# EDGAR Filing Document

**Accession Number:** 0001111711
**File Stem:** 0001193125-25-259392
**Filing Date:** 2025-10
**Character Count:** 290620
**Document Hash:** 509935a3198e111ca46ff5b03402ece2
**Contains OCR:** False
**Source Format:** 

## Filing Content

## Filing Summary
**0001193125-25-259392.hdr.sgml**: 20251031

**ACCESSION NUMBER**: 0001193125-25-259392

**CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE**: 8-K

**PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT**: 18

**CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT**: 20251031

**ITEM INFORMATION**: Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement

**ITEM INFORMATION**: Other Events

**ITEM INFORMATION**: Financial Statements and Exhibits

**FILED AS OF DATE**: 20251031

**DATE AS OF CHANGE**: 20251031

**FILER**: 

**COMPANY DATA:**
- **COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:** NISOURCE INC.
- **CENTRAL INDEX KEY:** 0001111711
- **STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION:** ELECTRIC & OTHER SERVICES COMBINED [4931]
- **ORGANIZATION NAME:** 01 Energy & Transportation
- **EIN:** 352108964
- **STATE OF INCORPORATION:** DE
- **FISCAL YEAR END:** 1231

**FILING VALUES:**
- **FORM TYPE:** 8-K
- **SEC ACT:** 1934 Act
- **SEC FILE NUMBER:** 001-16189
- **FILM NUMBER:** 251437908

**BUSINESS ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 801 EAST 86TH AVE
- **CITY:** MERRILLVILLE
- **STATE:** IN
- **ZIP:** 46410-6272
- **BUSINESS PHONE:** 2196475200

**MAIL ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 801 EAST 86TH AVE
- **CITY:** MERRILLVILLE
- **STATE:** IN
- **ZIP:** 46410-6272

**FORMER COMPANY:**
- **FORMER CONFORMED NAME:** NISOURCE INC/DE
- **DATE OF NAME CHANGE:** 20001103

**FORMER COMPANY:**
- **FORMER CONFORMED NAME:** NEW NISOURCE INC
- **DATE OF NAME CHANGE:** 20000412

?xml version='1.0' encoding='ASCII'? 8-K

### UNITED STATES

### SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

#### Washington, D.C. 20549

### FORM 8-K

#### CURRENT REPORT

#### Pursuant To Section 13 OR 15(d)

#### of The Securities Exchange Act of 1934

#### Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): October 31, 2025

## NiSource Inc.

#### (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **DE** | **001-16189** | **35-2108964** |
| **(State or other jurisdiction**<br> **of incorporation)** | **Commission**<br> **File Number** | **(I.R.S. Employer**<br> **Identification No.)** |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **801 East 86th Avenue** |  |
| **Merrillville, IN** | **46410** |
| **(Address of principal executive offices)** | **(Zip Code)** |

---

#### Registrant's telephone number, including area code (877) 647-5990
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions.

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

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

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

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

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

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Title of Each Class** | **Name of Each Exchange**<br> **on Which Registered** |
| Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share NI | NYSE |

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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. ☐

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Item 1.01** | **Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement**  |

---

On October 31, 2025, NiSource Inc. (the "<u>Company</u>") entered into eleven separate equity distribution agreements, each dated October 31, 2025 (the "<u>Equity Distribution Agreements</u>"), (i) among the Company, Barclays Capital Inc., as sales agent and as forward seller, and Barclays Bank PLC, as forward purchaser, (ii) among the Company, BMO Capital Markets Corp., as sales agent and forward seller, and Bank of Montreal, as forward purchaser, (iii) among the Company and BNP Paribas Securities Corp., as sales agent and forward seller, and BNP PARIBAS, as forward purchaser, (iv) among the Company, BofA Securities, Inc., as sales agent and forward seller, and Bank of America, N.A., as forward purchaser, (v) between the Company and Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC, as sales agent, forward seller and forward purchaser, (vi) among the Company, J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, as sales agent and as forward seller, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association, as forward purchaser, (vii) among the Company and Mizuho Securities USA LLC, as sales agent and forward seller, and Mizuho Markets Americas LLC, as forward purchaser, (viii) between the Company and Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, as sales agent, forward seller and forward purchaser, (ix) among the Company, MUFG Securities Americas Inc., as sales agent and forward seller, and MUFG Securities EMEA plc, as forward purchaser, (x) among the Company and Scotia Capital (USA) Inc., as sales agent and forward seller, and The Bank of Nova Scotia, as forward purchaser and (xi) among the Company, Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, as sales agent (collectively with the other sales agents, the "Agents") and as forward seller, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as forward purchaser, relating to issuances, offers and sales of shares of the Company's common stock, par value $0.01 per share ("<u>Common Stock</u>") through December 31, 2028.

In accordance with the terms of the Equity Distribution Agreements, the Company may offer and sell up to an aggregate gross sales price of $1,500,000,000 of Common Stock (including shares of Common Stock that may be sold pursuant to the forward sale agreements described below, the "<u>Shares</u>") from time to time through any of the Agents, acting in their capacity as sales agents or as forward sellers, as described below. The Shares may be offered and sold by any method or payment permitted by law to be an "at the market offering" as defined in Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "<u>Securities Act</u>"), including by means of ordinary brokers' transactions on the New York Stock Exchange, the existing trading market for shares of Common Stock, or otherwise at market prices prevailing at the time of sale, or sales made to or through a market maker or through an electronic communications network. The Shares may be offered and sold in amounts and at times to be determined by the Company from time to time, but the Company has no obligation to offer and sell any of the Shares. Actual sales will depend on a variety of factors to be determined by the Company from time to time, including (among others) market conditions, the trading price of the Common Stock and determinations by the Company of the appropriate sources of funding for the Company.

The Equity Distribution Agreements provide that, in addition to the issuance and sale of the Shares by the Company through the Agents in their capacity as agents, the Company may enter into forward sale agreements with the Agents or certain of their respective affiliates (when acting in its capacity under such a forward sale agreement, a "<u>Forward Purchaser</u>"). Concurrently with, and pursuant to, the Equity Distribution Agreements, the Company entered into eleven separate master forward sale confirmations (the "<u>Master Forward Sale Confirmations</u>"), each dated October 31, 2025, with Barclays Bank PLC, Bank of Montreal, BNP PARIBAS, Bank of America, N.A, Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC, JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association, Mizuho Markets Americas LLC, Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, MUFG Securities EMEA plc, The Bank of Nova Scotia and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, respectively, as forward purchasers. In connection with each forward sale agreement under a Master Forward Sale Confirmation, the relevant Forward Purchaser will, at the Company's request, attempt to borrow from third parties and, through the relevant Agent, sell a number of Shares equal to the number of Shares underlying the particular forward sale agreement to hedge the forward sale agreement (each Agent, when acting as agent for a Forward Purchaser, a "<u>Forward Seller</u>").

The forward sale price per share under each forward sale agreement will initially equal the product of (1) an amount equal to one minus the applicable forward selling commission and (2) the volume-weighted average price per share at which the borrowed Shares were sold pursuant to the particular Equity Distribution Agreement by the relevant Forward Seller. Thereafter, the forward sale price will be subject to adjustment as described in the relevant forward sale agreement. The forward sale agreements will provide that the forward sale price, as well as the sales prices used to calculate the initial forward sale price, will be subject to increase or decrease based on a floating interest rate factor equal to the specified benchmark's daily rate less a spread and subject to decrease by amounts related to expected dividends on the Common Stock during the term of the particular forward sale agreement. If the specified benchmark's daily rate is less than the spread for a particular forward sale agreement on any day, the interest factor will result in a reduction of the applicable forward sale price for such day.

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The Company will not initially receive any proceeds from the sale of borrowed Shares by a Forward Seller. If the Company elects to physically settle any forward sale agreement by issuing and delivering Shares, the Company will receive an amount of cash from the relevant Forward Purchaser equal to the product of the forward sale price per share under that particular forward sale agreement and the number of Shares underlying the particular forward sale agreement. The Company expects to receive proceeds from the sale of Shares by a Forward Seller upon future physical settlement of the relevant forward sale agreement with the relevant Forward Purchaser on dates specified by the Company on or prior to the maturity date of the relevant forward sale agreement. Although the Company expects to settle any forward sale agreement with a full physical settlement, it may, except in limited circumstances, elect a cash or net share settlement for all or a portion of its obligations under such forward sale agreement. If the Company elects to cash settle or net share settle a forward sale agreement, the Company may not (in the case of cash settlement) or will not (in the case of net share settlement) receive any proceeds, and the Company may owe cash (in the case of cash settlement) or Shares (in the case of net share settlement) to the relevant Forward Purchaser.

