Vice President and Chief Legal Officer

 

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 4.1

 

Execution Version

 

  

 

APPLIED OPTOELECTRONICS, INC.,

 

and

 

COMPUTERSHARE TRUST COMPANY, N.A.

 

as Trustee

 

 

 

INDENTURE

 

Dated as of December 23, 2024

 

 

 

2.750% 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, Redeemed or Repurchased 24
Section 2.12. Removal of Transfer Restrictions 25
Section 2.13. Replacement Notes 26
Section 2.14. Registered Holders; Certain Rights with Respect to Global Notes 26
Section 2.15. Cancellation 26
Section 2.16. Notes Held by the Company or its Affiliates 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. Additional Interest 29
Section 3.04. Compliance and Default Certificates 30
Section 3.05. Stay, Extension and Usury Laws 30
Section 3.06. Corporate Existence 31
Section 3.07. Restriction on Acquisition of Notes by the Company and its Affiliates 31
Section 3.08. Further Instruments and Acts 31
     
Article 4. Repurchase and Redemption 31
                                 
Section 4.01. No Sinking Fund 31
Section 4.02. Right of Holders to Require the Company to Repurchase Notes upon a Fundamental Change 31

 

- i -

 

 

Section 4.03. Right of Holders to Require the Company to Repurchase Notes upon a Specified Divestiture 35
Section 4.04. Right of the Company to Redeem the Notes 39
     
Article 5. Conversion 42
     
Section 5.01. Right to Convert 42
Section 5.02. Conversion Procedures 46
Section 5.03. Settlement upon Conversion 48
Section 5.04. Reserve and Status of Common Stock Issued upon Conversion 51
Section 5.05. Adjustments to the Conversion Rate 51
Section 5.06. Voluntary Adjustments 61
Section 5.07. Adjustments to the Conversion Rate in Connection with a Make-Whole Fundamental Change 62
Section 5.08. Restriction on Conversions 63
Section 5.09. Effect of Common Stock Change Event 63
Section 5.10. Adjustments of Prices 65
Section 5.11. Responsibility of Trustee and Conversion Agent 65
     
Article 6. Successors 66
     
Section 6.01. When the Company May Merge, Etc. 66
Section 6.02. Successor Corporation Substituted 67
     
Article 7. Defaults and Remedies 67
     
Section 7.01. Events of Default 67
Section 7.02. Acceleration 69
Section 7.03. Sole Remedy for a Failure to Report 69
Section 7.04. Other Remedies 70
Section 7.05. Waiver of Past Defaults 71
Section 7.06. Control by Majority 71
Section 7.07. Limitation on Suits 71
Section 7.08. Absolute Right of Holders to Institute Suit for the Enforcement of the Right to Receive Payment and Conversion Consideration 72
Section 7.09. Collection Suit by Trustee 72
Section 7.10. Trustee May File Proofs of Claim 72
Section 7.11. Priorities 73
Section 7.12. Undertaking for Costs 73
     
Article 8. Amendments, Supplements and Waivers 74
       
Section 8.01. Without the Consent of Holders 74
Section 8.02. With the Consent of Holders 75
Section 8.03. Notice of Amendments, Supplements and Waivers 76
Section 8.04. Revocation, Effect and Solicitation of Consents; Special Record Dates; Etc. 76
Section 8.05. Notations and Exchanges 76
Section 8.06. Trustee to Execute Supplemental Indentures 77

 

- ii -

 

 

Article 9. [RESERVED] 77
       
Article 10. Satisfaction and Discharge; Defeasance of Certain Covenants 77
     
Section 10.01. Termination of Company’s Obligations 77
Section 10.02. Repayment to Company 78
Section 10.03. Reinstatement 78
Section 10.04. Defeasance of Restrictive Covenants 78
     
Article 11. Trustee 79
     
Section 11.01. Duties of the Trustee 80
Section 11.02. Rights of the Trustee 81
Section 11.03. Individual Rights of the Trustee 82
Section 11.04. Trustee’s Disclaimer 82
Section 11.05. Notice of Defaults 82
Section 11.06. Compensation and Indemnity 82
Section 11.07. Replacement of the Trustee 83
Section 11.08. Successor Trustee by Merger, Etc. 84
Section 11.09. Eligibility; Disqualification 84
     
Article 12. Miscellaneous 85
     
Section 12.01. Notices 85
Section 12.02. Delivery of Officer’s Certificate and Opinion of Counsel as to Conditions Precedent 86
Section 12.03. Statements Required in Officer’s Certificate and Opinion of Counsel 87
Section 12.04. Rules by the Trustee, the Registrar and the Paying Agent 87
Section 12.05. No Personal Liability of Directors, Officers, Employees and Stockholders 87
Section 12.06. Governing Law; Waiver of Jury Trial 87
Section 12.07. Submission to Jurisdiction 88
Section 12.08. No Adverse Interpretation of Other Agreements 88
Section 12.09. Successors 88
Section 12.10. Force Majeure 88
Section 12.11. U.S.A. PATRIOT Act 88
Section 12.12. Calculations 89
Section 12.13. Severability 89
Section 12.14. Counterparts 89
Section 12.15. Table of Contents, Headings, Etc. 90
Section 12.16. Withholding Taxes 90

 

Exhibits  
   
Exhibit A: Form of Note    A-1
Exhibit B-1: Form of Restricted Note Legend      B1-1
Exhibit B-2: Form of Global Note Legend      B2-1
Exhibit B-3: Form of Non-Affiliate Legend      B3-1

 

- iii -

 

 

INDENTURE, dated as of December 23, 2024, between Applied Optoelectronics, Inc., a Delaware corporation, as issuer (the “Company”) and Computershare Trust Company, N.A., 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 2.750% 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 3.03.

 

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

 

Authorized Denomination” means, with respect to a Note, a principal amount thereof equal to a minimum of $1,000 or equal to 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.

 

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.

 

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 in the definition of “Trading Price.”

 

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

 

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

 

Cash Settlement” shall have the meaning specified in Section 5.03(A).

 

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

 

Combination Settlement” shall have the meaning specified in Section 5.03(A).

 

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

 

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

 

- 1 -

 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Conversion Rate” initially means 23.0884 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” of the Trustee means the corporate trust office of the Trustee, which office at the date hereof is located at the address set forth in Section 12.01, except with respect to payments on, or registrations of transfers of or exchanges of, the Notes, in which case such office of the Trustee will be its corporate trust office in New York, New York, or such other address as the Trustee may designate from time to time by notice to the Holders and the Company, or the corporate trust office of any successor Trustee (or such other address as a successor Trustee may designate from time to time by notice to the Holders and the Company).

 

Covenant Defeasance” means any defeasance pursuant to, and subject to the terms of, Section 10.04.

 

Daily Conversion Value” means, for each of the 40 consecutive Trading Days during the Observation Period, 2.5% of the product of (a) the Conversion Rate on such Trading Day and (b) the Daily VWAP for such Trading Day.

 

Daily Measurement Value” means the Specified Dollar Amount (if any), divided by 40.

 

Daily Settlement Amount” means, a settlement amount for each of the 40 consecutive Trading Days during the Observation Period, consisting of:

 

(a) cash in an amount equal to the lesser of (i) the Daily Measurement Value and (ii) the Daily Conversion Value on such Trading Day; and

 

(b) if the Daily Conversion Value on such Trading Day exceeds the Daily Measurement Value, a number of shares of Common Stock equal to (i) the difference between the Daily Conversion Value and the Daily Measurement Value, divided by (ii) the Daily VWAP for such Trading Day.

 

- 2 -

 

 

Daily VWAP” means, for each of the 40 consecutive Trading Days during the relevant Observation Period, the per share volume-weighted average price as displayed under the heading “Bloomberg VWAP” on Bloomberg page “AAOI<equity> AQR” (or its equivalent successor if such page is not available) in respect of the period from the scheduled open of trading until the scheduled close of trading of the primary trading session on such Trading Day (or if such volume-weighted average price is unavailable, the market value of one share of the Common Stock on such Trading Day determined, using a volume-weighted average method, by a nationally recognized independent investment banking firm retained for this purpose by the Company). The “Daily VWAP” shall be determined without regard to after-hours trading or any other trading outside of the regular trading session trading hours.

 

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 by sending notice of the new Default Settlement Method to the Holders, the Trustee and the Conversion Agent (if other than the Trustee) (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 transaction involving a Global Note or any beneficial interest therein, the rules and procedures of the Depositary applicable to such conversion, transfer, exchange or transaction.

 

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

 

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

 

Exchange Agreements” means those certain Exchange Agreements, dated December 18, 2024, between the Company and each of the parties set forth therein.

 

- 3 -

 

 

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 the occurrence of any of the following events at any time after the Issue Date and prior to the Maturity Date:

 

(A)           a “person” or “group” (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act), other than the Company or its Wholly Owned Subsidiaries, and the employee benefit plans of the Company or its Wholly Owned Subsidiaries, becomes, and files a Schedule TO (or any successor schedule, form or report) or any other schedule, form or report under the Exchange Act disclosing that such “person” or “group” has become, the direct or indirect “beneficial owner” (as defined below) of shares of the Company’s common equity representing more than fifty percent (50%) of the voting power of all of the Company’s then-outstanding common equity; provided, however, that no “person” or “group” will be deemed to be the beneficial owner of any securities tendered pursuant to a tender or exchange offer made by or on behalf of such “person” or “group” until such tendered securities are accepted for purchase or exchange in such offer;

 

(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; 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

 

- 4 -

 

 

(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 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 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” and whether shares are “beneficially owned” 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).

 

GAAP” means generally accepted accounting principles in the United States as in effect from time to time.

 

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.

 

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Hedging Obligations” means, with respect to any specified Person, the obligations of such Person under:

 

(A)           interest rate swap agreements (whether from fixed to floating or from floating to fixed), interest rate cap agreements and interest rate collar agreements;

 

(B)           other agreements or arrangements designed to manage interest rates or interest rate risk; and

 

(C)           other agreements or arrangements designed to protect such person against fluctuations in currency exchange rates or commodity prices.

 

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

 

Indebtedness” means, with respect to any specified Person, any indebtedness of such Person (excluding accrued expenses and trade payables), whether or not contingent:

 

(A)            in respect of borrowed money;

 

(B)           evidenced by or issued in exchange for bonds, notes, debentures or similar instruments or letters of credit (or reimbursement agreements in respect thereof);

 

(C)            in respect of banker’s acceptances;

 

(D)            representing capital lease obligations;

 

(E)            representing the balance deferred and unpaid of the purchase price of any property or services due more than six months after such property is acquired or such services are completed; or

 

(F)            representing any Hedging Obligations,

 

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

 

Interest Payment Date” means, with respect to a Note, each January 15 and July 15 of each year, commencing on July 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 23, 2024.

 

Last Original Issue Date” means (A) with respect to any Notes issued pursuant to the Exchange Agreements, and any Notes issued in exchange therefor or in substitution thereof, the Issue Date; and (B) with respect to any additional Notes issued pursuant to Section 2.03(B), and any Notes issued in exchange therefor or in substitution thereof, either (i) the date such additional Notes are originally issued; or (ii) such other date as is specified in an Officer’s Certificate delivered to the Trustee before the original issuance of such additional Notes.

 

- 6 -

 

 

Last Reported Sale Price” of the Common Stock for any Trading Day means the closing sale price per share (or, if no closing sale price is reported, the average of the last bid price and the last ask price per share or, if more than one in either case, the average of the average last bid prices and the average last ask prices per share) of Common Stock on such Trading Day as reported in composite transactions for the principal U.S. national or regional securities exchange on which the Common Stock is then listed. If the Common Stock is not listed on a U.S. national or regional securities exchange on such Trading Day, then the Last Reported Sale Price will be the last quoted bid price per share of Common Stock on such Trading Day in the over-the-counter market as reported by OTC Markets Group Inc. or a similar organization. If the Common Stock is not so quoted on such Trading Day, then the Last Reported Sale Price will be the average of the mid-point of the last bid price and the last ask price per share of Common Stock on such Trading Day from each of at least three (3) nationally recognized independent investment banking firms selected by the Company. Neither the Trustee nor the Conversion Agent will have any duty to determine the Last Reported Sale Price.

 

Lien” means, with respect to any asset, any mortgage, lien, pledge, charge, security interest or encumbrance of any kind in respect of such asset, whether or not filed, recorded or otherwise perfected under applicable law, including any conditional sale or other title retention agreement, any lease in the nature thereof, any option or other agreement to sell or give a security interest in and any filing of or agreement to give any financing statement under the Uniform Commercial Code (or equivalent statutes) of any jurisdiction.

 

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 the definition thereof); or (B) the sending of a Redemption Notice pursuant to Section 4.04(G); provided, however, that, subject to Section 4.04(J), the sending of a Redemption Notice will constitute a Make-Whole Fundamental Change only with respect to the Notes called for Redemption pursuant to such Redemption Notice and not with respect to any other Notes.

 

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, 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 Business Day immediately before the related Redemption Date;

 

provided, however, that if the Conversion Date for the conversion of a Note 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 occurring 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.

 

- 7 -

 

 

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

 

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

 

Maturity Date” means January 15, 2030.

 

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

 

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

 

Notes” means the 2.750% Convertible Senior Notes due 2030 issued by the Company pursuant to this Indenture.

 

Obligations” means any principal, interest, penalties, fees, indemnifications, reimbursements, damages and other liabilities payable under the documentation governing any Indebtedness.