The Company will pay each Agent a commission of up to 2% of the sales price of all Shares issued by the Company and sold through the relevant Agent under the applicable Equity Distribution Agreement. The remaining sales proceeds, after deducting any expenses payable by the Company and any transaction fees imposed by any governmental, regulatory or self-regulatory organization in connection with the sales, will be the Company's net proceeds for the sale of the Shares. In connection with each forward sale agreement, the relevant Forward Seller will receive, in the form of a reduced initial forward sale price payable by the relevant Forward Purchaser under its forward sale agreement, a commission of up to 2% of the volume weighted average of the sales prices of all borrowed Shares sold during the applicable period by it as a Forward Seller.

The Shares will be issued pursuant to the Company's automatic shelf registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "<u>SEC</u>") on October 30, 2025 (File No. 333-291167), a base prospectus, dated October 30, 2025, included as part of the registration statement, and a prospectus supplement, dated October 31, 2025, filed with the SEC pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the Securities Act.

The foregoing descriptions of the Equity Distribution Agreements and the Master Forward Sale Confirmations do not purport to be complete and are qualified in their entirety by reference to the terms and conditions of the forms of Equity Distribution Agreement and Master Forward Sale Confirmation, which are filed as Exhibits 1.1 and 1.2, respectively, and are incorporated by reference into this Item 1.01.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Item 8.01.** | **Other items.**  |

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On October 31, 2025, the Company issued a press release announcing the establishment of an "at-the-market" equity offering program. The Company's press release, dated October 31, 2025, is filed as Exhibit 99.1 hereto and is incorporated by reference into this Item 8.01.

In connection with entering into the Equity Distribution Agreements, the Company delivered a termination notice on October 30, 2025 effectively terminating the equity distribution agreements entered into on February 22, 2024 with various banks in connection with the Company's previous "at-the-market" equity offering program.

#### Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This Report contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements include statements concerning the offer and sale of Shares and the anticipated use of proceeds from any sales of Shares. Investors and prospective investors should understand that many factors govern whether any forward-looking statement contained herein will be or can be realized. All forward-looking statements are based on assumptions that management believes to be reasonable; however, there can be no assurance that actual results will not differ materially. In addition to the risk that these assumptions prove to be inaccurate, factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements include factors disclosed in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company's Quarterly

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Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2025, June 30, 2025 and September 30, 2025, and its subsequent filings with the SEC, which are available on the Company's website at www.nisource.com and on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. No information contained in, or that can be accessed through, the Company's website is incorporated by reference into this Current Report on Form 8-K (this "<u>Current Report</u>"), and no such information should be considered a part of this Current Report. All forward-looking statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by the foregoing cautionary statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to, and expressly disclaims any such obligation to, update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect changes assumptions, the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events or changes to the future results over time or otherwise, except as required by law.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Item 9.01.** | **Financial Statements and Exhibits.**  |

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(d) Exhibits

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| Exhibit<br> Number | Description |
| 1.1 | [Form of Equity Distribution Agreement](d773014dex11.htm) |
| 1.2 | [Form of Master Forward Sale Confirmation](d773014dex12.htm) |
| 5.1 | [Opinion of McGuireWoods LLP regarding the legality of the Shares](d773014dex51.htm) |
| 23.1 | [Consent of McGuireWoods LLP (included in Exhibit 5.1)](d773014dex51.htm) |
| 99.1 | [Press release, dated October 31, 2025, issued by NiSource Inc.](d773014dex991.htm) |
| 104 | Cover page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document) |

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#### 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.

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  |  | NiSource Inc. |
|  |  | (Registrant) |
| Date: October 31, 2025 | By: | /s/ Shawn Anderson |
|  |  | Shawn Anderson |
|  |  | Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer |

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## Exhibit 1.1

Exhibit 1.1

**NISOURCE INC.** 

**COMMON STOCK, PAR VALUE $0.01 PER SHARE** 

**EQUITY DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT** 

October 31, 2025

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October 31, 2025

To: [•]

To the Addressees:

NiSource Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "**Company**"), proposes from time to time (i) to issue and sell shares (the "**Primary Shares**") of the Company's common stock, par value $0.01 per share (the "**Common Stock**"), through [•] (the "**Manager**"), acting as sales agent, and (ii) in consultation with the Forward Purchaser (as defined below) and the Manager, to instruct borrowed shares (the "**Forward Hedge Shares**", and together with the Primary Shares, the "**Shares**") of Common Stock to be sold through the Manager, acting in its capacity as agent for the Forward Purchaser as forward seller (the "**Forward Seller**") for [•] or one or more of its affiliates (the "**Forward Purchaser**") in connection with one or more Confirmations (as defined below), in each case on the terms set forth in this equity distribution agreement (this "**Agreement**").

The Company has also entered into Equity Distribution Agreements (collectively, the "**Alternative Equity Distribution Agreements**"), each dated as of even date herewith, with each of [•],[•], [•] and [•] (each, in its capacity as sales agent and as forward seller thereunder, an "**Alternative Manager**") and each of their related Alternative Forward Purchaser (as defined below) for the issuance and/or sale from time to time through the Alternative Managers of Shares on the terms set forth in the Alternative Equity Distribution Agreements and also may enter into one or more forward stock purchase transactions (collectively, the "**Alternative Confirmations**") with [•],[•],[•] or [•] as a forward purchaser thereunder (the "**Alternative Forward Purchasers**"). This Agreement and the Alternative Equity Distribution Agreements are collectively referred to herein as the "**Equity Distribution Agreements**." The Company, the Manager, the Forward Seller and the Forward Purchaser understand that the aggregate gross sales price of Shares to be sold pursuant to the Equity Distribution Agreements shall not exceed $1,500,000,000 in the aggregate (the "**Maximum Program Amount**").

The Company may enter into one or more forward stock purchase transactions with the Forward Purchaser as set forth in the applicable Confirmations. In connection therewith, the Forward Purchaser, through the Forward Seller, will effect sales of Forward Hedge Shares on the terms set forth in Section 2 of this Agreement. "**Confirmation**" means, for each Forward Sale (as defined below), the contract evidencing such Forward Sale between the Company and the Forward Purchaser, which shall be comprised of the Master Confirmation for Forward Sale, dated as of the date hereof, by and between the Company and the Forward Purchaser, including all provisions incorporated by reference therein (the "**Master Forward Confirmation**"), and the related "**Supplemental Confirmation**" and "**Pricing Report**" (each, as defined in the Master Forward Confirmation).

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The Company has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "**Commission**") a registration statement (File No. 333-291167), including a prospectus, on Form S-3, relating to the securities (the "**Shelf Securities**"), including the Shares, to be issued from time to time by the Company and/or to be sold through the Manager, the Forward Seller or the Alternative Managers as forward sellers pursuant to the Equity Distribution Agreements. The registration statement as of its most recent effective date, including the information (if any) deemed to be part of the registration statement at the time of effectiveness pursuant to Rule 430A or Rule 430B under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "**Securities Act**"), is hereinafter referred to as the "**Registration Statement**", and the related prospectus covering the Shelf Securities and filed as part of the Registration Statement, together with any amendments or supplements thereto as of the most recent effective date of the Registration Statement, is hereinafter referred to as the "**Basic Prospectus**". "**Prospectus Supplement**" means the final prospectus supplement, relating to the Shares, filed by the Company with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the Securities Act on or before the second business day after the date hereof, in the form furnished by the Company to the Manager, the Forward Seller or the Forward Purchaser, as applicable, in connection with the offering of the Shares. Except where the context otherwise requires, "**Prospectus**" means the Basic Prospectus, as supplemented by the Prospectus Supplement and the most recent Interim Prospectus Supplement (as defined below), if any. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if any revised basic prospectus, prospectus supplement or prospectus shall be provided to the Manager, the Forward Seller or the Forward Purchaser, as applicable, by the Company for use in connection with the offering and sale of the Shares which differs from the Basic Prospectus, Prospectus Supplement or Prospectus, as the case may be (whether or not such revised basic prospectus, prospectus supplement or prospectus is required to be filed by the Company pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the Securities Act), the terms **"Basic Prospectus," "Prospectus Supplement"** and **"Prospectus"** shall refer to such revised basic prospectus, prospectus supplement or prospectus, as the case may be, from and after the time it is first provided to the Manager, the Forward Seller or the Forward Purchaser, as applicable, for such use. For purposes of this Agreement, "**free writing prospectus**" has the meaning set forth in Rule 405 under the Securities Act. "**Permitted Free Writing Prospectuses**" means the documents listed on Schedule I hereto or otherwise approved in writing by the Manager, the Forward Seller or the Forward Purchaser, as applicable, in accordance with Section 6(b), and "**broadly available road show**" means a "bona fide electronic road show" as defined in Rule 433(h)(5) under the Securities Act that has been made available without restriction to any person. As used herein, the terms "Registration Statement", "Basic Prospectus", "Prospectus Supplement", "Interim Prospectus Supplement" and "Prospectus" shall include the documents, if any, incorporated by reference therein as of the date hereof. The terms "**supplement**", "**amendment**" and "**amend**" as used herein with respect to the Registration Statement, the Basic Prospectus, the Prospectus Supplement, any Interim Prospectus Supplement or the Prospectus shall include all documents subsequently filed by the Company with the Commission pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "**Exchange Act**"), that are deemed to be incorporated by reference therein (the "**Incorporated Documents**").

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1. *Representations and Warranties*. The Company represents and warrants to and agrees with the Manager, the Forward Seller and the Forward Purchaser:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) The Registration Statement has become effective; no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement is in effect; and no proceedings for such purpose or pursuant to Section 8(A) of the Securities Act are pending before or threatened by the Commission. The Company is a well-known seasoned issuer (as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act) eligible to use the Registration Statement as an automatic shelf registration statement, and the Company has not received notice that the Commission objects to the use of the Registration Statement as an automatic shelf registration statement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) (i) (A) At the respective times the Registration Statement and each amendment thereto became effective, (B) at each deemed effective date with respect to the Manager pursuant to Rule 430B(f)(2) under the Securities Act (each, a "**Deemed Effective Time**"), (C) as of each time Shares are sold pursuant to this Agreement (each, a "**Time of Sale**"), (D) at each Settlement Date (as defined below) and (E) at all times during which a prospectus is required by the Securities Act to be delivered (whether physically or through compliance with Rule 172 under the Securities Act or any similar rule) in connection with any sale of Shares (the "**Delivery Period**"), the Registration Statement complied and will comply in all material respects with the requirements of the Securities Act and the rules and regulations under the Securities Act; (ii) the Basic Prospectus complied, or will comply, at the time it was, or will be filed, with the Commission, complies as of the date hereof (if filed with the Commission on or prior to the date hereof) and, as of each Time of Sale and at all times during the Delivery Period, will comply in all material respects with the rules and regulations under the Securities Act; (iii) each of the Prospectus Supplement, any Interim Prospectus Supplement and the Prospectus will comply, as of the date that such document is filed with the Commission, as of each Time of Sale, as of each Settlement Date and at all times during the Delivery Period, in all material respects with the rules and regulations under the Securities Act; and (iv) the Incorporated Documents, when they were filed with the Commission, conformed in all material respects to the requirements of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder, and any further Incorporated Documents so filed and incorporated by reference, when they are filed with the Commission, will conform in all material respects to the requirements of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) (i) As of the date hereof, at the respective times the Registration Statement and each amendment thereto became effective and at each Deemed Effective Time, the Registration Statement did not and will not contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading; (ii) as of each Time of Sale, the Prospectus (as amended and supplemented at such Time of Sale) and any Permitted Free Writing Prospectus then in use, considered together (collectively, the "**General Disclosure Package**"), did not contain any untrue

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statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; (iii) as of its date, the Prospectus did not contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; and (iv) at any Settlement Date, the Prospectus (as amended and supplemented at such Settlement Date) did not and will not contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; *provided*, *however*, that this representation and warranty shall not apply to any statement or omission made in reliance upon and in conformity with information furnished in writing to the Company by the Manager, the Forward Seller or the Forward Purchaser, as applicable, expressly for use in the Prospectus or in the General Disclosure Package. For purposes of this Agreement, the only information so furnished in the Registration Statement, the Prospectus, the Prospectus Supplement (including any Interim Prospectus Supplement), the General Disclosure Package, any Permitted Free Writing Prospectus, any free writing prospectus that the Company has filed, or is required to file, pursuant to Rule 433(d) under the Securities Act, or any amendment or supplement thereto, shall be the Manager's or the Forward Seller's, as applicable, name on the cover of the Prospectus (as applicable, the "**Manager Information**").