 

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 on or before 45th Scheduled Trading Day immediately before the Maturity Date, the 40 consecutive Trading Days beginning on, and including, the second Trading Day immediately after such Conversion Date; (B) if such Conversion Date occurs on or after the date the Company has sent a Redemption Notice and to the Close of Business on the second Scheduled Trading Day immediately preceding the related Redemption Date, the 40 consecutive Trading Days beginning on, and including, the 41st Scheduled Trading Day immediately preceding such Redemption Date; and (C) subject to clause (B) above, if such Conversion Date occurs after the 45th Scheduled Trading Day immediately before the Maturity Date, the 40 consecutive Trading Days beginning on, and including, the 41st scheduled Trading Day immediately before the Maturity Date.

 

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

 

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Officer’s Certificatemeans a certificate that is signed on behalf of the Company by one (1) of its Officers and that meets the requirements of Section 12.03.

 

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 12.03, 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.

 

Physical Settlement” shall have the meaning specified in Section 5.03(A).

 

Redemption” means the repurchase of any Note by the Company pursuant to Section 4.04.

 

Redemption Date” means the date fixed for 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 4.04(G).

 

Redemption Price” means the cash price payable by the Company to redeem any Note upon its Redemption, calculated pursuant to Section 4.04(F).

 

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

 

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

 

Responsible Officer” when used with respect to the Trustee means (A) any officer of the Trustee within the corporate trust department, including any Vice President, assistant secretary, assistant treasurer, trust officer, assistant trust officer or assistant controller assigned to the Corporate Trust Office, 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 of the Trustee to whom such matter is referred because of his or her knowledge of, and familiarity with, the particular subject, and, in each case, who will have direct responsibility for the administration of this Indenture.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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 such 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.

 

- 10 -

 

 

Specified Dollar Amount” means the maximum cash amount per $1,000 principal amount of Notes to be received upon conversion as specified in any written notice of the Settlement Method related to any converted Notes.

 

Specified Divestiture” means the completion of any divestiture by the Company of (x) one or more of its manufacturing facilities located in the People’s Republic of China and/or (y) significant assets located in the People’s Republic of China which relate to the Company’s transceiver business and multi-channel optical sub-assembly products (or any substantially related assets), for aggregate consideration in cash to the Company of not less than the U.S. Dollar-equivalent of $150,000,000 (measured at the time of completion).

 

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

 

Specified Divestiture Repurchase Notice” means a notice (including a notice substantially in the form of the “Specified Divestiture Repurchase Notice” set forth in Exhibit A) containing the information, or otherwise complying with the requirements, set forth in Section 4.03(F)(i) and Section 4.03(F)(ii).

 

Specified Divestiture Repurchase Price” means the cash price payable by the Company to repurchase any Note upon its Repurchase Upon Specified Divestiture, calculated pursuant to Section 4.03(D).

 

Stated Maturity” means, with respect to any installment of interest or principal on any series of Indebtedness, the date on which the payment of interest or principal was scheduled to be paid in the documentation governing such Indebtedness as of the first date it was incurred in compliance with the terms of this Indenture, and will not include any contingent obligations to repay, redeem or repurchase any such interest or principal prior to the date originally scheduled for the payment thereof.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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.

 

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

 

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Section 1.02.     Other Definitions.

 

Term   Defined in
Section
“Additional Shares”  5.07(A)
“Business Combination Event”  6.01(A)
“Certain Distributions Conversion Period End Date”  Section 5.03(C)(i)(3)
“Certain Distributions Notification”  Section 5.01(C)(i)(3)
“Common Stock Change Event”  5.09(A)
“Conversion Agent”  2.06(A)
“Conversion Consideration”  5.03(A)
“Default Interest”  2.05(B)
“Defaulted Amount”  2.05(B)
“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)
“Paying Agent”  2.06(A)
“Redemption Notice”  4.04(G)
“Reference Price”  5.07(A)(ii)
“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”  12.07
“Specified Divestiture Notice”  Section 4.03(E)
“Specified Divestiture Repurchase Right”  4.03(A)
“Spin-Off”  5.05(A)(iii)(2)
“Spin-Off Valuation Period”  5.05(A)(iii)(2)
“Stated Interest”  2.05(A)
“Successor Corporation”  6.01(A)
“Successor Person”  5.09(A)
“Tender/Exchange Offer Valuation Period”  5.05(A)(v)

 

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;

 

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(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 issued pursuant to the Exchange Agreements on the Issue Date shall not bear the legends set forth in Section 2.09(c). 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.

 

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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 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) manually signs the certificate of authentication of such Note.

 

(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 one hundred twenty five million dollars ($125,000,000) 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. The Company may, subject to the provisions of this Indenture (including Section 2.02), originally issue additional Notes with the same terms as the initial Notes (except, to the extent applicable, with respect to the date as of which interest begins to accrue on such additional Notes and the first Interest Payment Date and the Last Original Issue Date of such additional Notes), which additional Notes will, subject to the foregoing, be considered to be part of the same series of, and rank equally and ratably with all other, Notes issued under this Indenture; provided, however, that if any such additional Notes are not fungible with other Notes issued under this Indenture for federal income tax or federal securities laws purposes, then such additional Notes will be identified by a separate CUSIP number or by no CUSIP number.

 

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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, repurchase on a Fundamental Change Repurchase Date, repurchase on a Specified Divestiture Repurchase Date or otherwise) of, interest on, and any cash Conversion Consideration for, any Global Note to the Depositary by wire transfer of immediately available funds no later than the time the same is due as provided in this Indenture.

 

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

 

Section 2.05.     Accrual of Interest; Defaulted Amounts; When Payment Date is Not a Business Day.

 

(A)            Accrual of Interest. Each Note will accrue interest at a rate per annum equal to 2.750% (the “Stated Interest”), plus any Additional Interest and Special Interest that may accrue pursuant to Sections 3.03 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), 4.04(F) 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 and, for partial months, on the basis of the number of days actually elapsed in a 30-day month.

 

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(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. Neither the Trustee nor the Conversion Agent will have any duty to determine whether any Defaulted Amount or Default Interest is payable or the amount thereof.

 

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

 

Section 2.06.     Registrar, Paying Agent and Conversion Agent.

 

(A)          Generally. The Company will maintain (i) an office or agency in the continental United States where Notes may be presented for registration of transfer or for exchange (the “Registrar”); (ii) an office or agency in the continental United States where Notes may be presented for payment (the “Paying Agent”); and (iii) an office or agency in the continental United States where Notes may be presented for conversion (the “Conversion Agent”). If the Company fails to maintain a Registrar, Paying Agent or Conversion Agent, then the Trustee will act as such. For the avoidance of doubt, the Company or any of its Subsidiaries may act as Registrar, Paying Agent or Conversion Agent.

 

(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.

 

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

 

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

 

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 in clause (x) or (xi) 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.

 

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Section 2.09.     Legends.

 

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

 

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

 

(C)            Restricted Note Legend. The Notes issued pursuant to the Exchange Agreements on the Issue Date shall not bear the 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, 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)            Acknowledgement 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 acknowledgement 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.

 

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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 and the Registrar will record each such transfer or exchange 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 Guarantors, 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 Guarantors, 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 Sections 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)            The Trustee will have no obligation or duty to monitor, determine or inquire as to compliance with any transfer restrictions imposed under this Indenture or applicable law with respect to any Security (including any transfers of any interest in a Global Note between or among Depositary Participants, members or beneficial owners of any such interest), 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 express requirements of this Indenture.

 

(vi)            The Trustee will have no responsibility or obligation to any beneficial owner of any interest in a Global Note, a Depositary Participant or any other Person with respect to the accuracy of the records of the Depositary or its nominee or of any Depositary Participant or member thereof, with respect to any ownership interest in the Notes or with respect to the delivery to any Depositary Participant, member, beneficial owner or other Person (other than the Depositary or any Holder) of any notice or the payment of any amount, under or with respect to the Notes. All notices and communications to be given to the Holders and all payments to be made to the Holders under the Notes and this Indenture will be given or made only to the registered Holders (which will be the Depositary or its nominee in the case of a Global Note). The rights of beneficial owners of any interest in a Global Note will be exercised only through the Depositary Procedures. The Trustee may rely and will be fully protected in relying on information furnished by the Depositary with respect to its members, participants and any beneficial owners.

 

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

 

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(viii)        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.

 

(ix)           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 a Physical Note is identified by a “restricted” CUSIP number, an exchange effected for the sole purpose of causing such Global Note or a 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);

 

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(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 are in Authorized Denominations (not to exceed, in the aggregate, the principal amount of such Global Note to be so exchanged), are registered in such name(s) as the Depositary specifies (or as otherwise determined pursuant to customary procedures) and 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;

 

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(2)            if such old Physical Note is to be 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 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.

 

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(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 Guarantors, the Trustee and the Registrar may refuse to effect such identification, removal or transfer, as applicable, unless there is delivered to the Company, the Guarantors, the Trustee and the Registrar such certificates or other documentation or evidence as the Company, the Guarantors, 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 Guarantors, 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; (iii) is subject to a Specified Divestiture Repurchase Notice validly delivered, and not withdrawn, pursuant to Section 4.03(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 Specified Divestiture Repurchase Price when due or (iv) 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, Redeemed or Repurchased.

 

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

 

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(B)            Cancellation of Converted, Redeemed and Repurchased Notes.

 

(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 repurchased pursuant to a Repurchase Upon Specified Divestiture 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, Redemption or repurchase, the Company will issue, execute and deliver to such Holder, and the Trustee will authenticate, in each case in accordance with Section 2.02, one or more Physical Notes that (x) are in Authorized Denominations and have an aggregate principal amount equal to the principal amount of such Physical Note that is not to be so converted, redeemed or repurchased; (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 repurchased pursuant to a Repurchase Upon Specified Divestiture or Redemption, then, promptly after the time such Note (or such portion) is deemed to cease to be outstanding pursuant to Section 2.18, the Trustee will reflect a decrease of the principal amount of such Global Note in an amount equal to the principal amount of such Global Note to be so converted, redeemed or repurchased, as applicable, by notation on the “Schedule of Exchanges of Interests in the Global Note” forming part of such Global Note (and, if the principal amount of such Global Note is zero following such notation, cancel such Global Note pursuant to Section 2.15).

 

Section 2.12.     Removal of Transfer Restrictions.

 

Without limiting the generality of any other provision of this Indenture (including Section 3.03), 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 the Trustee may conclusively rely on such notice with respect thereto (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 3.03 and the definition of Freely Tradable, such Global Note will not be deemed to be identified by “unrestricted” CUSIP and ISIN numbers until such time as such exchange or procedure is effected.

 

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Section 2.13.     Replacement Notes.

 

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

 

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

 

Section 2.14.     Registered Holders; Certain Rights with Respect to Global Notes.

 

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

 

Section 2.15.     Cancellation.

 

Without limiting the generality of Section 3.07, 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.

 

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Section 2.16.     Notes Held by the Company or its Affiliates.

 

Without limiting the generality of Section 3.07, 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 actually 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 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, a Specified Divestiture Repurchase Date or the Maturity Date, the Paying Agent holds money sufficient to pay the aggregate Redemption Price, Fundamental Change Repurchase Price, Specified Divestiture Repurchase Price or principal amount, respectively, together, in each case, with the aggregate interest, in each case due on such date, then (unless there occurs a Default in the payment of any such amount) (i) the Notes (or portions thereof) to be redeemed or repurchased, or that mature, on such date will be deemed, as of such date, to cease to be outstanding, except to the extent provided in Section 4.02(D), Section 4.03(D), Section 4.04(F) or Section 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, Specified Divestiture 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.

 

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(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(A) 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).

 

(E)           Cessation of Accrual of Interest. Except as provided in Sections 4.02(D), Section 4.03(D), Section 4.04(F) 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 in writing 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, Specified Divestiture 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 12:00 P.M., New York City time, on each Redemption Date, Fundamental Change Repurchase Date, Specified Divestiture 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.

 

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Section 3.02.     Exchange Act Reports.

 

(A)          Generally. The Company will send to the Trustee copies of all reports that the Company is required to file with or furnish to 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 monitor or determine, on a continuing basis or otherwise, whether the Company has filed or furnished any material on any website or via the EDGAR system (or such successor). The sending, filing or furnishing of reports to the Trustee pursuant to Section 3.02(A) is for informational purposes only and the Trustee’s receipt of the foregoing 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 (as to which the Trustee is entitled to rely exclusively on Officer’s Certificates).

 

Section 3.03.     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 fifteenth (15th) day after the Free Trade Date of such Note.

 

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(B)           Amount and Payment of Additional Interest. Any Additional Interest that accrues on a Note pursuant to Section 3.03(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 Additional Interest accrues and, thereafter, at a rate per annum equal to one half of one percent (0.50%) of the principal amount thereof. 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 in addition to any Special Interest that accrues on such Note.

 

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

 

Section 3.04.     Compliance and Default Certificates.

 

(A)           Annual Compliance Certificate. Within one hundred and twenty (120) days after December 31, 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 deliver an Officer’s Certificate (which Officer’s Certificate will not be required to include such statements included in Section 12.03) to the Trustee describing the same and what action the Company is taking or proposes to take with respect thereto.

 

Section 3.05.     Stay, Extension and Usury Laws.

 

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

 

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Section 3.06.     Corporate Existence.

 

Subject to Article 6, the Company will do and cause to be done all actions necessary to preserve and keep in full force and effect its corporate existence in accordance with the organizational documents of the Company.

 

Section 3.07.     Restriction on Acquisition of Notes by the Company and its Affiliates.

 

The Company will promptly deliver to the Trustee for cancellation all Notes that the Company or any of its Subsidiaries have purchased or otherwise acquired. The Company will use commercially reasonable efforts to prevent any of its Affiliates from acquiring any Note (or any beneficial interest therein).

 

Section 3.08.     Further Instruments and Acts.

 

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

 

Article 4.     Repurchase and Redemption

 

Section 4.01.     No Sinking Fund.

 

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

 

Section 4.02.     Right of Holders to Require the Company to Repurchase Notes upon a Fundamental Change.

 

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

 

(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).

 

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(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 at of the Close of Business on the immediately preceding Regular Record Date; and (y) the Fundamental Change Repurchase Price will include interest on Notes to be repurchased from, and including, such Interest Payment Date.

 

(E)            Fundamental Change Notice. On or before the twentieth (20th) calendar day after the occurrence of a Fundamental Change, the Company will (x) send to each Holder, the Trustee and the Paying Agent a notice of such Fundamental Change (a “Fundamental Change Notice”) and (y) substantially contemporaneously therewith, issue a press release through such national newswire service as the Company then uses containing the information set forth in the Fundamental Change Notice.

 

Such Fundamental Change Notice must state:

 

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

 

(ii)            the effective date of such Fundamental Change;

 

(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));

 

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(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. At the Company’s written request, the Trustee will give such Fundamental Change Notice in the Company’s name and at the Company’s expense; provided, however, that, in all cases, the text of such Fundamental Change Notice will be prepared by the Company and delivered to the Trustee at least three (3) Business Days before such Fundamental Change Notice is required to be sent to Holders pursuant to this Section 4.02(E) (unless a shorter notice is agreed to by the Trustee), together with an Officer’s Certificate requesting that the Trustee give such Fundamental Change Notice.

 

(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.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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(G)           Payment of the Fundamental Change Repurchase Price. Without limiting the Company’s obligation to deposit the Fundamental Change Repurchase Price within the time proscribed by Section 3.01(B), the Company will cause the Fundamental Change Repurchase Price for a Note (or portion thereof) to be repurchased pursuant to a Repurchase Upon Fundamental Change to be paid to the Holder thereof on or before the later of (i) the applicable Fundamental Change Repurchase Date; and (ii) the date (x) such Note is delivered to the Paying Agent (in the case of a Physical Note) or (y) the Depositary Procedures relating to the repurchase, and the delivery to the Paying Agent, of such Holder’s beneficial interest in such Note to be repurchased are complied with (in the case of a Global Note). For the avoidance of doubt, interest payable pursuant to the proviso to 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)           Compliance with Applicable Securities Laws. To the extent applicable, the Company will comply with all federal and state securities laws in connection with a Repurchase Upon Fundamental Change (including complying with Rules 13e-4 and 14e-1 under the Exchange Act and filing any required Schedule TO, to the extent applicable) so as to permit effecting such Repurchase Upon Fundamental Change in the manner set forth in this Indenture.

 

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

 

Section 4.03.     Right of Holders to Require the Company to Repurchase Notes upon a Specified Divestiture.

 

(A)           Right of Holders to Require the Company to Repurchase Notes Upon a Specified Divestiture. Subject to the other terms of this Section 4.03, if a Specified Divestiture is completed, then unless the Company has previously elected to redeem all of the Notes pursuant to Section 4.04(B), each Holder will have the right (the “Specified Divestiture Repurchase Right”) to require the Company to repurchase such Holder’s Notes (or any portion thereof in an Authorized Denomination) on the Specified Divestiture Repurchase Date for such Specified Divestiture for a cash purchase price equal to the Specified Divestiture 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 Specified Divestiture Repurchase Date for a Repurchase Upon Specified Divestiture (including as a result of the payment of the related Specified Divestiture Repurchase Price, and any related interest pursuant to the proviso to Section 4.03(D), on such Specified Divestiture Repurchase Date), then (i) the Company may not repurchase any Notes pursuant to this Section 4.03; and (ii) the Company will cause any Notes theretofore surrendered for such Repurchase upon Specified Divestiture 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).

 

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(C)           Specified Divestiture Repurchase Date. The Specified Divestiture Repurchase Date in respect of a Specified Divestiture 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 Specified Divestiture Notice pursuant to Section 4.03(E).

 

(D)           Specified Divestiture Repurchase Price. The Specified Divestiture Repurchase Price for any Note to be repurchased upon a Repurchase Upon Specified Divestiture following a Specified Divestiture 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 Specified Divestiture Repurchase Date for such Specified Divestiture; provided, however, that if such Specified Divestiture 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 Specified Divestiture, 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 Specified Divestiture Repurchase Date is before such Interest Payment Date); and (ii) the Specified Divestiture Repurchase Price will not include accrued and unpaid interest on such Note to, but excluding, such Specified Divestiture 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 Specified Divestiture 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 at of the Close of Business on the immediately preceding Regular Record Date; and (y) the Specified Divestiture Repurchase Price will include interest on Notes to be repurchased from, and including, such Interest Payment Date.

 

(E)            Specified Divestiture Notice. On or before the twentieth (20th) calendar day after the occurrence of a Specified Divestiture (unless the Company has previously elected to redeem all of the Notes pursuant to Section 4.04(B)), the Company will (x) send to each Holder, the Trustee and the Paying Agent a notice of such Specified Divestiture (a “Specified Divestiture Notice”) and (y) substantially contemporaneously therewith, issue a press release through such national newswire service as the Company then uses containing the information set forth in the Specified Divestiture Notice.

 

Such Specified Divestiture Notice must state:

 

(i)            briefly, the events causing such Specified Divestiture;

 

(ii)            the effective date of such Specified Divestiture;

 

(iii)            the procedures that a Holder must follow to require the Company to repurchase its Notes pursuant to this Section 4.03, including the deadline for exercising the Specified Divestiture Repurchase Right and the procedures for submitting and withdrawing a Specified Divestiture Repurchase Notice;

 

(iv)          the Specified Divestiture Repurchase Date for such Specified Divestiture;

 

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(v)           the Specified Divestiture Repurchase Price per $1,000 principal amount of Notes for such Specified Divestiture (and, if such Specified Divestiture 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 4.03(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 Specified Divestiture Notice and a description and quantification of any adjustments to the Conversion Rate that may result from such Specified Divestiture (including pursuant to Section 5.07);

 

(viii)        that Notes for which a Specified Divestiture 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 Specified Divestiture Repurchase Price;

 

(ix)           that Notes (or any portion thereof) that are subject to a Specified Divestiture Repurchase Notice that has been duly tendered may be converted only if such Specified Divestiture 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 Specified Divestiture Notice nor any defect in a Specified Divestiture Notice will limit the Specified Divestiture Repurchase Right of any Holder or otherwise affect the validity of any proceedings relating to any Repurchase Upon Specified Divestiture. At the Company’s written request, the Trustee will give such Specified Divestiture Notice in the Company’s name and at the Company’s expense; provided, however, that, in all cases, the text of such Specified Divestiture Notice will be prepared by the Company and delivered to the Trustee at least three (3) Business Days before such Specified Divestiture Notice is required to be sent to Holders pursuant to this Section 4.03(E) (unless a shorter notice is agreed to by the Trustee), together with an Officer’s Certificate requesting that the Trustee give such Specified Divestiture Notice.

 

(F)            Procedures to Exercise the Specified Divestiture Repurchase Right.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

(ii)            Contents of Specified Divestiture Repurchase Notices. Each Specified Divestiture 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 Specified Divestiture Repurchase Right with respect to such principal amount of such Note;

 

provided, however, that if such Note is a Global Note, then such Specified Divestiture Repurchase Notice must comply with the Depositary Procedures (and any such Specified Divestiture Repurchase Notice delivered in compliance with the Depositary Procedures will be deemed to satisfy the requirements of this Section 4.03(F).

 

(iii)            Withdrawal of Specified Divestiture Repurchase Notice. A Holder that has delivered a Specified Divestiture Repurchase Notice with respect to a Note may withdraw such Specified Divestiture 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 Specified Divestiture 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 Specified Divestiture 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 4.03(F)).

 

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

 

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(G)           Payment of the Specified Divestiture Repurchase Price. Without limiting the Company’s obligation to deposit the Specified Divestiture Repurchase Price within the time proscribed by Section 3.01(B), the Company will cause the Specified Divestiture Repurchase Price for a Note (or portion thereof) to be repurchased pursuant to a Repurchase Upon Specified Divestiture to be paid to the Holder thereof on or before the later of (i) the applicable Specified Divestiture 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 4.03(D) on any Note to be repurchased pursuant to a Repurchase Upon Specified Divestiture 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 4.03(G).

 

(H)           Compliance with Applicable Securities Laws. To the extent applicable, the Company will comply with all federal and state securities laws in connection with a Repurchase Upon Specified Divestiture (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 Specified Divestiture in the manner set forth in this Indenture.

 

(I)            Repurchase in Part. Subject to the terms of this Section 4.03, Notes may be repurchased pursuant to a Repurchase Upon Specified Divestiture in part, but only in Authorized Denominations. Provisions of this Section 4.03 applying to the repurchase of a Note in whole will equally apply to the repurchase of a permitted portion of a Note.

 

Section 4.04.     Right of the Company to Redeem the Notes.

 

(A)           No Right to Redeem Before January 15, 2027. Other than as set forth in Section 4.04(B), the Company may not redeem the Notes at its option at any time before January 15, 2027.

 

(B)           Right to Redeem the Notes following a Specified Divestiture. Subject to the terms of this Section 4.04, 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 after the Last Original Issue Date and on or before the 40th Scheduled Trading Day immediately before the Maturity Date, if the Specified Divestiture has been completed.

 

(C)           Right to Redeem the Notes on or After January 15, 2027. Subject to the terms of this Section 4.04, 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 January 15, 2027 and on or before the 40th Scheduled Trading Day immediately before the Maturity Date, for a cash purchase price equal to the Redemption Price, but only if the Last Reported Sale Price per share of Common Stock exceeds one hundred and thirty percent (130%) of the Conversion Price on (i) 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 (ii) the Trading Day immediately before such Redemption Notice Date.

 

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(D)           Redemption Constitutes a Make-Whole Fundamental Change; Redemption Prohibited in Certain Circumstances. For the avoidance of doubt, the calling of any Notes for Redemption under this Section 4.04 will constitute a Make-Whole Fundamental Change pursuant to clause (B) of the definition thereof with respect to that Note (subject to Section 4.04(J)).

 

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 4.04(F), on such Redemption Date), then (i) the Company may not call for Redemption or otherwise redeem any Notes pursuant to this Section 4.04; 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).

 

(E)            Redemption Date. The Redemption Date for any Redemption will be a Business Day of the Company’s choosing that is no more than sixty (60), nor less than fifty (50) Business Days after the Redemption Notice Date for such Redemption.

 

(F)            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 at 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.

 

(G)           Redemption Notice. To call any Notes for Redemption, the Company must (x) send to each Holder of such Notes, the Trustee and the Paying Agent a written notice of such Redemption (a “Redemption Notice”) and (y) substantially contemporaneously therewith, issue a press release through such national newswire service as the Company then uses containing the information set forth in the Redemption Notice.

 

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Such Redemption Notice must identify the Notes to be redeemed and will state:

 

(i)            that the Notes have been called for Redemption, briefly describing the Company’s Redemption right under this Indenture, including the paragraph of the Notes and/or Section of this Indenture pursuant to which the Notes called for redemption are being redeemed;

 

(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 4.04(F));

 

(iv)          if applicable, the occurrence of the completion of the Specified Divestiture;

 

(v)           if any Note is being redeemed in part, the portion of the principal amount of such Note to be redeemed and that, after the Redemption Date upon surrender of such Note, a new Note or Notes in a principal amount equal to the unredeemed portion of the original Note will be issued in the name of the Holder upon cancellation of the original Note;

 

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

 

(vii)         that, unless the Company defaults in making such redemption payment, interest on Notes called for redemption will cease to accrue on and after the Redemption Date and the only remaining right of the Holders of such Notes is to receive payment of the Redemption Price upon surrender to the Paying Agent of the Notes redeemed, in each case subject to Section 4.04(F);

 

(viii)        that Notes called for Redemption may be converted at any time before the Close of Business on the second (2nd) Scheduled Trading 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);

 

(ix)          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); and

 

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

 

At the Company’s written request, the Trustee will give such Redemption Notice in the Company’s name and at the Company’s expense; provided, however, that the Company will have delivered to the Trustee, at least five (5) Business Days before such Redemption Notice is required to be sent to Holders pursuant to this Section 4.04(G) (unless a shorter notice is agreed to by the Trustee), an Officer’s Certificate requesting that the Trustee give such Redemption Notice and setting forth the information to be stated in such Redemption Notice as provided in this Section 4.04(G)

 

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(H)            Selection, Conversion and Transfer 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, pro rata, by lot or by such other method the Company considers fair and appropriate; 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.

 

(I)            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 4.04(F) on any Note (or portion thereof) subject to Redemption must be paid pursuant to such proviso.

 

(J)            Special Provisions for Partial Calls. If the Company elects to redeem less than all of the outstanding Notes pursuant to this Section 4.04, then the Redemption will not constitute a Make-Whole Fundamental Change with respect to the Notes not called for Redemption, and Holders of the Notes not called for Redemption will not be entitled to an increased Conversion Rate for such Notes pursuant to Section 5.07; provided, however, that if the Company’s elects to redeem less than all of the outstanding Notes pursuant to this Section 4.04, 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 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 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 4.04 and Section 5.07.