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) Any free writing prospectus that the Company is required to file pursuant to Rule 433(d) under the Securities Act has been, or will be, filed with the Commission in accordance with the requirements of the Securities Act and the applicable rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder. Each free writing prospectus that the Company has filed, or is required to file, pursuant to Rule 433(d) under the Securities Act or that was prepared by or on behalf of or used or referred to by the Company complies or will comply in all material respects with the requirements of the Securities Act and the applicable rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder. Each free writing prospectus, as of its issue date and at all subsequent times through the completion of the public offer and sale of the Shares or until any earlier date that the Company notified or notifies the Manager, the Forward Seller or the Forward Purchaser, as applicable, did not, does not and will not include any material information that conflicted, conflicts or will conflict with the information contained in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus. Each broadly available road show, if any, when considered together with the General Disclosure Package, does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. Except for the Permitted Free Writing Prospectuses, if any, and electronic road shows, if any, furnished to and approved by the Manager, the Forward Seller or the Forward Purchaser, as applicable, in accordance with Section 6(b), the Company has not prepared, used or referred to, and will not, prepare, use or refer to, any free writing prospectus.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) (i) (A) At the time of filing the Registration Statement, (B) at the time of the most recent amendment thereto for the purposes of complying with Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act (whether such amendment was by post-effective amendment, incorporated report filed pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act or form of prospectus) and (C) at the time the Company or any person acting on its behalf (within the meaning, for this clause only, of Rule 163(c) under the Securities Act) made any offer relating to the Shelf Securities in reliance on the exemption of Rule 163 under the Securities Act, the Company was not an "ineligible issuer" as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act; and (ii)(A) at the time of filing of the Registration Statement, (B) at the earliest time thereafter that the Company or another offering participant made a bona fide offer (within the meaning of Rule 164(h)(2) under the Securities Act) of the Shares and (C) at the date hereof, the Company was not and is not an "ineligible issuer" as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(f) The Company has been duly incorporated and is a validly existing corporation in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware, with power and authority (corporate and other) to own its properties and conduct its business as described in each of the Registration Statement, the Prospectus and the General Disclosure Package; and the Company is duly qualified to transact business as a foreign corporation in good standing in all other jurisdictions in which its ownership or lease of property or the conduct of its business requires such qualification, or is subject to no material liability or disability by reason of the failure to be so qualified in any such jurisdiction; all of the issued and outstanding capital stock of the Company has been duly authorized and validly issued and is fully paid and nonassessable.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(g) Each significant subsidiary (as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act) of the Company (each direct and indirect significant subsidiary of the Company being hereinafter referred to as a "**Significant Subsidiary**" and all such direct and indirect significant subsidiaries of the Company being hereinafter referred to collectively as the "**Significant Subsidiaries**") has been duly incorporated or duly formed and is a validly existing corporation or limited liability company, as the case may be, in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation or formation, with power and authority (corporate or limited liability, and other) to own its properties and conduct its business as described in each of the Registration Statement, the Prospectus and the General Disclosure Package; and each Significant Subsidiary is duly qualified to do business as a foreign corporation or limited liability company, as the case may be, in good standing in all other jurisdictions in which its ownership or lease of property or the conduct of its business requires such qualification, or is subject to no material liability or disability by reason of the failure to be so qualified in any such jurisdiction; all of the issued and outstanding capital stock or other equity interests of each Significant Subsidiary has been duly authorized and validly issued and is fully paid and, to the extent applicable, nonassessable; and except as otherwise disclosed in each of the Registration Statement, the Prospectus and the General Disclosure Package, all of the capital stock or other equity interests of each Significant Subsidiary is owned by the Company, directly or through subsidiaries, free from liens, encumbrances and defects.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(h) The Primary Shares, any shares of Common Stock to be delivered by the Company to the Forward Purchaser pursuant to any Confirmation or to any Alternative Forward Purchaser pursuant to any Alternative Confirmation (the "**Confirmation Shares**") and all other outstanding shares of capital stock of the Company have been duly authorized; all outstanding shares of capital stock of the Company are, and, when the Primary Shares and any Confirmation Shares have been delivered and paid for in accordance with this Agreement or any Confirmation, such shares of Common Stock will have been validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable and will conform to the descriptions thereof contained in each of the Registration Statement, the Prospectus and the General Disclosure Package; and the stockholders of the Company have no preemptive rights with respect to such shares of Common Stock.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) Except for the discounts and commissions payable by the Company to the Manager, the Forward Seller, the Forward Purchaser, any Alternative Manager or any Alternative Forward Purchaser in connection with the offering of the Shares contemplated herein or in any Alternative Equity Distribution Agreement or as otherwise disclosed in each of the Registration Statement, the Prospectus and the General Disclosure Package, there are no contracts, agreements or understandings between the Company and any person that would give rise to a valid claim against the Company, the Forward Purchaser, the Forward Seller, or the Manager for a brokerage commission, finder's fee or other like payment in connection with the sale of the Shares.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(j) There are no contracts, agreements or understandings between the Company and any person granting such person the right to require the Company to file a registration statement under the Securities Act with respect to any securities of the Company owned or to be owned by such person or to require the Company to include such securities with the securities registered pursuant to the Registration Statement or with any securities being registered pursuant to any other registration statement filed by the Company under the Securities Act.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(k) The outstanding shares of Common Stock are listed on The New York Stock Exchange LLC (the "**Exchange**"), and the Primary Shares and any Confirmation Shares have been approved for listing on the Exchange, subject to notice of issuance.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(l) No consent, approval, authorization, or order of, or filing with, any governmental agency or body or any court is required for the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and each Confirmation, in connection with the issuance and sale of the Shares by the Company, except such as have been obtained and made under the Securities Act, and such as may be required under the Federal Power Act, the Exchange Act and state securities laws.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(m) The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement, any Confirmation and the issuance and sale of the Shares will not result in a breach or violation of any of the terms and provisions of, or constitute a default under, (i) the charter or by-laws of the Company or any subsidiary of the Company (each direct and indirect subsidiary of the Company being hereinafter referred to as a "**Subsidiary**" and all such direct and indirect subsidiaries of the Company being hereinafter referred to collectively as the "**Subsidiaries**"), (ii) any statute or any rule, regulation or order of any governmental agency or body or any court, domestic or foreign, having jurisdiction over the Company or any Subsidiary or any of their properties, or (iii) any agreement or instrument to which the Company or any Subsidiary is a party or by which the Company or any Subsidiary is bound or to which any of the properties of the Company or any Subsidiary is subject, except in the case of clauses (ii) and (iii) where such violation, breach or default would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on the condition (financial or other), business, properties, or results of operations of the Company and the Subsidiaries taken as a whole ("**Material Adverse Effect**") and would not materially and adversely affect the ability of the Company to perform its obligations under this Agreement, any Confirmation, or which would otherwise be material in the context of the sale of the Shares; and the Company has full power and authority to authorize, issue and sell the Shares as contemplated by this Agreement or any Confirmation.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(n) This Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Company.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(o) Except as disclosed in each of the Registration Statement, the Prospectus and the General Disclosure Package, the Company and the Subsidiaries have good and marketable title to all real properties and all other properties and assets owned by them, in each case free from liens, encumbrances and defects that would materially interfere with the use made or to be made thereof by them or would, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect; and except as disclosed in each of the Registration Statement, the Prospectus and the General Disclosure Package, the Company and the Subsidiaries hold any leased real or personal property under valid and enforceable leases with no exceptions that would materially interfere with the use made or to be made thereof by them or would, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(p) The Company and the Subsidiaries possess adequate certificates, authorities or permits issued by appropriate governmental agencies or bodies necessary to conduct the business now operated by them and have not received any notice of proceedings relating to the revocation or modification of any such certificate, authority or permit that, if determined adversely to the Company or any of the Subsidiaries would, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(q) Except as disclosed in each of the Registration Statement, the Prospectus and the General Disclosure Package, neither the Company nor any Significant Subsidiary has any material contingent liability.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(r) Except as disclosed in each of the Registration Statement, the Prospectus and the General Disclosure Package, there are no pending actions, suits, proceedings or investigations against or affecting the Company or any Subsidiary or any of their respective properties, assets or operations that could, individually or in the aggregate, be reasonably expected to have a Material Adverse Effect or to affect materially and adversely the ability of the Company to perform its obligations under this Agreement and each Confirmation, or which are otherwise material in the context of the sale of the Shares; and, to the knowledge of the Company, no such actions, suits, proceedings or investigations are threatened.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(s) The financial statements of the Company included or incorporated by reference in each of the Registration Statement, the Prospectus and the General Disclosure Package present fairly the financial position of the entity presented and its consolidated subsidiaries as of the dates shown and their results of operations and cash flows for the periods shown, and, except as otherwise disclosed in each of the Registration Statement, the Prospectus and the General Disclosure Package, such financial statements have been prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States applied on a consistent basis with all other financial statements presented for such entity; and any schedules included or incorporated by reference in each of the Registration Statement, the Prospectus and the General Disclosure Package present fairly the information required to be stated therein. The interactive data in eXtensible Business Reporting Language included or incorporated by reference in each of the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus fairly presents the information called for in all material respects and is prepared in accordance with the Commission's rules and guidelines applicable thereto.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(t) Except as disclosed in each of the Registration Statement, the Prospectus and the General Disclosure Package, since the date of the latest audited financial statements included or incorporated by reference in each of the Registration Statement, the Prospectus and the General Disclosure Package, there has been no material adverse change, nor any development or event involving a prospective material adverse change, in the condition (financial or other), business, properties or results of operations of the Company and the Subsidiaries taken as a whole, and, except as disclosed in or contemplated by each of the Registration Statement, the Prospectus and the General Disclosure Package, there has been no dividend or distribution of any kind declared, paid or made by the Company on any class of its capital stock other than dividends or distributions made in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice or pursuant to the terms of any outstanding preferred stock.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(u) The Company is not, and after giving effect to the offering and sale of the Shares, the consummation of the transactions contemplated by any Confirmation or any Alternative Confirmation and the application of the proceeds thereof as described in each of the Registration Statement, the Prospectus and the General Disclosure Package will not be, an "investment company" as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(v) [Reserved].

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(w) The Company maintains a system of "disclosure controls and procedures" (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act) that is designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Commission's rules and forms, including controls and procedures designed to ensure that such information is accumulated and communicated to the Company's management as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. The Company has carried out evaluations of the effectiveness of their disclosure controls and procedures as required by Rule 13a-15 under the Exchange Act.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(x) The Company maintains a system of "internal control over financial reporting" (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that complies with the requirements of the Exchange Act and has been designed by, or under the supervision of, its principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, including, but not limited to, internal accounting controls sufficient to provide reasonable assurance that (i) transactions are executed in accordance with the Company's management's general or specific authorizations; (ii) transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles and to maintain asset accountability; (iii) access to assets is permitted only in accordance with management's general or specific authorization; and (iv) the recorded accountability for assets is compared with the existing assets at reasonable intervals and appropriate action is taken with respect to any differences.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(y) The Master Forward Confirmation has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Company and constitutes, and any Supplemental Confirmation will be duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Company and will constitute, a valid and binding agreement of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms, except as the enforcement thereof may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency (including, without limitation, all laws relating to fraudulent transfers), reorganization, moratorium or similar laws affecting enforcement of creditors' rights generally and except as enforcement thereof is subject to general principles of equity (regardless of whether enforcement is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law). The description of the Master Forward Confirmation set forth in the Prospectus and the General Disclosure Package is correct in all material respects.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(aa) (i) None of the Company or any of the Subsidiaries or any director or officer thereof, or, to the Company's knowledge, any employee, agent or representative thereof, has taken or will take any action in furtherance of an offer, payment, promise to pay, or authorization or approval of the payment, giving or receipt of money, property, gifts or anything else of value, directly or indirectly, to any government official (including any officer or employee of a government or government-owned or controlled entity or of a public international organization, or any person acting in an official capacity for or on behalf of any of the foregoing, or any political party or party official or candidate for political office) ("**Government Official**") in order to influence official action, or to any person in violation of any applicable anti-corruption laws; (ii) the Company and the Subsidiaries and affiliates have conducted their businesses in compliance with applicable anti-corruption laws and have instituted and maintained and will continue to maintain policies and procedures reasonably designed to promote and

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achieve compliance with such laws and with the representations and warranties contained herein; and (iii) neither the Company nor the Subsidiaries will use, directly or indirectly, the proceeds of the offering in furtherance of an offer, payment, promise to pay, or authorization of the payment or giving of money, or anything else of value, to any person in violation of any applicable anti-corruption laws.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(bb) The operations of the Company and the Subsidiaries are and have been conducted at all times in material compliance with all applicable financial recordkeeping and reporting requirements, including those of the Bank Secrecy Act, as amended by Title III of the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001 (USA PATRIOT Act), and the applicable anti-money laundering statutes of jurisdictions where the Company and the Subsidiaries conduct business, the rules and regulations thereunder and any applicable related or similar rules, regulations or guidelines issued, administered or enforced by any governmental agency (collectively, the "**Anti-Money Laundering Laws**"), and no action, suit or proceeding by or before any court or governmental agency, authority or body or any arbitrator involving the Company or any of the Subsidiaries with respect to the Anti-Money Laundering Laws is pending or, to the best knowledge of the Company, threatened.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(cc) (i) None of the Company or any Subsidiary or any director or officer thereof, or, to the Company's knowledge, any employee, agent, affiliate or representative thereof, is an individual or entity ("**Person**") that is, or is owned or controlled by one or more Persons that are:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(A) the subject of any sanctions administered or enforced by the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control, the United Nations Security Council, the European Union, His Majesty's Treasury, or other relevant sanctions authority (collectively, "**Sanctions**"), or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(B) located, organized or resident in a country or territory that is the subject of Sanctions (including, without limitation, the Crimea Region, the so-called Donetsk People's Republic, the so-called Luhansk People's Republic, or any other Covered Region of Ukraine identified pursuant to Executive Order 14065, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Venezuela and Syria).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) The Company will not, directly or indirectly, use the proceeds of the offering, or lend, contribute or otherwise make available such proceeds to any Subsidiary, joint venture partner or other Person:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(A) to fund or facilitate any activities or business of or with any Person or in any country or territory that, at the time of such funding or facilitation, is the subject of Sanctions; or

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(B) in any other manner that will result in a violation of Sanctions by any Person (including any Person participating in the offering, whether as underwriter, advisor, investor or otherwise).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii) The Company and the Subsidiaries have not, since the more recent of April 24, 2019 or 10 years prior to the date of the Agreement, knowingly engaged in, are not now knowingly engaged in, and will not engage in, any dealings or transactions with any Person, or in any country or territory, that at the time of the dealing or transaction is or was the subject of Sanctions.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(dd) (i)(A) Except as disclosed in each of the Registration Statement, the Prospectus and the General Disclosure Package, there has been no security breach or other compromise of or relating to any of the Company's or any Subsidiary's information technology and computer systems, networks, hardware, software, data (including the data of their respective customers, employees, suppliers, vendors and any third-party data maintained by or on behalf of it), equipment or technology (collectively, "**IT Systems and Data**") and (B) the Company and the Subsidiaries have not been notified of, and have no knowledge of any event or condition that would reasonably be expected to result in, any security breach or other compromise to their IT Systems and Data, except as would not, in the case of this clause (i), individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; (ii) the Company and the Subsidiaries are presently in compliance with all applicable laws or statutes and all judgments, orders, rules and regulations of any court or arbitrator or governmental or regulatory authority, internal policies and contractual obligations relating to the privacy and security of IT Systems and Data and to the commercially reasonable protection of such IT Systems and Data from unauthorized use, access, misappropriation or modification, except as would not, in the case of this clause (ii), individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; and (iii) the Company and the Subsidiaries have implemented backup and disaster recovery technology reasonably consistent with industry standards and practices.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2. *Sale of Securities.* On the basis of the representations, warranties and agreements herein contained, but subject to the terms and conditions herein set forth, (x) the Company and the Manager agree that the Company may from time to time issue and sell Shares through the Manager, acting as sales agent (any such sale, a "**Direct Sale**") or (y) the Company may from time to time, in consultation with the Forward Purchaser and the Forward Seller, instruct Forward Hedge Shares to be sold through the Manager, acting as forward seller (any such sale, a "**Forward Sale**").

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) If the Company wishes that the Manager or the Forward Seller, as applicable, sell Shares, then it shall instruct the Manager or the Forward Seller, as applicable, by email (including any price, time or size limits or other customary parameters or conditions) to sell such Shares on any Trading Day (as defined below) using a form substantially similar to that attached hereto as Exhibit A (the "**Transaction Confirmation**"). Such Transaction Confirmation shall also (i)

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specify whether such Shares will be sold through the Manager, acting as sales agent in a Direct Sale, or through the Forward Seller in connection with a Forward Sale and (ii) if such Transaction Confirmation specifies that it relates to a Forward Sale, be accompanied by a duly executed Supplemental Confirmation, with terms corresponding to such Forward Sale. If the Manager, the Forward Seller or the Forward Purchaser, as applicable, wishes to accept the proposed terms included in the Transaction Confirmation and, if applicable, Supplemental Confirmation (which they may decline to do for any reason in their sole discretion) or, following discussion with the Company, wishes to accept amended terms, then the Manager, the Forward Seller or the Forward Purchaser, as applicable, will issue to the Company a notice by email (or other method mutually agreed to in writing by the parties hereto) setting forth the terms that the Manager, the Forward Seller and Forward Purchaser are willing to accept. Where the terms provided in the Transaction Confirmation and, if applicable, Supplemental Confirmation, are amended as provided for in the immediately preceding sentence, such terms will not be binding on the Company, the Manager or the Forward Seller and the Forward Purchaser, as applicable, until the Company confirms its acceptance of all of the terms of such Transaction Confirmation, as amended, by email or telephone, with confirmation to be provided promptly thereafter by email (or other method mutually agreed to in writing by the parties hereto), along with, to the extent necessary, a duly executed amended Supplemental Confirmation with terms corresponding to such amended Transaction Confirmation. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company and the Manager and/or Forward Seller may elect that, with respect to any Direct Sale or Forward Sale, the Manager shall deliver the applicable Transaction Confirmation and, if applicable, Supplemental Confirmation, to the Company, which may acknowledge and agree to such Transaction Confirmation and, if applicable, Supplemental Confirmation, in writing. No Transaction Confirmation may be delivered if an ex-dividend date or ex-date, as applicable for any dividend or distribution payable by the Company on the Common Stock, is scheduled to occur during the period from, and including, the first scheduled Trading Day of the related Forward Hedge Selling Period (as defined in the Transaction Confirmation) to, and including, the last scheduled Trading Day of such Forward Hedge Selling Period. No selling period for the Shares may overlap in whole or in part with any "Unwind Period" (as defined in the Transaction Confirmation) under any Confirmation or Alternative Confirmations. As used herein, "**Trading Day**" shall mean any trading day on the Exchange, other than a day on which the Exchange is scheduled to close prior to its regular closing time. The Company agrees that any offer to sell, any solicitation of an offer to buy, or any sales of Shares pursuant to this Agreement or the Alternative Equity Distribution Agreements shall be effected by or through only the Manager or the Forward Seller, as applicable, or an Alternative Manager under an Alternative Distribution Agreement, as applicable, on any single day, but in no event by more than one of them, and the Company shall in no event request that the Manager or the Forward Seller, as applicable, and the Alternative Managers sell Shares on the same day.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) Subject to the terms and conditions hereof and, with respect to a Forward Sale, the applicable Confirmation, the Manager or the Forward Seller, as applicable, shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to execute any Company order submitted to it hereunder to sell Shares with respect to which the Manager has agreed to act as sales agent, if a Direct Sale, or as the Forward Seller, if a Forward Sale, respectively. The Company acknowledges and agrees that (i) there can be no assurance that the Manager or the Forward Seller, as applicable, will be successful in selling the Shares; (ii) the Manager or the Forward Seller, as applicable, will incur no liability or obligation to the Company, the Forward Purchaser or any other person or entity if it does not sell Shares for any reason and (iii) the Manager or the Forward Seller, as applicable, shall be under no obligation to purchase Shares on a principal basis pursuant to this Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) The Company shall not authorize the issuance or sale of, and the Manager or the Forward Seller, as applicable, shall not sell, any Share at a price lower than the minimum price therefor designated by the Company pursuant to Section 2(a) of this Agreement. In addition, the Company, the Manager or the Forward Seller, as applicable, may, upon notice to the other party hereto by telephone (confirmed promptly by email), suspend an offering of the Shares pursuant to this Agreement; *provided*, *however*, that such suspension or termination shall not affect or impair the parties' respective obligations with respect to the Shares sold hereunder prior to the giving of such notice. Under no circumstances shall the aggregate offering price of Shares sold pursuant to this Agreement and the Alternative Equity Distribution Agreements exceed the Maximum Program Amount.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) The Manager or the Forward Seller, as applicable, shall provide written confirmation (which may be by email) to the Company following the close of trading on the Exchange each day in which Shares are sold under this Agreement setting forth (i) the amount of Shares sold on such day, (ii) the price or prices at which such Shares were sold on such day, (iii) the gross offering proceeds received from such sale, (iv) the aggregate Net Proceeds (as defined below) to the Company or the Forward Purchaser, as applicable, and (v) the commission payable by the Company to the Manager or the Forward Seller, as applicable, with respect to such sales, which shall be set forth and invoiced in periodic statements from the Manager to the Company, with payment to be made by the Company promptly after its receipt thereof.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) At each Time of Sale, Settlement Date and Representation Date (as defined below), the Company shall be deemed to have affirmed each representation and warranty contained in this Agreement. Any obligation of the Manager or the Forward Seller, as applicable, to use its commercially reasonable efforts to sell the Shares on behalf of the Company as sales agent or the Forward Seller, as applicable, shall be subject to the continuing accuracy of the representations and warranties of the Company herein, to the performance by the Company of its obligations hereunder and to the continuing satisfaction of the additional conditions specified in Section 5 of this Agreement.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(f) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the Company, the Manager and the Forward Seller agree that no sales of Shares shall take place, the Company shall not request the sales of any Shares that would be sold, the Manager and the Forward Seller shall not be obligated to sell or offer to sell Shares, and the Company shall not request the amendment of the Transaction Confirmation and, if applicable, any Supplemental Confirmation, during (i) the period beginning on the first business day after the end of each calendar quarter through and including the end of the first business day following the date on which the Company files a Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q or an Annual Report on Form 10-K that includes consolidated financial statements as of and for the applicable fiscal periods to which such report relates or (ii) any other period in which the Company is in possession of material non-public information.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(g) Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, in the event that, in the Forward Purchaser's sole judgement, it (or its affiliate) (i) is unable, after using commercially reasonable efforts, to borrow and deliver for sale the full number of Forward Hedge Shares to be borrowed and sold pursuant to this Agreement or (ii) would incur a stock loan cost that is more than the rate set forth in the applicable Supplemental Confirmation, then the Forward Seller shall be required to sell on behalf of the Forward Purchaser (or its affiliate) only the aggregate number of Forward Hedge Shares that the Forward Purchaser (or its affiliate) is able to so borrow below such cost.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3. *Fee.* (a) (i) The compensation to the Manager for sales of the Primary Shares with respect to which the Manager acts as sales agent hereunder shall be an amount not to exceed 2.00% of the gross offering proceeds of the Shares sold pursuant to this Agreement and (ii) the compensation payable to the Forward Seller for sales of Forward Hedge Shares shall be an amount not to exceed 2.00% of the volume weighted average of the sales prices of all Forward Hedge Shares sold during the applicable period by the Forward Seller, unless the parties otherwise agree. The remaining proceeds shall constitute the net proceeds to the Company or the Forward Purchaser, as applicable, for such sales (the "**Net Proceeds**").