 

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:

 

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(1)            Conversion upon Satisfaction of Common Stock Sale Price Condition. A Holder may convert its Notes during any calendar quarter commencing after the calendar quarter ending on March 31, 2025 (and only during such calendar quarter), 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. The Company shall determine at the beginning of each calendar quarter commencing after March 31, 2025 whether the Notes may be surrendered for conversion in accordance with this Section 5.01(C)(i) and shall notify the Holders, the Trustee and the Conversion Agent (if other than the Trustee) of the same.

 

(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 five (5) consecutive Trading Day period (such five (5) 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 in writing the Holders, the Trustee and the Conversion Agent of the same and the Company will instruct the institutions providing bids to deliver bids to the Bid Solicitation Agent. 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 in writing the Holders, the Trustee and the Conversion Agent (if other than the Trustee) of the same.

 

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(3)            Conversion Upon Specified Corporate Events.

 

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

 

(I)      distribute, to all or substantially all holders of Common Stock, any rights, options or warrants (other than 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, the Company shall notify in writing all Holders of the Notes, the Trustee and the Conversion Agent (if other than the Trustee) (such notification, the “Certain Distributions Notification”) (x) at least 45 Scheduled Trading Days before the Ex Dividend Date for such distribution or (y) if the Company is otherwise then permitted to elect Physical Settlement (and, for the avoidance of doubt, the Company has not selected another Settlement Method to apply), and in the Certain Distributions Notification the Company irrevocably elects Physical Settlement in respect of any conversions with Conversion Dates that occur on or after the date of delivery to the Holders of the Certain Distributions Notification until the Certain Distributions Conversion Period End Date, at least 10 Scheduled Trading Days, in either case, before the Ex-Dividend Date for such distribution. Once the Company has given such notice, a Holder may surrender all or any portion of its Notes for conversion at any time until the earlier of (1) the close of business on the Business Day immediately preceding the Ex-Dividend Date for such distribution and (2) the Company’s announcement that such distribution will not take place (such earlier date and time, the “Certain Distributions Conversion Period End Date”), in each case, even if the Notes are not otherwise convertible at such time.

 

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(b)Certain Corporate Events. If a Fundamental Change, Make-Whole Fundamental Change or Common Stock Change Event occurs, 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, to, but excluding, the related Fundamental Change Repurchase Date); provided, however, that if the Company does not provide the notice referred to in the immediately following sentence by such effective date, then the last day on which the Notes are convertible pursuant to this sentence will be extended by the number of Business Days from, and including, such effective date to, but excluding, the date the Company provides such notice. No later than such effective date, the Company will send written notice to the Holders, the Trustee and the Conversion Agent (if other than the Trustee) of such transaction or event, such effective date and the related right to convert Notes.

 

(4)            Conversion Upon Redemptions. If the Company calls any Note for Redemption, then the Holder of such Note called for Redemption may convert such Note at any time before the Close of Business on the second (2nd) Scheduled Trading 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 its option, in integral multiples of $1,000 principal amount, at any time from, and including, October 15, 2029, 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).

 

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

 

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

 

(5)            if a Specified Divestiture 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 Specified Divestiture Repurchase Price for such Note in accordance with this Indenture.

 

Section 5.02.     Conversion Procedures.

 

(A)            Generally.

 

(i)            Global Notes. To convert a beneficial interest in a Global Note, 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), or to process a conversion made outside of the Depositary, 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).

 

To convert all or a portion of a Physical Note or to process a conversion outside of the Depositary, the converting Holder shall also provide or cause to be provided to the Trustee and Conversion Agent (if other than the Trustee) all information necessary to allow the Trustee and Conversion agent (if other than the Trustee) to comply with any applicable tax reporting obligations. The Trustee and Conversion agent (if other than the Trustee) may rely on information provided to it and shall have no responsibility whatsoever to verify or ensure the accuracy of such information.

 

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(B)            Effect of Converting a Note. At the Close of Business on the Conversion Date for a Note (or any portion thereof), such Note (or such portion thereof) will 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 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 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 or Specified Divestiture Repurchase Date, as applicable, 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 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 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, at the direction of the Company, may refuse to deliver any such shares to be issued in a name other than that of such Holder.

 

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(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 as promptly as practicable 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 October 15, 2029 will be settled using the same Settlement Method, and the Company will send notice of such Settlement Method to Holders, the Trustee and the Conversion Agent no later than the Close of Business on the Scheduled Trading Day immediately before October 15, 2029;

 

(2)            subject to clause (3) below, if the Company elects a Settlement Method with respect to the conversion of any Note whose Conversion Date occurs before October 15, 2029, then the Company will send notice of such Settlement Method to the Holder of such Note, the Trustee and the Conversion Agent (if other than the Trustee) 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 4.04(G), 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) Trading Day before the related Redemption Date; and (2) if such Redemption Date occurs on or after October 15, 2029, then such Settlement Method must be the same Settlement Method that, pursuant to clause (1) above, applies to all conversions of Notes with a Conversion Date that occurs on or after October 15, 2029;

 

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(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, the Trustee and the Conversion Agent (if other than the Trustee) 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 Section 4.04(E), 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 notice of such exercise to the Holders (with a copy to the Trustee and the Conversion Agent (if other than the Trustee)), 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 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).

 

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(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) and Section 5.03(B)(iii), 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 of the 40 consecutive Trading Days during the related Observation Period; or

 

(3)            if Combination Settlement applies to such conversion, consideration consisting of the sum of the Daily Settlement Amounts for each of the 40 consecutive Trading Days during in the Observation Period for such conversion.

 

(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 conversion of any Note 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 Trading Day, the immediately preceding Trading Day), in the case of Physical Settlement; or (y) the Daily VWAP on the last 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.

 

(C)            Delivery of the Conversion Consideration. Except as set forth in Sections 5.05(A) and 5.05(C), 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 Physical Settlement applies to such conversion, on or before the second (2nd) Business Day immediately after the Conversion Date for such conversion and (ii) if Cash Settlement or Combination Settlement applies to such conversion, on the second (2nd) Business Day immediately after the last Trading Day of the Observation Period for such conversion.

 

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(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 any 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 but unissued and unreserved shares of Common Stock, 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.

 

(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 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 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:

 

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

 

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 the provisions set forth in Sections 5.05(A)(iii)(1) and 5.05(E) 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:

 

 

 

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where:

 

     
 CR0 =the Conversion Rate in effect immediately before the Open of Business on the Ex-Dividend Date for such distribution;
     
 CR1 =the Conversion Rate in effect immediately after the Open of Business on such Ex-Dividend Date;
     
OS =the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately before the Open of Business on such Ex-Dividend Date;

 

X =the total number of shares of Common Stock issuable pursuant to such rights, options or warrants; and

 

Y =a number of shares of Common Stock obtained by dividing (x) the aggregate price payable to exercise such rights, options or warrants by (y) the average of the Last Reported Sale Prices per share of Common Stock for the ten (10) consecutive Trading Days ending on, and including, the Trading Day immediately before the date such distribution is announced.

 

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

 

For purposes of this Section 5.05(A)(ii) and Section 5.01(C)(i)(3)(a), 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 Board of Directors.

 

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(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:

 

(v)            dividends, distributions, rights, options or warrants for which an adjustment to the Conversion Rate is required pursuant to Section 5.05(A)(i) or 5.05(A)(ii);

 

(w)           dividends or distributions paid exclusively in cash for which an adjustment to the Conversion Rate is required pursuant to Section 5.05(A)(iv);

 

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

 

(y)            Spin-Offs for which an adjustment to the Conversion Rate is required pursuant to Section 5.05(A)(iii)(2); 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 Board of Directors), as of such Ex-Dividend Date, of the shares of Capital Stock, evidences of indebtedness, assets, property, rights, options or warrants distributed per share of Common Stock pursuant to such distribution;

 

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

 

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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 interest, 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 a Common Stock Change Event, as to which Section 5.09 will apply), and such Capital Stock or equity interest is 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 Open of Business on the Ex-Dividend Date for such Spin-Off;
     
 CR1= the Conversion Rate in effect immediately after the Open of Business on such Ex-Dividend Date;

 

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, such Ex-Dividend Date (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.

 

The adjustment to the Conversion Rate pursuant to this Section 5.05(A)(iii)(2) will be calculated as of the Close of Business on the last Trading Day of the Spin-Off Valuation Period but will be given effect immediately after the Open of Business on the Ex-Dividend Date for the Spin-Off, with retroactive effect. If a Note is converted and the Conversion Date (in the case of Physical Settlement) or any Trading Day of the applicable Observation Period (in the case of Cash Settlement or Combination Settlement) occurs during the Spin-Off Valuation Period, then, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Indenture or the Notes, the Company will, if necessary, delay the settlement of such conversion until the second (2nd) Business Day after the last day of the Spin-Off Valuation Period.

 

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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, 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.

 

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

 

 

 

where:

 

CR0 =the Conversion Rate in effect immediately before the time (the “Expiration Time”) such tender or exchange offer expires;
     
 CR1 =the Conversion Rate in effect immediately after the Expiration Time;

 

AC =the aggregate value (determined as of the Expiration Time by the Board of Directors) of all cash and other consideration paid for shares of Common Stock purchased in such tender or exchange offer;
     
 OS0 =the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately before the Expiration Time (before giving effect to the purchase of 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. The adjustment to the Conversion Rate pursuant to this Section 5.05(A)(v) will be calculated as of the Close of Business on the last Trading Day of the Tender/Exchange Offer Valuation Period but will be given effect immediately after the Expiration Time, with retroactive effect. If a Note is converted and the Conversion Date (in the case of Physical Settlement) or any Trading Day of the applicable Observation Period (in the case of Cash Settlement or Combination Settlement) occurs on the Expiration Date or during the Tender/Exchange Offer Valuation Period, then, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Indenture or the Notes, the Company will, if necessary, delay the settlement of such conversion until the second (2nd) Business Day after the last day of the Tender/Exchange Offer Valuation Period.

 

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

 

(B)            No Adjustments in Certain Cases.

 

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

 

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(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)           a third party tender or exchange offer by any party, other than a tender or exchange offer described in Section 5.05(A)(v);

 

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

 

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

 

(8)           accrued and unpaid interest on the Notes.

 

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

 

(i)             a Note is to be converted;

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

then, solely for purposes of such conversion, the Company will, without duplication, give effect to such adjustment on such Conversion Date (in the case of Physical Settlement) or such 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.

 

(D)            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);

 

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

 

(iii)           the Conversion Date (in the case of Physical Settlement) or any Trading Day in the Observation Period (in the case of Combination Settlement) for such conversion 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 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) such Conversion Rate adjustment will not be given effect for such conversion (in the case of Physical Settlement) or for such Trading Day (in the case of Combination Settlement); and (y) the shares of Common Stock, if any, issuable upon such conversion (in the case of Physical Settlement) or issuable with respect to such Trading Day (in the case of Combination Settlement) based on such unadjusted Conversion Rate will be entitled to participate in such dividend or distribution.

 

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

 

(F)            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.

 

(G)            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), the Company will make proportionate adjustments, if any, to such calculations to account for any adjustment to the Conversion Rate or to calculate the Daily VWAP over an Observation Period pursuant to Section 5.05(A)(i) that becomes effective, or any event requiring such an adjustment to the Conversion Rate where the Ex-Dividend Date or effective date, as applicable, of such event occurs, at any time during such period or Observation Period, as applicable.

 

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(H)           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).

 

(I)            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).

 

(J)            Notice of Conversion Rate Adjustments. Upon the effectiveness of any adjustment to the Conversion Rate pursuant to Section 5.05(A), the Company will promptly send notice to the Holders, the Trustee and the Conversion Agent containing (i) a brief description of the transaction or other event on account of which such adjustment was made; (ii) the Conversion Rate in effect immediately after such adjustment; and (iii) the effective time of such adjustment. In the absence of such notice, the Trustee and the Conversion Agent may assume without inquiry that the Conversion Rate has not been adjusted and that the last Conversion Rate of which it has knowledge remains in effect.

 

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 this Section 5.06, then, at least five (5) Business Days before such increase, the Company will send notice to each Holder, the Trustee and the Conversion Agent of such increase, the amount thereof and the period during which such increase will be in effect. In the absence of such notice, the Trustee and the Conversion Agent may assume without inquiry that the Conversion Rate has not been adjusted and that the last Conversion Rate of which it has knowledge remains in effect.

 

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Section 5.07.         Adjustments to the Conversion Rate in Connection with a Make-Whole Fundamental Change.

 

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

 

Make-Whole
Fundamental
Change Effective
  Stock Price
Date   $33.97   $40.00   $43.31   $56.31   $75.00   $100.00   $150.00   $200.00   $250.00   $300.00   $350.00 
December 23, 2024  6.3491   4.8035   4.1806   2.6015   1.5021   0.8282   0.3141   0.1301   0.0501   0.0138   0.0000 
January 15, 2026  6.3491   4.8035   4.1806   2.5358   1.4084   0.7476   0.2691   0.1062   0.0379   0.0087   0.0000 
January 15, 2027  6.3491   4.8035   4.1496   2.3673   1.2377   0.6204   0.2077   0.0763   0.0235   0.0027   0.0000 
January 15, 2028  6.3491   4.7055   3.8947   2.0220   0.9503   0.4351   0.1334   0.0450   0.0108   0.0000   0.0000 
January 15, 2029  6.3491   4.1323   3.2212   1.3330   0.4961   0.1996   0.0596   0.0184   0.0025   0.0000   0.0000 
January 15, 2030  6.3491   1.9115   0.0009   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 a straight-line interpolation between the numbers of Additional Shares set forth for the higher and lower Stock Prices in the table and the earlier and later dates in the table above, as applicable, based on a 365- or 366-day year, as applicable; and

 

(ii)            if the Stock Price is greater than $350.00 (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 $33.97 (subject to adjustment in the same manner) (such immediately preceding number, as so adjusted, the “Reference Price”), 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 29.4375 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 4.04(J), (x) the sending of a Redemption Notice will constitute a Make-Whole Fundamental Change only with respect to the Notes called for Redemption pursuant to such Redemption Notice, and not with respect to any other Notes; and (y) the Conversion Rate applicable to the Notes not so called for Redemption will not be subject to increase pursuant to this Section 5.07 on account of such Redemption Notice.

 

(B)             Adjustment of Stock Prices and 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 5.07(A).

 

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(C)             Notice of the Occurrence of a Make-Whole Fundamental Change. If a Make-Whole Fundamental Change occurs pursuant to clause (i) of the definition thereof, then, promptly and in no event later than the Business Day immediately after the Make-Whole Fundamental Change Effective Date of such Make-Whole Fundamental Change, the Company will notify the Holders of the occurrence of such Make-Whole Fundamental Change and of such Make-Whole Fundamental Change Effective Date, briefly stating the circumstances under which the Conversion Rate will be increased pursuant to this Section 5.07 in connection with such Make-Whole Fundamental Change. The Company will provide notice of a Make-Whole Fundamental Change that occurs pursuant to clause (ii) of the definition thereof in the manner described in Section 4.04.

 

(D)             Settlement of Cash Make-Whole Fundamental Changes. For the avoidance of doubt, if holders of Common Stock receive solely cash in a Make-Whole Fundamental Change, then, pursuant to Section 5.09, conversions of Notes will thereafter be settled no later than the second (2nd) Business Day after the relevant Conversion Date.

 

Section 5.08.         Restriction on Conversions.

 

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Indenture or the Notes, no shares of Common Stock will be issued upon conversion of any Note, no Note will be convertible by the Holder thereof, and the Company will not affect any conversion of any Note, in each case to the extent, and only to the extent, that such issuance, convertibility or conversion would result in such Holder or a “person” or “group” (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act) beneficially owning in excess of nine and one half percent (9.5%) of the then-outstanding shares of Common Stock. For these purposes, beneficial ownership and calculations of percentage ownership will be determined in accordance with Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act. For the avoidance of doubt, the limitations on the convertibility of any Note pursuant to this Section 5.08 will not, in themselves, cause such Note to cease to be outstanding (and interest will continue to accrue on any portion of a Note that has been tendered for conversion and whose convertibility is suspended pursuant to this Section 5.08), and such limitations will cease to apply if and when such Note’s convertibility and conversion will not violate this Section 5.08. If the delivery of shares of Common Stock owed to a Holder upon conversion of any Notes is not made, in whole or in part, as a result of this Section 5.08, then the Company’s obligation to make such delivery will not be extinguished, and the Company will deliver such shares (or a lesser number of shares specified by such Holder) as promptly as practicable after such Holder gives the Company notice that such delivery would not result in such Holder, or a “person” or “group” that includes such Holder, beneficially owning in excess of nine and one half percent (9.5%) of the then-outstanding shares of Common Stock.

 

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);

 

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(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 4.04, 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 definition of “Fundamental Change” and “Make-Whole Fundamental Change,” the terms “Common Stock” and “common equity” will be deemed to mean the 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 adjustments pursuant to Section 5.07(A)); and (y) the amount of cash constituting such Reference Property Unit; and (ii) the Company shall settle each such conversion no later than the second Business day after the relevant Conversion Date; and

 

(3)            for these purposes, 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).

 

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

 

At or before the effective time of such Common Stock Change Event, the Company and the resulting, surviving or transferee Person (if not the Company) of such Common Stock Change Event (the “Successor Person”) will execute and deliver to the Trustee a supplemental indenture pursuant to Section 8.01(F), which supplemental indenture will (x) provide for subsequent conversions of Notes in the manner set forth in this Section 5.09; (y) provide for subsequent adjustments to the Conversion Rate pursuant to Section 5.07(A) in a manner consistent with this Section 5.09; and (z) contain such other provisions as 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 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 the Company reasonably determines are appropriate to preserve the economic interests of the Holders.

 

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

 

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

 

Section 5.10.         Adjustments of Prices.

 

Whenever any provision of this Indenture requires the Company to calculate the Last Reported Sale Prices, the Daily VWAPs, the Daily Conversion Values or the Daily Settlement Amounts over a span of multiple days (including an Observation Period and, if applicable, the period for determining the Stock Price for purposes of a Make-Whole Fundamental Change), the Board of Directors shall make appropriate adjustments to each 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 the case may be, of the event occurs, at any time during the period when the Last Reported Sale Prices, the Daily VWAPs, the Daily Conversion Values or the Daily Settlement Amounts are to be calculated.

 

Section 5.11.         Responsibility of Trustee and Conversion Agent.

 

The Trustee and any Conversion Agent will not at any time be under any duty or responsibility to any Holder to determine the Conversion Rate (or any adjustment thereto) or whether any facts exist that may require any adjustment (including any increase) to the Conversion Rate, or with respect to the nature or extent or calculation of any such adjustment when made, or with respect to the method employed in this Indenture or in any supplemental indenture provided to be employed, in making the same. The Trustee and any Conversion Agent will not be accountable with respect to the validity or value (or the kind or amount) of any shares of Common Stock, or of any securities, cash or other property that may at any time be issued or delivered upon the conversion of any Note; and neither the Trustee nor any Conversion Agent makes any representations with respect thereto. Neither the Trustee nor any Conversion Agent will be responsible for any failure of the Company to issue, transfer or deliver any shares of Common Stock or stock certificates or other securities, cash or other property upon the surrender of any Note for the purpose of conversion or to comply with any of the duties, responsibilities or covenants of the Company contained in this Article 5. Neither the Trustee nor any Conversion Agent will be responsible for monitoring the sale or trading pricing of the Common Stock or determining whether a conversion event has occurred or will occur, or whether any Notes may be surrendered for conversion, nor will the Trustee or the Conversion Agent be required to notify the Depositary or Holders if a conversion event has occurred or will occur, or whether any Notes may be surrendered for conversion. Neither the Trustee nor the Conversion Agent shall be responsible for making any calculations under this Article 5. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, neither the Trustee nor any Conversion Agent will be under any responsibility to determine the correctness of any provisions contained in any supplemental indenture entered into pursuant to ‎Section 5.09 relating either to the kind or amount of the Reference Property or to any adjustment to be made with respect to any Common Stock Change Event, but may accept (without any independent investigation) as conclusive evidence of the correctness of any such provisions, and will be protected in conclusively relying upon, the Officer’s Certificate (which the Company will be obligated to file with the Trustee before the execution of any such supplemental indenture in addition to any other deliverables required under this Indenture in connection with the execution of such supplemental indenture) with respect thereto.

 

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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 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 Corporation”) 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); (ii) all conditions precedent to such Business Combination Event provided in this Indenture have been satisfied; and (iii) if applicable in respect of any such Opinion of Counsel, the related supplemental indenture is valid, binding and enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms, subject to customary exceptions.

 

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For the avoidance of doubt, the completion of any Specified Divestiture does not constitute a business combination event or a guarantor business combination event.

 

Section 6.02.         Successor Corporation Substituted.

 

At the effective time of any Business Combination Event that complies with Section 6.01, the Successor Corporation (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 Corporation 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, Repurchase Upon Fundamental Change, Repurchase upon Specified Divestiture or otherwise) of the principal of, or the Redemption Price, Fundamental Change Repurchase Price or Specified Divestiture Repurchase Price, for, any Note;

 

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

 

(iii)           the Company’s failure to deliver, when required by this Indenture, a Fundamental Change Notice, a Specified Divestiture Notice, or a notice pursuant to Section 5.07(C), and such failure continues uncured for a period of three Business Days;

 

(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, and such default continues uncured for a period of five Business Days;

 

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

 

(vi)           a default in any of the Company’s obligations or agreements, or in any Guarantor’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”;

 

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(vii)          a default by the Company or any of its 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 ten million dollars ($10,000,000) (or its foreign currency equivalent) in the aggregate of the Company or any of its 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 of such indebtedness when due and payable at its stated maturity, upon required repurchase, upon declaration of acceleration or otherwise; or

 

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

 

(viii)        one or more final judgments being rendered against the Company or any of its Subsidiaries for the payment of at least ten million dollars ($10,000,000) (or its foreign currency equivalent) in the aggregate (excluding any amounts covered by insurance), where such judgment is not discharged or stayed within sixty (60) days after (i) the date on which the right to appeal the same has expired, if no such appeal has commenced; or (ii) the date on which all rights to appeal have been extinguished;

 

(ix)           any Note Guarantee ceases to be in full force and effect or any Guarantor denies or disaffirms its obligations under its Note Guarantee;

 

(x)            the Company, the Guarantors, or any of their respective Significant Subsidiaries, pursuant to or within the meaning of any Bankruptcy Law, either:

 

(1)            commences a voluntary case or proceeding seeking liquidation, reorganization or other relief with respect to the Company, any Guarantor, or any such Significant Subsidiary or its debts;

 

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

 

(3)            seeks the appointment of a trustee, receiver, liquidator, custodian or other similar official of the Company, any Guarantor, or any such Significant Subsidiary or any substantial part of its property or otherwise consents to the appointment of any such trustee, receiver, liquidator, custodian or other similar official in an involuntary case or other proceeding commenced against it for any substantial part of its property;

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

orders the winding up or liquidation of the Company, the Guarantors, or any of their respective Significant Subsidiaries; and, in each case under this Section 7.01(A)(xi), such order or decree remains unstayed or undismissed and in effect for at least ninety (90) consecutive 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)(x) or 7.01(A)(xi) occurs with respect to the Company or any Guarantor (and not solely with respect to a Significant Subsidiary of the Company or any Guarantor), 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)(x) or 7.01(A)(xi) with respect to the Company or any Guarantor and not solely with respect to a Significant Subsidiary of the Company or any Guarantor) 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 during which a Reporting Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, consist exclusively of the right to receive Special Interest on the Notes, which will accrue at a rate per annum equal to one quarter of one percent (0.25%) of the principal amount of the Notes 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 of the Notes. On the one hundred and eighty first (181st) calendar day on which a Reporting Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Notes will be subject to acceleration pursuant to Section 7.02. In the event the Company does not timely elect to pay Special Interest pursuant to Section 7.03(C), or the Company elects to make such payment but does not pay the Special Interest when due, then the Notes will be subject to acceleration pursuant to Section 7.02. For the avoidance of doubt, no Special Interest will accrue in respect of a Reporting Event of Default on any date on which it has been cured or no longer exists.

 

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(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 the rates specified in Section 7.03(A). 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 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 or furnish to 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.

 

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(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, with the giving of notice or the passage of time or both, 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 11.01, the Trustee determines may be unduly prejudicial to the rights of other Holders (it being understood that the Trustee does not have an affirmative duty to determine whether or not any such direction is unduly prejudicial to the rights of Holders of the Notes not joining in giving such direction) or may involve the Trustee in personal liability; provided, however, that the Trustee may take any other action deemed proper by the Trustee that is not inconsistent with 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 or Specified Divestiture 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 written 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;

 

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(C)             such Holder or Holders offer and 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 or Specified Divestiture Repurchase Price for, or any interest on, or the Conversion Consideration due pursuant to Article 5 upon conversion of, such Note on or after the respective due dates therefor provided in this Indenture and the Notes, will not be impaired or affected without the consent of such Holder.

 

Section 7.09.         Collection Suit by Trustee.

 

The Trustee will have the right, upon the occurrence and continuance of an Event of Default pursuant to clause (i), (ii) or (iv) of Section 7.01(A), to recover judgment in its own name and as trustee of an express trust against the Company for the total unpaid or undelivered principal of, or Redemption Price or Fundamental Change Repurchase Price or Specified Divestiture 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 11.06.

 

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 11.06. To the extent that the payment of any such compensation, expenses, disbursements, advances and other amounts out of the estate in such proceeding, is denied for any reason, payment of the same will be secured by a lien on, and will be paid out of, any and all distributions, dividends, money, securities and other properties that the Holders may be entitled to receive in such proceeding (whether in liquidation or under any plan of reorganization or arrangement or otherwise). Nothing in this Indenture will be deemed to authorize the Trustee to authorize, consent to, accept or adopt on behalf of any Holder any plan of reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition affecting the Notes or the rights of any Holder, or to authorize the Trustee to vote in respect of the claim of any Holder in any such proceeding.

 

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Section 7.11.         Priorities.

 

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

 

First:             to the Trustee and its agents and attorneys for amounts due under Section 11.06, 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 or Specified Divestiture 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.

 

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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, the Guarantors 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 additional Note Guarantees with respect to the Company’s obligations under this Indenture or the Notes;

 

(C)            secure the Notes or any Note Guarantees;

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

(I)              provide for the discharge of any Note Guarantee to the extent permitted by, and in accordance with, this Indenture;

 

(J)             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;

 

(K)             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);

 

(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.

 

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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, the Guarantors 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 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 extend the stated maturity, of any Note;

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

(vi)          change the ranking of the Notes or the Note Guarantees;

 

(vii)         modify or amend the terms and conditions of the obligations of the Guarantors, as Guarantors of the Notes, in any manner that is adverse to the rights of the Holders, as such, other than any elimination of a Note Guarantee in accordance with this Indenture;

 

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

 

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

 

(x)           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, Specified Divestiture 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.