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) If this Agreement is terminated by the Company prior to December 31, 2028 in accordance with the provisions of Section 10 of this Agreement and, at the time of the Company's notice of termination, the gross purchase price of the Shares sold pursuant to this Agreement is less than $100,000,000, the Company shall reimburse the Manager or the Forward Seller, as applicable, for all of its reasonable out-of-pocket expenses, including the reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel for the Manager, the Forward Seller and the Forward Purchaser incurred by it in connection with the offering contemplated by this Agreement.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4. *Payment, Delivery and Other Obligations.* Settlement for sales of the Shares pursuant to this Agreement will occur on the first Trading Day (or such earlier day as is industry practice for regular-way trading) following the date on which such sales are made.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) On each date of settlement of any Direct Sale (each such day, a "**Direct Settlement Date**"), the Primary Shares sold through the Manager for settlement on such date shall be issued and delivered by the Company to the Manager against payment by the Manager of the Net Proceeds from the sale of such Primary Shares. Settlement for all such Primary Shares shall be effected by free delivery of the Primary Shares by the Company or its transfer agent to the Manager's or its designee's account (*provided* that the Manager shall have given the Company written notice of such designee prior to the Settlement Date) at The Depository Trust Company or by such other means of delivery as may be mutually agreed upon by the relevant parties hereto, which in all cases shall be freely tradable, transferable, registered shares in good deliverable form, in return for payment in same day funds delivered to the account designated by the Company. If the Company, or its transfer agent (if applicable), shall default on its obligation to deliver the Primary Shares on any Direct Settlement Date, the Company shall (i) hold the Manager harmless against any loss, claim, damage, or expense (including reasonable legal fees and expenses), as incurred, arising out of or in connection with such default by the Company and (ii) pay the Manager any commission, discount or other compensation to which it would otherwise be entitled absent such default.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) On each date of settlement for any Forward Sale (each such day, a "**Forward Settlement Date**"), the Forward Hedge Shares shall be delivered by the Forward Purchaser (or its affiliate) to the Forward Seller in book-entry form to the Forward Seller's account at The Depository Trust Company against payment by the Forward Seller of the Net Proceeds from the sale of such Forward Hedge Shares in same day funds delivered to an account designated by the Forward Purchaser (or its affiliate), or by such other means of delivery as may be mutually agreed upon by the relevant parties hereto. For purposes of this Agreement, references to "**Settlement Date**" shall include any Direct Settlement Date and any Forward Settlement Date.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5. *Conditions to the Manager's and Forward Seller's Obligations*. The obligations of the Manager and the Forward Seller are subject to the following conditions:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) Since the later of (A) the date of this Agreement and (B) the immediately preceding Representation Date:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) there shall not have occurred any downgrading, nor shall any notice have been given of any intended or potential downgrading or of any review for a possible change that does not indicate the direction of the possible change, in the rating accorded any of the securities of the Company or any of the Subsidiaries by any "nationally recognized statistical rating organization", as such term is defined in Section 3(a)(62) of the Exchange Act; and

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) there shall not have occurred any change, or any development involving a prospective change, in the condition, financial or otherwise, or in the earnings, business or operations of the Company and the Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, from the respective dates of the Registration Statement, the Prospectus and the General Disclosure Package that, in the Manager's or the Forward Seller's judgment, is material and adverse and that makes it, in the Manager's or the Forward Seller's judgment, impracticable to market the Shares on the terms and in the manner contemplated in the Prospectus.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) The Manager, the Forward Seller and the Forward Purchaser shall have received on each date specified in Section 6(l) of this Agreement a certificate, dated such date and signed by an executive officer or treasurer of the Company, to the effect set forth in Sections 5(a)(i) and 5(a)(ii) of this Agreement and to the effect that (i) the representations and warranties of the Company contained in this Agreement are true and correct as of such date; (ii) the Company has complied with all of the agreements and satisfied all of the conditions on its part to be performed or satisfied hereunder on or before such date; (iii) no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement has been issued and no proceeding for that purpose or pursuant to Section 8(A) of the Securities Act has been initiated or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened by the Commission; (iv) the Prospectus Supplement, any Interim Prospectus Supplement and each Permitted Free Writing Prospectus have been timely filed with the Commission under the Securities Act (in the case of a Permitted Free Writing Prospectus, to the extent required by Rule 433 under the Securities Act), and all requests for additional information on the part of the Commission have been complied with or otherwise satisfied; (v) as of such date and as of each Time of Sale, if any, subsequent to the immediately preceding Representation Date, the Registration Statement did not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading; and (vi) as of such date and as of each Time of Sale, if any, subsequent to the immediately preceding Representation Date, the General Disclosure Package did not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; *provided*, *however*, that no such certificate shall apply to any statements or omissions made in reliance upon and in conformity with the Manager Information.

The officer signing and delivering such certificate may rely upon the best of his or her knowledge as to proceedings threatened.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) (i) The Manager and, if applicable, the Forward Seller and the Forward Purchaser shall have received on each date specified in Section 6(m) of this Agreement, an opinion and negative assurance letter of outside counsel for the Company, dated such date, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Manager and if applicable, the Forward Seller and the Forward Purchaser; and

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) The Manager and, if applicable, the Forward Seller and the Forward Purchaser shall have received on each date specified in Section 6(m) of this Agreement, an opinion of internal counsel for the Company, dated such date, in form and substance satisfactory to the Manager and, if applicable, the Forward Seller and the Forward Purchaser.