 

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Section 8.03.         Notice of Amendments, Supplements and Waivers.

 

Promptly after any amendment, supplement or waiver pursuant to Section 8.01 or 8.02 becomes effective, the Company will (or, in the case of an amendment or supplement pursuant to Article 8, the Company may, at its election) 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. The failure to send, or the existence of any defect in, such notice will not impair or affect the validity of such amendment, supplement or waiver.

 

Section 8.04.         Revocation, Effect and Solicitation of Consents; Special Record Dates; Etc.

 

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

 

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

 

(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.

 

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Section 8.06.         Trustee to Execute Supplemental Indentures.

 

The Trustee will execute and deliver any amendment or supplemental indenture authorized pursuant to this Article 8; provided, however, that the Trustee need not (but may, in its sole and absolute discretion) execute or deliver any such amendment or supplemental indenture that adversely affects the Trustee’s rights, duties, liabilities or immunities. In executing any amendment or supplemental indenture, the Trustee will be entitled to receive, and (subject to Sections 11.01 and 11.02) 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.         [RESERVED]

 

Article 10.         Satisfaction and Discharge; Defeasance of Certain Covenants

 

Section 10.01.         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, and the Trustee, at the request and expense of the Company, will acknowledge the discharge of 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, a Specified Divestiture 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;

 

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provided, however, that Article 11 and Section 12.01 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.

 

Section 10.02.         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 unsecured creditor of the Company.

 

Section 10.03.         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 10.01 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 10.01 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.

 

Section 10.04.         Defeasance of Restrictive Covenants.

 

If:

 

(A)            the Company has caused there to be irrevocably deposited, with the Trustee or the Paying Agent for the benefit of the Holders, cash in an aggregate amount equal to the sum of (i) the remaining scheduled interest payments on each Note outstanding as of the time of such deposit (assuming, for these purposes, that Additional Interest and Special Interest would accrue on such Note at their respective maximum rates per annum provided in Sections 3.03 and 7.03, respectively); and (ii) 100% of the principal amount of each Note outstanding as of the time of such deposit (excluding, in the case of each of sub-clause (i) and (ii) above, any Notes referred to in clause (B) below as to which the deposit referred to in such clause is made);

 

(B)            with respect to each Note, if any, for which a Conversion Date has occurred, but the Conversion Consideration due in respect of such Note has not been fully paid or delivered, as of the time of the deposit referred to in clause (A) above, the Company has caused there to be irrevocably deposited, with the Trustee or the Conversion Agent for the benefit of the Holders, the maximum kind and amount of Conversion Consideration due in respect of such Note (together, if applicable, with cash in the amount of any interest due on such Note pursuant to clause (i) of Section 5.02(D));

 

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(C)             the Company has irrevocably instructed the Trustee, the Paying Agent or the Conversion Agent, as applicable, to pay or deliver cash or other property due on the Notes from the cash or other property deposited pursuant to clauses (A) and (B) above as the same becomes due;

 

(D)             as of the time of the deposits referred to in clauses (A) and (B) above, no Default in the payment or delivery of any amount or property (including Conversion Consideration) on any Note has occurred and is continuing;

 

(E)             the Company has delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel confirming that the Holders of the Notes will not recognize any income, gain or loss for federal income tax purposes as a result of the Covenant Defeasance and will be subject to federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times, as would have been the case if the Covenant Defeasance had not occurred;

 

(F)             the Covenant Defeasance will not result in a breach or violation of, or constitute a default under, any material agreement or instrument (other than this Indenture, but solely in connection with the incurrence of any Indebtedness to finance the Covenant Defeasance) to which the Company or any of the Guarantors is a party or by which the Company or any of the Guarantors is bound;

 

(G)             the Company has delivered to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate stating that the deposits referred to in clauses (A) and (B) above were not made by the Company with the intent of preferring the Holders over the other creditors of the Company with the intent of defeating, hindering, delaying or defrauding any creditors of the Company or others; and

 

(H)             the Company has delivered to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent relating to the Covenant Defeasance have been complied with,

 

then, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Indenture or the Notes, each Guarantor will be discharged from its obligations under this Indenture and the Notes.

 

For the avoidance of doubt, the remainder of this Indenture and the Notes will be unaffected by and Covenant Defeasance and will continue to be in full force and effect.

 

Each of the Trustee, the Paying Agent and the Conversion Agent will return to the Company any cash or other property deposited with it pursuant to clause (A) or (B) above that remains on deposit after (x) all Notes have been paid in full and none remain outstanding; and (y) the Company has paid all other amounts payable by it under this Indenture.

 

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Article 11.         Trustee

 

Section 11.01.         Duties of the Trustee.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

(ii)            in the absence of gross negligence or willful misconduct on its part, the Trustee may conclusively rely, as to the truth of the statements and the correctness of the opinions expressed therein, upon Officer’s Certificates or Opinions of Counsel that are provided to the Trustee and conform to the requirements of this Indenture; but in the case of any such certificates or opinions which by any provision hereof are specifically required to be furnished to the Trustee, the Trustee will be under a duty to examine the same to determine whether or not they conform to the requirements of this Indenture (but need not confirm or investigate the accuracy of any such opinions and certificates, including mathematical calculations or other facts stated therein).

 

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

 

(i)            this paragraph will not limit the effect of Section 11.01(B);

 

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

 

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

 

(D)             Each provision of this Indenture that in any way relates to the Trustee is subject to paragraphs (A), (B) and (C) of this Section 11.01, regardless of whether such provision so expressly provides.

 

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

 

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

 

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Section 11.02.         Rights of the Trustee.

 

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

 

(B)             Before the Trustee acts or refrains from acting, it may require an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel. 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 of its selection; and the advice of such counsel, or any Opinion of Counsel, will constitute full and complete authorization of the Trustee to take or omit to take any action in good faith in reliance thereon without liability.

 

(C)             The Trustee may act through its attorneys and agents or professionals and will not be responsible for the action, inaction, misconduct or negligence of any such agent or professional 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, 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 of any kind whatsoever (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 rights, privileges, protections, immunities and benefits given to the Trustee, including its rights to be indemnified, are extended to, and will be enforceable by, the Trustee in each of its capacities hereunder.

 

(I)              The Trustee will not be required to give any bond or surety in respect of the execution of the trusts and powers under this Indenture.

 

(J)              Any permissive right of the Trustee to take or refrain from taking actions enumerated in this Indenture will not be construed as a duty.

 

(K)             The Trustee may request that the Company delivers an Officer’s Certificate setting forth the names of individuals and/or titles of officers authorized at such time to take specified actions pursuant to this Indenture, which Officer’s Certificate may be signed by any person authorized to sign an Officer’s Certificate, including any person specified as so authorized in any such certificate previously delivered and not superseded.

 

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(L)              The Trustee will not be deemed to have notice or knowledge 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 or Event of Default is received by the Trustee at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee, and such notice references the existence of a Default or Event of Default under the Notes and this Indenture.

 

(M)            The Trustee is under no obligation to pursue any action that is not in accordance with applicable law.

 

Section 11.03.         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 that same rights and duties as the trustee under this Section 11.03.

 

Section 11.04.         Trustee’s Disclaimer.

 

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

 

Section 11.05.         Notice of Defaults.

 

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

 

Section 11.06.         Compensation and Indemnity.

 

(A)            The Company will, from time to time, pay the Trustee such compensation for its acceptance of this Indenture and services under this Indenture as the parties agree in writing from time to time. 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.

 

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(B)             The Company will indemnify, defend and protect each of the Trustee or any predecessor Trustee and its officers, directors, agents and employees for, and to hold them harmless against, any and all fees, costs, losses, liabilities, damages, claims or expenses including taxes (other than taxes based upon, measured by or determined by the earnings or income of the Trustee) and court costs incurred, arising out of or in connection with the acceptance or administration of its duties under this Indenture, including the costs and expenses of enforcing this Indenture against the Company (including this Section 11.06) and defending itself against any claim (whether asserted by 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, liability or expense may be attributable to the Trustee’s own willful misconduct or gross negligence as determined by a final, non-appealable judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction. The Trustee will promptly notify the Company of any claim for which it may seek indemnity, but the Trustee’s failure to so notify the Company will not relieve the Company of its obligations under this Section 11.06(B). The Company will defend such claim, and the Trustee will cooperate in such defense. If the Trustee is advised by counsel that it may have defenses available to it that are in conflict with the defenses available to the Company, or that there is an actual or potential conflict of interest, then the Trustee may retain separate counsel, and the Company will pay the reasonable fees and expenses of such counsel (including the reasonable fees and expenses of counsel to the Trustee incurred in evaluating whether such a conflict exists). The Company need not pay for any settlement of any such claim made without its consent, which consent will not be unreasonably withheld.

 

(C)             The obligations of the Company under this Section 11.06 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 11.06, 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 (x) or (xi) of Section 7.01(A) occurs, then such expenses and the compensation for such services (including the fees and expenses of its agents and counsel) are intended to constitute expenses of administration under any Bankruptcy Law.

 

Section 11.07.         Replacement of the Trustee.

 

(A)            Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 11.07, 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 11.07.

 

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(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 at least thirty (30) days in advance of such removal. The Company may remove the Trustee if:

 

(i)            the Trustee fails to comply with Section 11.09;

 

(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 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 (at the Company’s expense), 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 11.09, then such Holder may petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the removal of the Trustee and the appointment of a successor Trustee.

 

(F)             A successor Trustee will deliver a written acceptance of its appointment to the retiring Trustee and to the Company, upon which notice the resignation or removal of the retiring Trustee will become effective and the successor Trustee will have all the rights, powers and duties of the Trustee under this Indenture. The successor Trustee will send notice of its succession to Holders. The retiring Trustee will, upon payment of all amounts due to it under this Indenture, promptly transfer all property held by it as Trustee to the successor Trustee, which property will, for the avoidance of doubt, be subject to the lien provided for in Section 11.06(D).

 

Section 11.08.         Successor Trustee by Merger, Etc.

 

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

 

Section 11.09.         Eligibility; Disqualification.

 

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

 

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Article 12.         Miscellaneous

 

Section 12.01.         Notices.

 

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

 

If to the Company or any Guarantor:

 

Applied Optoelectronics, Inc.

13139 Jess Pirtle Blvd.,

Sugar Land, TX 77478

Attention: David C. Kuo, General Counsel

Facsimile: (281) 966-6988

Email: david_kuo@ao-inc.com

 

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

 

Haynes and Boone, LLP.

1221 McKinney Street

Suite 2100

Houston, TX 77010

Attention: Frank Wu, Esq.

Facsimile: (713) 236.5659

Email: frank.wu@haynesboone.com

 

If to the Trustee:

 

Computershare Trust Company, N.A.

Corporate Trust Services

1505 Energy Park Drive

St. Paul, MN 55108
Facsimile: 1-877-407-4679

 

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

 

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

 

- 85 -

 

 

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 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.

 

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Indenture or the Notes, 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.

 

Section 12.02.         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 in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee that complies with Section 12.03 and states that, in the opinion of the signatory thereto, all conditions precedent and covenants, if any, provided for in this Indenture relating to such action have been satisfied; and

 

(B)             an Opinion of Counsel in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee that complies with Section 12.03 and states that, in the opinion of such counsel, all such conditions precedent and covenants, if any, have been satisfied.

 

- 86 -

 

 

Section 12.03.         Statements Required in Officer’s Certificate and Opinion of Counsel.

 

Each Officer’s Certificate (other than an Officer’s Certificate pursuant to Section 3.04) 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 12.04.         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 12.05.         No Personal Liability of Directors, Officers, Employees and Stockholders.

 

No past, present or future director, officer, employee, incorporator or stockholder of the Company or any Guarantor, as such, will have any liability for any obligations of the Company or any Guarantor under this Indenture, the Notes or the Note Guarantees 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 12.06.         Governing Law; Waiver of Jury Trial.

 

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

 

- 87 -

 

 

Section 12.07.         Submission to Jurisdiction.

 

Any legal suit, action or proceeding arising out of or based upon this Indenture or the transactions contemplated by this Indenture may be instituted in the federal courts of the United States of America located in the City of New York or the courts of the State of New York, in each case located in the City of New York (collectively, the “Specified Courts”), and each party irrevocably submits to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of such courts in any such suit, action or proceeding. Service of any process, summons, notice or document by mail (to the extent allowed under any applicable statute or rule of court) to such party’s address set forth in Section 12.01 will be effective service of process for any such suit, action or proceeding brought in any such court. Each of the Company, each Guarantor, 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 12.08.         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 12.09.         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 12.10.         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 arising out of or caused, directly or indirectly, by circumstances beyond its control (including (i) any act or provision of any present or future law or regulation or governmental authority, (ii) any act of God, (iii) natural disaster, (iv) war, (v) terrorism, (vi) civil unrest, (vii) accidents, (viii) labor dispute, (ix) disease, (x) epidemic or pandemic, (xi) quarantine, (xii) national emergency, (xiii) loss or malfunction of utility or computer software or hardware, (xiv) communications system failure, (xv) malware or ransomware, (xvi) unavailability of the Federal Reserve Bank wire or telex system or other wire or other funds transfer systems, or (xvii) unavailability of any securities clearing system).

 

Section 12.11.         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.

 

- 88 -

 

 

Section 12.12.         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 Stock Price, the Trading Price, the Measurement Period, the Daily VWAPs, the Daily Conversion Values, the Daily Settlement Amounts, accrued interest on the Notes, and the Conversion Rate and the Conversion Price.

 

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, and any other relevant information, 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 and the Conversion Agent will not have any liability or responsibility in connection with any calculation or information relating to any calculation. Neither the Trustee nor any Conversion Agent will have any responsibility or obligation to determine when and if any Notes may be converted at any time. The Trustee will promptly forward a copy of each such schedule to a Holder upon its written request therefor.

 

Section 12.13.         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 12.14.         Counterparts.

 

This Indenture shall be valid, binding, and enforceable against a party only when executed and delivered by an authorized individual on behalf of the party by means of (i) any electronic signature permitted by the federal Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act, state enactments of the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act, and/or any other relevant electronic signatures law, including relevant provisions of the Uniform Commercial Code/UCC (collectively, “Signature Law”); (ii) an original manual signature; or (iii) a faxed, scanned, or photocopied manual signature. Each electronic signature or faxed, scanned, or photocopied manual signature shall for all purposes have the same validity, legal effect, and admissibility in evidence as an original manual signature. Each party hereto shall be entitled to conclusively rely upon, and shall have no liability with respect to, any faxed, scanned, or photocopied manual signature, or other electronic signature, of any party and shall have no duty to investigate, confirm or otherwise verify the validity or authenticity thereof. This Indenture may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but such counterparts shall, together, constitute one and the same instrument. For avoidance of doubt, original manual signatures shall be used for execution or indorsement of writings when required under the UCC or other Signature Law due to the character or intended character of the writings.

 

- 89 -

 

 

Section 12.15.         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 12.16.         Withholding Taxes.

 

Each Holder of a Note acknowledges that it may, in some circumstances, including a cash distribution or dividend on the Company’s Common Stock, be deemed to have received a distribution subject to U.S. federal income tax as a result of an adjustment or the non-occurrence of an adjustment to the Conversion Rate, and applicable withholding taxes or backup withholding taxes may be withheld from interest and payments upon conversion, repurchase, redemption or maturity of the Notes. 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 taxes on behalf of such Holder or beneficial owner as a result of an adjustment or the non-occurrence of any adjustment to the Conversion Rate, then the Company or such withholding agent, as applicable, may, at its option, set off such payments against payments of cash or the delivery of other Conversion Consideration on such Note, if any, any payments on the Common Stock or sales proceeds received by, or other funds or assets of, such Holder or the beneficial owner of such Note.

 

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

 

- 90 -

 

 

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

 

 COMPANY:
  
 APPLIED OPTOELECTRONICS, INC.
   
 By:/s/ David C. Kuo
Name: David C. Kuo
 Title: Chief Legal and Compliance Officer and Secretary of Applied Optoelectronics, Inc.

 

TRUSTEE:
  
 COMPUTERSHARE TRUST COMPANY, N.A.
   
 By:/s/ Nancy Chouanard
  Name: Nancy Chouanard
  Title: Vice President

 

Signature Page to Indenture

Senior Convertible Notes due 2030

 

 

 

 

EXHIBIT A

 

FORM OF NOTE

 

[Insert Global Note Legend, if applicable]

 

[Insert Restricted Note Legend, if applicable]

 

[Insert Non-Affiliate Legend]

 

APPLIED OPTOELECTRONICS, INC.

 

2.750% Convertible Senior Note due 2030

 

CUSIP No.: 03823U AE2 [Insert for a “restricted” CUSIP number:]Certificate No.         [___]
ISIN No.:US03823UAE29 [Insert for a “restricted” ISIN number:] 

 

Applied Optoelectronics, 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 January 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:January 15 and July 15 of each year, commencing on [date].
  
Regular Record Dates:January 1 and July 1.

 

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

 

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

 

 

* Insert bracketed language for Global Notes only.

 

A-1

 

 

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

 

     Applied optoelectronics, inc.
        
Date:    By:                                    
   Name:
   Title:

 

A-2

 

 

TRUSTEE’S CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION

 

Computershare Trust Company, N.A., as Trustee, certifies that this is one of the Notes referred to in the within-mentioned Indenture.

 

Date:    By:                                
       Authorized Signatory

 

A-3

 

 

Applied Optoelectronics, Inc.

 

2.750% Convertible Senior Note due 2030

 

This Note is one of a duly authorized issue of notes of Applied Optoelectronics, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), designated as its 2.750% Convertible Senior Notes due 2030 (the “Notes”), all issued or to be issued pursuant to an indenture, dated as of December 23, 2024 (as the same may be amended from time to time, the “Indenture”), between the Company and Computershare Trust Company, N.A., as trustee (the “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 Guarantors, 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 January 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 Holders to Require the Company to Repurchase Notes upon a Specified Divestiture. If a Specified Divestiture 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 4.03 of the Indenture.

 

A-4

 

 

8.            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 4.04 of the Indenture.

 

9.            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.

 

10.            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.

 

11.            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.

 

12.            Amendments, Supplements and Waivers. The Company, the Guarantors 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 Article 8 of the Indenture.

 

13.            No Personal Liability of Directors, Officers, Employees and Stockholders. No past, present or future director, officer, employee, incorporator or stockholder of the Company or any Guarantor, as such, will have any liability for any obligations of the Company or any Guarantor under the Indenture, the Notes or the Note Guarantees 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.

 

14.            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.

 

15.            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).

 

16.            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.

 

* * *

 

A-5

 

 

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:

 

Applied Optoelectronics, Inc.

13139 Jess Pirtle Blvd.,

Sugar Land, TX 77478

Attention: General Counsel

 

A-6

 

 

SCHEDULE OF EXCHANGES OF INTERESTS IN THE GLOBAL NOTE*

 

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

 

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

 

Date   Amount of Increase
(Decrease) in
Principal Amount of
this Global Note
  Principal Amount of
this Global Note
After Such Increase
(Decrease)
  Signature of
Authorized
Signatory of Trustee
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             

 

 

* Insert for Global Notes only.

 

A-7

 

 

CONVERSION NOTICE

 

Applied Optoelectronics, Inc.

 

2.750% 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):

 

othe entire principal amount of

 

o$                     * aggregate principal amount of

 

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

 

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

 

Date:     
   (Legal Name of Holder)

 

 By:  
   Name:
   Title:

 

Signature Guaranteed:
  
  
 Participant in a Recognized Signature
 Guarantee Medallion Program

 

By: 
  Authorized Signatory

 

 

* Must be an Authorized Denomination.

A-8

 

 

FUNDAMENTAL CHANGE REPURCHASE NOTICE

 

Applied Optoelectronics, Inc.

 

2.750% 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):

 

othe entire principal amount of

 

o$                     * aggregate principal amount of

 

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

 

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

 

Date:    
    (Legal Name of Holder)

 

By: 
  Name:
  Title:

 

 Signature Guaranteed:
  
  
 Participant in a Recognized Signature
 Guarantee Medallion Program

 

By: 
  Authorized Signatory

 

 

* Must be an Authorized Denomination.

A-9

 

 

SPECIFIED DIVESTITURE REPURCHASE NOTICE

 

Applied Optoelectronics, Inc.

 

2.750% Convertible Senior Notes due 2030

 

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

 

othe entire principal amount of

 

o$                     * 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 Specified Divestiture Repurchase Price will be paid.

 

Date:    
    (Legal Name of Holder)

 

By: 
  Name:
  Title:

 

 Signature Guaranteed:
  
  
 Participant in a Recognized Signature
 Guarantee Medallion Program

 

By: 
  Authorized Signatory

 

 

* Must be an Authorized Denomination.

A-10

 

 

ASSIGNMENT FORM

 

Applied Optoelectronics, Inc.

 

2.750% 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

 

A-11

 

 

TRANSFEROR ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Dated:  

 

  
(Legal Name of Holder) 

 

By:  
 Name: 
 Title: 

 

Signature Guaranteed:

 

  
(Participant in a Recognized Signature 
Guarantee Medallion Program) 

 

By:  
 Authorized Signatory 

 

A-12

 

 

TRANSFEREE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

 

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

 

Dated:  

 

  
(Name of Transferee) 

 

By:  
 Name: 
 Title: 

 

A-13

 

 

EXHIBIT B-1

 

FORM OF RESTRICTED NOTE LEGEND

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

(A)TO THE COMPANY OR ANY SUBSIDIARY THEREOF;

 

(B)PURSUANT TO A REGISTRATION STATEMENT THAT HAS BECOME EFFECTIVE UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT;

 

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

 

(D)PURSUANT TO RULE 144 UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT; OR

 

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

 

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

 

 

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

 

B1-1

 

 

EXHIBIT B-2

 

FORM OF GLOBAL NOTE LEGEND

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

B2-1

 

 

EXHIBIT B-3

 

FORM OF NON-AFFILIATE LEGEND

 

NO AFFILIATE (AS DEFINED IN RULE 144 UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED) OF THE COMPANY, OR ANY PERSON OR ENTITY THAT WAS AN AFFILIATE (AS DEFINED UNDER RULE 144 UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED) OF THE COMPANY WITHIN THE THREE MONTHS IMMEDIATELY PRECEDING, MAY PURCHASE OR OTHERWISE ACQUIRE THIS NOTE OR ANY BENEFICIAL INTEREST HEREIN.

 

B3-1

 

 

Exhibit 4.3

 

FIRST SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE

 

THIS FIRST SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE, dated as of December 23, 2024 (this “Supplemental Indenture”), is between Applied Optoelectronics, Inc., a Delaware corporation, as issuer (the “Company”) and Computershare Trust Company, N.A., as trustee (the “Trustee”) under the Indenture, dated as of December 5, 2023 between the Company and Computershare Trust Company, N.A., as trustee (the “Indenture”).

 

RECITALS

 

WHEREAS, pursuant to the Indenture, the Company issued its 5.250% Convertible Senior Notes due 2026 (the “Notes”) of which $80,214,000 in aggregate principal amount are currently outstanding under the Indenture;

 

WHEREAS, Section 8.02 of the Indenture provides that the Company and the Trustee, with the consent of the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding (the “Majority Holders”), may amend, supplement or waive compliance with any provision of the Indenture or the Notes, subject to the limitations set forth therein;

 

WHEREAS, the Company desires to amend the Indenture, as set forth in Article I of this Supplemental Indenture, to eliminate certain restrictive covenants contained therein, and to provide for certain other amendments, all as further described herein (collectively, the “Proposed Amendments”);

 

WHEREAS, the Company has solicited the consents of, among others, Holders constituting not less than the Majority Holders voting as a single class to the Proposed Amendments and to the execution of this Supplemental Indenture;

 

WHEREAS the Company has now obtained such consents from Holders constituting not less than the Majority Holders voting as a single class, and as such, this Supplemental Indenture, the Proposed Amendments and the Trustee’s entry into this Supplemental Indenture are authorized pursuant to Section 8.02 of the Indenture;

 

WHEREAS, the Company has requested that the Trustee execute and deliver this Supplemental Indenture; and

 

WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 8.02 of the Indenture, the execution and delivery of this Supplemental Indenture has been duly authorized by the parties hereto and all other acts necessary to make this Supplemental Indenture a valid and binding supplement to the Indenture, effectively amending the Indenture as set forth herein, have been duly taken by the Company.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the covenants and agreements contained herein, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, and for the equal and proportionate benefit of the Holders of the Notes, each party hereto hereby agrees as follows:

 

ARTICLE I

AMENDMENTS TO INDENTURE

 

Section 1.01 Amendments to the Indenture. Pursuant to Section 8.02 of the Indenture, the Company and the Trustee (in the case of the Trustee, acting in reliance upon the instructions and directions of Holders constituting not less than the Majority Holders obtained by the Company), hereby agree to amend or supplement certain provisions of the Indenture as follows:

 

(a) Amendments to Section 1.01 (Definitions).

 

(i) Section 1.01 of the Indenture is amended by deleting each of the following defined terms and their definitions in their entirety:

 

“Acquired Debt,” “Capital Lease Obligation,” “Cash Management Services,” “Consolidated EBITDA,” “Consolidated Leverage Ratio,” “Consolidated Net Income,” “Credit Facilities,” “Deemed Capitalized Leases,” “Disqualified Stock,” “Existing Indebtedness,” “Fixed Charges,” “Lien,” “Permitted Debt,” “Permitted Liens,” “Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness,” and “Weighted Average Life to Maturity.”

 

(b) Amendment to Section 3.09 (Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Preferred Stock). Section 3.09 of the Indenture is amended by (i) deleting Section 3.09 and all references and definitions related thereto (to the extent not otherwise used in any other Section of the Indenture or the Notes not affected by this Supplemental Indenture) in their entirety and (ii) substituting the text “Reserved” therefor.

 

(c) Amendment to Section 3.10 (Liens). Section 3.10 of the Indenture is amended by (i) deleting Section 3.10 and all references and definitions related thereto (to the extent not otherwise used in any other Section of the Indenture or the Notes not affected by this Supplemental Indenture) in their entirety and (ii) substituting the text “Reserved” therefor.

 

ARTICLE II

MISCELLANEOUS

 

Section 2.01 Capitalized Terms. Any capitalized term used herein and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meaning assigned to such term in the Indenture.

 

 

 

 

Section 2.02 Conditions Precedent. The Company represents and warrants that each of the conditions precedent to the amendment and supplement of the Indenture (including such conditions pursuant to Sections 8.02, 8.06, 12.02 and 12.03 of the Indenture) have been satisfied in all respects. Pursuant to Section 8.02 of the Indenture, Holders constituting not less than the Majority Holders voting as a single class have consented to the Proposed Amendments and authorized and directed the Trustee to execute this Supplemental Indenture and to take all steps necessary to give effect to, and permit, the Proposed Amendments.