The opinions of counsel for the Company described in Sections 5(c)(i) and 5(c)(ii) of this Agreement shall be rendered to the Manager and, if applicable, the Forward Seller and the Forward Purchaser at the request of the Company and shall so state therein.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) The Manager, the Forward Seller and the Forward Purchaser shall have received on each date specified in Section 6(n) of this Agreement, an opinion and negative assurance letter of Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP, counsel for the Manager, the Forward Seller and the Forward Purchaser, dated such date, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Manager.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) The Manager shall have received on each date specified in Section 6(o) of this Agreement, a letter dated such date in form and substance satisfactory to the Manager, from Deloitte & Touche LLP, independent public accountants for the Company, (i) confirming that they are an independent registered public accounting firm within the meaning of the Securities Act, the Exchange Act and the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, (ii) stating, as of such date, the conclusions and findings of such firm with respect to the financial information and other matters ordinarily covered by accountants' "comfort letters" to underwriters in connection with registered public offerings (the first such letter, the "**Initial Comfort Letter**") and (iii) updating the Initial Comfort Letter with any information that would have been included in the Initial Comfort Letter had it been given on such date and modified as necessary to relate to the Registration Statement, the Prospectus Supplement, the Prospectus or any issuer free writing prospectus, as amended and supplemented to the date of such letter.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(f) All filings with the Commission required by Rule 424 under the Securities Act to have been filed by the Company by each Time of Sale or related Settlement Date shall have been made within the applicable time period prescribed for such filing by Rule 424 (without reliance on Rule 424(b)(8)).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(g) The Primary Shares and any Confirmation Shares shall have been approved for listing on the Exchange, subject only to a notice of issuance at or prior to the applicable Settlement Date.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(h) The Common Stock shall be an "actively-traded security" excepted from the requirements of Rule 101 of Regulation M under the Exchange Act by subsection (c)(1) of such rule.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6. *Covenants of the Company*. The Company covenants with the Manager, the Forward Seller and the Forward Purchaser as follows:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) To the extent not previously delivered or filed on the Commission's Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis and Retrieval system, to furnish to the Manager, the Forward Seller and the Forward Purchaser copies of the Registration Statement (excluding exhibits) and copies of the Prospectus (or the Prospectus as amended or supplemented) in such quantities as the Manager, the Forward Seller or the Forward Purchaser, as the case may be, may from time to time reasonably request, and, in case the Manager or the Forward Seller is required to deliver, under the Securities Act (whether physically or through compliance with Rule 172 under the Securities Act or any similar rule), a prospectus relating to the Shares after the nine-month period referred to in Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act, or after the time a post-effective amendment to the Registration Statement is required pursuant to Item 512(a) of Regulation S-K under the Securities Act, upon the request of the Manager, the Forward Seller or the Forward Purchaser, as the case may be, and at its own expense, the Company shall prepare and deliver to the Manager, the Forward Seller and the Forward Purchaser as many copies as the Manager, the Forward Seller or the Forward Purchaser may request of an amended Registration Statement or amended or supplemented prospectus complying with Item 512(a) of Regulation S-K or Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act, as the case may be.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) Before amending or supplementing the Registration Statement or the Prospectus, to furnish to the Manager a copy of each such proposed amendment or supplement and not to file any such proposed amendment or supplement to which the Manager, the Forward Seller and the Forward Purchaser reasonably object (other than (i) any prospectus supplement relating to the offering of Shelf Securities other than the Common Stock or (ii) by means of an Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, Current Report on Form 8-K or Registration Statement on Form 8-A or any amendments to any of the foregoing filed with the Commission under the Exchange Act and incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the Registration Statement or the Prospectus). To furnish to the Manager, the Forward Seller and the Forward Purchaser a copy of each proposed free writing prospectus relating to the Shares to be prepared by or on behalf of, used by, or referred to by the Company and not to use or refer to any proposed free writing prospectus to which the Manager, the Forward Seller and the Forward Purchaser reasonably object. Not to take any action that would result in the Manager, the Forward Seller or the Company being required to file with the Commission pursuant to Rule 433(d) under the Securities Act a free writing prospectus prepared by or on behalf of the Manager, the Forward Seller or the Forward Purchaser that the Manager, the Forward Seller or the Forward Purchaser otherwise would not have been required to file thereunder.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) To file promptly all reports and any definitive proxy or information statements required to be filed by the Company with the Commission pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act subsequent to the date of the Prospectus Supplement and for the duration of the Delivery Period. For the duration of the Delivery Period, to include in its quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, and in its annual reports on Form 10-K, a summary detailing, for the relevant reporting period, (i) the number of Shares sold through the Manager and the

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Forward Seller under this Agreement and through the Alternative Managers under the Alternative Equity Distribution Agreements during such fiscal quarterly period, (ii) the Net Proceeds received by the Company from such sales and (iii) the aggregate compensation deemed paid by the Company with respect to sales of Shares pursuant to this Agreement and the Alternative Equity Distribution Agreements, together with any other information that the Company reasonably believes is required to comply with the Exchange Act or any rules or regulations thereunder (or alternatively, to prepare a prospectus supplement (each, an "**Interim Prospectus Supplement**") with such summary information and, at least once a quarter and subject to Section 6(b) of this Agreement, file such Interim Prospectus Supplement pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the Securities Act (and within the time periods required by Rule 424(b) and Rules 430A, 430B or 430C under the Securities Act)).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) To file any Permitted Free Writing Prospectus to the extent required by Rule 433 under the Securities Act and to provide copies of the Prospectus and such Prospectus Supplement and each Permitted Free Writing Prospectus (in each case, to the extent not previously delivered or filed on the Commission's Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis and Retrieval system or any successor system thereto) to the Manager, the Forward Seller and the Forward Purchaser via electronic mail in ".pdf" format on such filing date to the respective electronic mail accounts designated by the Manager, the Forward Seller and the Forward Purchaser and, at the Manager's, the Forward Seller's or the Forward Purchaser's request, to also furnish copies of the Prospectus and such Prospectus Supplement to the Exchange and each other exchange or market on which sales of the Shares were effected, in each case, as may be required by the rules or regulations of the Exchange or such other exchange or market.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) During the Delivery Period to advise the Manager, the Forward Seller and the Forward Purchaser, promptly after it receives notice thereof, of the issuance of any stop order by the Commission, of the suspension of the qualification of the Shares for offering or sale in any jurisdiction, of the initiation or threatening of any proceeding for any such purpose, or of any request by the Commission for the amending or supplementing of the Registration Statement, the Prospectus Supplement, the Prospectus or any Permitted Free Writing Prospectus or for additional information; and, in the event of the issuance of any such stop order or of any order preventing or suspending the use of any prospectus relating to the Shares or suspending any such qualification, to promptly use its best efforts to obtain its withdrawal.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(f) If, after the date hereof and during the Delivery Period, either (i) any event shall occur or condition exist as a result of which the Prospectus would include any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, or (ii) for any other reason it shall be necessary during such same period to amend or supplement the Prospectus or to file any document in order to comply with the Securities Act or

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the Exchange Act, to promptly advise the Manager, the Forward Seller and the Forward Purchaser by telephone (with confirmation in writing or electronic mail) and to promptly prepare and file, subject to Section 6(b) of this Agreement, with the Commission an amendment or supplement to the Registration Statement or the Prospectus which will correct such statement or omission or effect such compliance and, to the extent not previously delivered or filed on the Commission's Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis and Retrieval system, to furnish to the Manager, the Forward Seller and the Forward Purchaser as many copies as the Manager, the Forward Seller and the Forward Purchaser may reasonably request of such amendment or supplement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(g) To use commercially reasonable efforts, to qualify the Shares for offer and sale under the securities or Blue Sky laws of such jurisdictions as the Manager shall reasonably request and to continue such qualifications in effect so long as necessary under such laws for the distribution of the Shares.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(h) To make generally available to the Company's security holders and to the Manager and the Forward Seller as soon as practicable an earnings statement covering a period of at least 12 months beginning with the first fiscal quarter of the Company occurring after the date of this Agreement which shall satisfy the provisions of Section 11(a) of the Securities Act and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) Whether or not the transactions contemplated in this Agreement are consummated or this Agreement is terminated, to pay or cause to be paid all expenses incident to the performance of its obligations under this Agreement, including: (i) the fees, disbursements and expenses of the Company's counsel and the Company's accountants in connection with the registration and delivery of the Shares under the Securities Act and all other fees or expenses in connection with the preparation and filing of the Registration Statement, any Prospectus Supplement, the Prospectus, any free writing prospectus prepared by or on behalf of, used by, or referred to by the Company and amendments and supplements to any of the foregoing, including the filing fees payable to the Commission relating to the Shares (within the time required by Rule 456(b)(1), if applicable), all printing costs associated therewith, and the mailing and delivering of copies thereof to the Manager, the Forward Seller and the Forward Purchaser, in the quantities hereinabove specified, (ii) all costs and expenses related to the transfer and delivery of the Shares, including any transfer or other taxes payable thereon, (iii) the cost of printing or producing any Blue Sky or Legal Investment memorandum in connection with the offer and sale of the Shares under state securities laws and all expenses in connection with the qualification of the Shares for offer and sale under state securities laws as provided in Section 6(g) of this Agreement, including filing fees and the reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel for the Manager, the Forward Seller and the Forward Purchaser in connection with such qualification and in connection with the Blue Sky or Legal Investment memorandum, (iv) all filing fees and the reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel to the Manager, the Forward Seller and the Forward