 

Section 2.03 Corresponding Amendments. With effect on and from the date hereof, each Global Note shall be deemed supplemented, modified and amended in such manner as necessary to make the terms of such Global Note consistent with the terms of the Indenture, as amended by this Supplemental Indenture. To the extent of any conflict between the terms of the Notes and the terms of the Indenture, as amended by this Supplemental Indenture, the terms of the Indenture, as amended by this Supplemental Indenture, shall govern and be controlling.

 

Section 2.04 Instruments To Be Read Together; Entire Agreement. This Supplemental Indenture is executed as and shall constitute an indenture supplemental to and in implementation of the Indenture, and said Indenture and this Supplemental Indenture shall henceforth be read together. This Supplemental Indenture constitutes the entire agreement of the parties hereto with respect to the amendments to the Indenture set forth herein.

 

Section 2.05 Ratification of Indenture. The Indenture, as amended by this Supplemental Indenture, is in all respects ratified and confirmed and all the terms, conditions and provisions thereof shall remain in full force and effect. Upon and after the execution of this Supplemental Indenture, each reference in the Indenture, as amended by this Supplemental Indenture, to “this Indenture,” “hereunder,” “hereof” or words of like import referring to the Indenture shall mean and be a reference to the Indenture, as amended by this Supplemental Indenture. This Supplemental Indenture shall form a part of the Indenture for all purposes, and every Holder shall be bound hereby.

 

Section 2.06 Headings. The headings of the Articles and Sections of this Supplemental Indenture have been inserted for convenience of reference only, and are not to be considered a part hereof and shall in no way modify or restrict any of the terms and provisions hereof.

 

Section 2.07 Responsibility of Trustee. The recitals and statements contained herein shall be taken as the statements of the Company, and the Trustee makes no representation with respect to any such matters and assumes no responsibility for their correctness. The Trustee makes no representations as to the validity, adequacy or sufficiency of this Supplemental Indenture. The Trustee accepts the amendments of the Indenture effected by this Supplemental Indenture and agrees to execute the trust created by the Indenture as hereby amended, but on the terms and conditions set forth in the Indenture, including the terms and provisions defining and limiting its liabilities and responsibilities in the performance of the trust created by the Indenture as hereby amended. For the avoidance of doubt, the Trustee, by executing this Supplemental Indenture in accordance with the terms of the Indenture, does not agree to undertake additional actions nor does it consent to any transaction beyond what is expressly set forth in this Supplemental Indenture, and the Trustee reserves all rights and remedies under the Indenture.

 

Section 2.08 Successors and Assigns. All covenants and agreements in this Supplemental Indenture by the Company shall bind its successors and assigns. All agreements of the Trustee in this Supplemental Indenture shall bind its successors.

 

Section 2.09 Severability. In case any provision in this Supplemental Indenture or in the Notes shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.

 

Section 2.10 Benefits of Supplemental Indenture. Nothing in this Supplemental Indenture, express or implied, shall give to any Person (other than the parties hereto and their successors hereunder and the Holders) any benefit or any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under this Supplemental Indenture.

 

Section 2.11 GOVERNING LAW; WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE AND ANY CLAIM, CONTROVERSY OR DISPUTE ARISING UNDER OR RELATED TO THIS SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE WILL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.  EACH OF THE COMPANY, EACH GUARANTOR AND THE TRUSTEE IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY AND ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED BY THIS SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE.

 

Section 2.12 Counterparts. The parties may sign any number of copies of this Supplemental Indenture. Each signed copy shall be an original, but all of them together represent the same agreement. Receipt by telecopy or electronic mail of any executed signature page to this Supplemental Indenture shall constitute effective delivery of such signature page. Electronic signatures may be used in lieu of signatures affixed by hand, and such electronic signature shall have the same validity and effect as signatures affixed by hand.

 

[Signature pages follow]

 

 

 

 

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

 

  APPLIED OPTOELECTRONICS, INC.
     
  By: /s/ David C. Kuo
    Name: David C. Kuo
    Title: Chief Legal and Compliance Officer and Secretary of Applied Optoelectronics, Inc.
     
  COMPUTERSHARE TRUST COMPANY, N.A.
     
  By: /s/ Nancy Chouanard
    Name: Nancy Chouanard
    Title: Vice President

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 99.1

 

Applied Optoelectronics Closes Exchange of 2026 Notes and Concurrent Registered Direct Offering

 

SUGAR LAND, Texas, December 23, 2024— Applied Optoelectronics, Inc. (NASDAQ: AAOI) (“AOI,” “we,” “us” or “our”) announced today that it has closed its exchange with holders (the “Noteholders”) of its 5.25% Convertible Senior Notes due 2026 (the “2026 Notes”) of approximately $76.7 million principal amount of the 2026 Notes for (i) $125 million aggregate principal amount of 2.75% Convertible Senior Notes due 2030 (the “2030 Notes”), (ii) 1,487,874 shares of our common stock (the “Exchange Shares”) and (iii) approximately $89.6 thousand in cash representing accrued interest on the 2026 Notes and the value of fractional shares (such transactions, collectively, the “Exchanges”).

 

The 2030 Notes are our senior, unsecured obligations and are equal in right of payment with our existing and future senior, unsecured indebtedness, senior in right of payment to our existing and future indebtedness that is expressly subordinated to the 2030 Notes and effectively subordinated to our existing and future secured indebtedness, to the extent of the value of the collateral securing that indebtedness. The 2030 Notes bear interest at a rate of 2.75% per year, payable semiannually in arrears on January 15 and July 15 of each year, beginning on July 15, 2025. The 2030 Notes will mature on January 15, 2030, unless earlier repurchased, redeemed or converted.

 

The 2030 Notes are convertible at the option of holders of the 2030 Notes under certain specified circumstances, as set forth in the indenture governing the 2030 Notes. We will settle conversions by paying or delivering, as applicable, cash, shares of our common stock or a combination of cash and shares of our common stock, at our election, based on the applicable conversion rate.

 

The initial conversion rate is approximately 23.0884 shares of our common stock per $1,000 principal amount of 2030 Notes, representing an initial conversion price of approximately $43.31 per share of our common stock, an approximately 27.50% premium to the closing price of our common stock on December 18, 2024. If a Make-Whole Fundamental Change (as defined in the indenture governing the 2030 Notes) occurs, and in connection with certain other conversions, we will in certain circumstances increase the conversion rate for a specified period of time.

 

Except in connection with the completion of the Specified Divestiture (as described below), we may not redeem the 2030 Notes prior to January 15, 2027. On or after January 15, 2027, and on or before the 40th scheduled trading day immediately before the maturity date, we may redeem all or part of the 2030 Notes for cash if the last reported sale price per share of our common stock exceeds 130% of the conversion price on (i) each of at least 20 trading days, whether or not consecutive, during the 30 consecutive trading days ending on, and including, the trading day immediately before the date we send the related redemption notice; and (ii) the trading day immediately before the date we send such redemption notice, at a cash redemption price equal to the principal amount of the 2030 Notes to be redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any. Holders may require us to repurchase their 2030 Notes upon the occurrence of a Fundamental Change (as defined in the indenture governing the 2030 Notes) at a cash purchase price equal to the principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any. In addition, the 2030 Notes will be redeemable, in whole or in part, at our option at any time, and from time to time, on or before the 40th scheduled trading day immediately before the maturity date, at a cash redemption price equal to the principal amount of the 2030 Notes to be redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the redemption date, if the “Specified Divestiture” (as defined in the indenture governing the 2030 Notes) is completed. If the Specified Divestiture is completed, each holder will have the right to require us to repurchase its 2030 Notes for cash at a repurchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount of such 2030 Notes to be repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the repurchase date.

 

The issuance of the 2030 Notes, the Exchange Shares and the shares of our common stock issuable upon conversion of the 2030 Notes have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and the 2030 Notes, the Exchange Shares and such shares issuable upon conversion of the 2030 Notes may not be offered or sold without registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act and applicable state or other jurisdictions’ securities laws, or in transactions not subject to those registration requirements.

 

Concurrently with the Exchanges, AOI issued an aggregate of 1,036,458 shares of common stock, at a purchase price of $33.97 per share, in a registered direct offering (the “Registered Direct Offering”). Estimated net proceeds from the Registered Direct Offering are approximately $33.7 million after deducting placement agent fees and estimated offering expenses incurred by us. We intend to use the net proceeds for general corporate purposes, which may include, among other things, capital expenditures and working capital. We may also use such proceeds to fund acquisitions of businesses, technologies or product lines that complement our current business; however, we have no present plans, agreements or commitments with respect to any potential acquisition.

 

 

 

 

Stefan Murry, AOI’s Chief Financial Officer and Chief Strategy Officer, stated that “AOI expects to benefit from the convertible debt exchange transactions and the concurrent registered direct offering by, among other things, extending our convertible debt from 2026 to 2030, reducing our existing interest expense and strengthening the cash position of our balance sheet by approximately $30.2 million through the registered direct offering.  In addition, the convertible debt exchange transactions increase our financial flexibility by removing certain existing restrictive covenants in our 2026 Notes. We were able to execute these transactions with minimal additional dilution of approximately 0.5%, compared to the implied dilution of the shares underlying the 2026 Notes.”

 

The Registered Direct Offering was made pursuant to an automatic shelf registration statement on Form S-3ASR (Registration File No. 333-283905), which was filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on December 18, 2024, and became effective immediately upon filing, including the prospectus contained therein, as supplemented by the prospectus supplement dated December 18, 2024 filed with the SEC pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the Securities Act on December 20, 2024. The prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus relating to the Registered Direct Offering are available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

 

Raymond James & Associates, Inc. acted as AOI’s exclusive financial advisor in connection with the Exchanges and acted as the sole placement agent in connection with the Registered Direct Offering.

 

Haynes Boone LLP acted as legal advisor to AOI and Mayer Brown LLP acted as legal advisor to Raymond James & Associates, Inc., in connection with the Exchanges and the Registered Direct Offering.

 

This press release is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor will there be any sale of any securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

 

Forward-Looking Information

 

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as “believe,” “may,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “should,” “could,” “would,” “target,” “seek,” “aim,” “predicts,” “think,” “objectives,” “optimistic,” “new,” “goal,” “strategy,” “potential,” “is likely,” “will,” “expect,” “plan” “project,” “permit” or by other similar expressions that convey uncertainty of future events or outcomes. Such forward-looking statements reflect the views of management at the time such statements are made. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, as well as assumptions and current expectations, which could cause our actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to: reduction in the size or quantity of customer orders; change in demand for our products due to industry conditions; changes in manufacturing operations; volatility in manufacturing costs; delays in shipments of products; disruptions in the supply chain; change in the rate of design wins or the rate of customer acceptance of new products; our reliance on a small number of customers for a substantial portion of its revenues; potential pricing pressure; a decline in demand for our customers’ products or their rate of deployment of their products; general conditions in the internet datacenter, cable television (CATV) broadband, telecom, or fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) markets; changes in the world economy (particularly in the United States and China); changes in the regulation and taxation of international trade, including the imposition of tariffs; changes in currency exchange rates; the negative effects of seasonality; the impact of any pandemics or similar events on our business and financial results; and other risks and uncertainties described more fully in our documents filed with or furnished to the SEC, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 and our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2024, June 30, 2024 and September 30, 2024. More information about these and other risks that may impact our business are set forth in the “Risk Factors” section of our quarterly and annual reports on file with the SEC. You should not rely on forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. All forward-looking statements in this press release are based upon information available to us as of the date hereof, and qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. Except as required by law, we assume no obligation to update forward-looking statements for any reason after the date of this press release to conform these statements to actual results or to changes in our expectations.

 

 

 

 

About Applied Optoelectronics

 

Applied Optoelectronics Inc. (AOI) is a leading developer and manufacturer of advanced optical products, including components, modules and equipment. AOI’s products are the building blocks for broadband fiber access networks around the world, where they are used in the CATV broadband, internet datacenter, telecom and FTTH markets. AOI supplies optical networking lasers, components and equipment to tier-1 customers in all four of these markets. In addition to its corporate headquarters, wafer fab and advanced engineering and production facilities in Sugar Land, TX, AOI has engineering and manufacturing facilities in Taipei, Taiwan and Ningbo, China.

 

Investor Relations Contacts:

 

The Blueshirt Group, Investor Relations

Lindsay Savarese

+1-212-331-8417

ir@ao-inc.com

 

Cassidy Fuller

+1-415-217-4968

ir@ao-inc.com

 

 

 

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Cover
Dec. 23, 2024
Cover [Abstract]  
Document Type 8-K
Amendment Flag false
Document Period End Date Dec. 23, 2024
Entity File Number 001-36083
Entity Registrant Name Applied Optoelectronics, Inc.
Entity Central Index Key 0001158114
Entity Tax Identification Number 76-0533927
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code DE
Entity Address, Address Line One 13139 Jess Pirtle Blvd.
Entity Address, City or Town Sugar Land
Entity Address, State or Province TX
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code 77478
City Area Code 281
Local Phone Number 295-1800
Written Communications false
Soliciting Material false
Pre-commencement Tender Offer false
Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer false
Title of 12(b) Security Common Stock, Par value $0.001
Trading Symbol AAOI
Security Exchange Name NASDAQ
Entity Emerging Growth Company false

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