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Purchaser incurred in connection with the initial documentation of the offering contemplated by this Agreement, including any review and qualification by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (up to, together with the expenses and fees pursuant to Section 6(i) of the Alternative Equity Distribution Agreements, $200,000 in the aggregate, subject to the terms of Section 3(b) of this Agreement), (v) all costs and expenses incident to listing the Shares on the Exchange, (vi) the costs and charges of any transfer agent, registrar or depositary, and (vii) all other costs and expenses incident to the performance of the obligations of the Company hereunder for which provision is not otherwise made in this Section. It is understood, however, that except as provided in this Section 6, Section 3(b) and Section 8 of this Agreement, the Manager, the Forward Seller and the Forward Purchaser will pay all of its costs and expenses, including any advertising expenses connected with any offers the Manager, the Forward Seller and the Forward Purchaser may make.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(j) If the third anniversary of the initial effective date of the Registration Statement occurs before all the Shares have been sold, prior to such third anniversary, to file, subject to Section 6(b) of this Agreement, a new shelf registration statement and to take any other action necessary to permit the public offering of the Shares to continue without interruption (references herein to the Registration Statement shall include the new registration statement declared effective by the Commission).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(k) (i) To use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause the Primary Shares and any Confirmation Shares to be listed for trading on the Exchange; (ii) to reserve and keep available at all times, free of pre-emptive rights, Shares and any Confirmation Shares for the purpose of enabling the Company to satisfy its obligations under this Agreement and any Confirmation; and (iii) to engage and maintain, at its expense, a registrar and transfer agent for the Shares and any Confirmation Shares.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(l) Upon commencement of the offering of the Shares under this Agreement (and upon the recommencement of the offering of the Shares under this Agreement following the termination of a suspension of sales hereunder), and each time that (i) the Registration Statement or the Prospectus is amended or supplemented (other than a prospectus supplement relating solely to the offering of Shelf Securities other than the Shares), (ii) there is filed with the Commission any document incorporated by reference into the Prospectus (other than a Current Report on Form 8-K) or (iii) the Manager, the Forward Seller or the Forward Purchaser reasonably requests (such commencement date (and any such recommencement date, if applicable) and each such date referred to in (i), (ii) and (iii) above, a "**Representation Date**"), to furnish or cause to be furnished to the Manager, the Forward Seller and the Forward Purchaser forthwith a certificate dated and delivered as of such date, in form reasonably satisfactory to the Manager, the Forward Seller and the Forward Purchaser, to the effect that the statements contained in the certificate referred to in Section 5(b) of this Agreement are true and correct at the time of such commencement, recommencement, amendment, supplement or filing, as the case may be, as though made at and as of such time modified as necessary to relate to the Registration Statement and the Prospectus as amended and supplemented to the time of delivery of such certificate.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(m) On each Representation Date, the Company shall cause to be furnished to the Manager and, if such Representation Date relates to the execution of a Confirmation, the Forward Seller and the Forward Purchaser, dated as of such date, in form and substance satisfactory to the Manager, the Forward Seller and the Forward Purchaser, as applicable, a written opinion of the internal and outside counsel for the Company, each as described in Section 5(c) of this Agreement, modified as necessary to relate to the Registration Statement and the Prospectus as amended and supplemented to the time of delivery of such opinion.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(n) On each Representation Date, Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP, counsel to the Manager, the Forward Seller and the Forward Purchaser, shall furnish to the Manager, the Forward Seller and the Forward Purchaser a written opinion, dated as of such date in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Manager, the Forward Seller and the Forward Purchaser.

With respect to Sections 6(m) and 6(n) of this Agreement, in lieu of delivering such an opinion for dates subsequent to the commencement of the offering of the Shares under this Agreement such counsel may furnish the Manager, the Forward Seller and the Forward Purchaser with a letter (a "**Reliance Letter**") to the effect that the Manager, the Forward Seller and the Forward Purchaser may rely on a prior opinion delivered under Section 6(m) or Section 6(n) of this Agreement, as the case may be, to the same extent as if it were dated the date of such letter (except that statements in such prior opinion shall be deemed to relate to the Registration Statement and the Prospectus as amended or supplemented as of such subsequent date).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(o) Upon commencement of the offering of the Shares under this Agreement (and upon the recommencement of the offering of the Shares under this Agreement following the termination of a suspension of sales hereunder), and each time that (i) the Registration Statement or the Prospectus is amended or supplemented to include additional financial information, (ii) the Company files an annual report on Form 10-K or quarterly report on Form 10-Q, (iii) there is furnished with the Commission by the Company any document which contains financial information, including any earnings release, or there is filed with the Commission any document (other than an annual report on Form 10-K or quarterly report on Form 10-Q) incorporated by reference into the Prospectus which contains additional or amended financial information or (iv) on such other dates as may be reasonably requested by the Manager, the Forward Seller and the Forward Purchaser, Deloitte & Touche LLP, independent public accountants of the Company, shall deliver to the Manager, the Forward Seller and the Forward Purchaser the comfort letter(s) described in Section 5(e) of this Agreement.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(p) To promptly reply to due diligence inquiries from the Manager, the Forward Seller or the Forward Purchaser and their respective representatives, including, without limitation, furnishing requested materials and making senior management and representatives of the Company's registered independent accounting firm available for due diligence conference calls, upon the reasonable request of the Manager, the Forward Seller or the Forward Purchaser.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(q) That it consents to the Manager or the Forward Seller trading in the Common Stock for the Manager's or the Forward Seller's own account and for the account of their respective clients at the same time as sales of the Shares occur pursuant to this Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(r) That each acceptance by the Company of an offer to purchase the Shares hereunder shall be deemed to be an affirmation to the Manager or the Forward Seller and the Forward Purchaser, as applicable, that the representations and warranties of the Company contained in or made pursuant to this Agreement are true and correct as of the date of such acceptance as though made at and as of such date, and an undertaking that such representations and warranties will be true and correct as of the Time of Sale and the Settlement Date for the Shares relating to such acceptance as though made at and as of each of such dates (except that (i) such representations and warranties shall be deemed to relate to the Registration Statement and the Prospectus as amended and supplemented relating to such Shares and (ii) to the extent that such representations and warranties speak as of another date, such representations and warranties shall be true and correct as of such other date).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(s) Prior to instructing the Manager or the Forward Seller pursuant to Section 2 of this Agreement to make sales on any given day (or as otherwise agreed between the Company and the Manager or the Forward Seller), an authorized officer of the Company shall have approved the minimum price and maximum number of Shares to be sold on such day which minimum price shall not be less than the minimum consideration determined pursuant to the formula approved by the Board of Directors.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(t) Not to, or publicly disclose an intention to, sell, offer to sell, contract or agree to sell, hypothecate, pledge, grant any option to sell or otherwise dispose of or agree to dispose of, directly or indirectly, any shares of the Common Stock or securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for the Common Stock or warrants or other rights to purchase the Common Stock or any other securities of the Company that are substantially similar to the Common Stock or permit the registration under the Securities Act of any shares of the Common Stock, except for (i) the registration of the Shares and the sales through the Manager or the Forward Seller pursuant to this Agreement or through the Alternative Managers pursuant to the Alternative Equity Distribution Agreements, (ii) any Confirmation Shares, (iii) any shares of Common Stock issued by the Company upon the exercise of an option or warrant or the conversion of a security outstanding on the date hereof and referred to in the Prospectus, (iv) any shares of

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Common Stock or stock units issued or options to purchase Common Stock granted pursuant to existing employee benefit plans of the Company, including shares of Common Stock issued upon exercise of such options or (v) any shares of Common Stock or stock units issued pursuant to any non-employee director stock plan, dividend reinvestment plan or stock purchase plan of the Company, during the Delivery Period, without (A) giving the Manager or the Forward Seller at least three business days' prior written notice specifying the nature of the proposed sale and the date of such proposed sale and (B) the Manager or the Forward Seller suspending activity under this program for such period of time as requested by the Company.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7. *Covenants of the Manager and the Forward Seller*. The Manager and the Forward Seller covenant with the Company not to take any action that would result in the Company being required to file with the Commission under Rule 433(d) a free writing prospectus prepared by or on behalf of the Manager or the Forward Seller that otherwise would not be required to be filed by the Company thereunder, but for the action of the Manager or the Forward Seller.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8. *Indemnity and Contribution.* (a) The Company agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Manager, the Forward Seller and the Forward Purchaser, their respective directors, officers, employees, agents and affiliates, and each person, if any, who controls the Manager, the Forward Seller or the Forward Purchaser within the meaning of either Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act from and against any and all losses, claims, damages and liabilities (including, without limitation, any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred in connection with defending or investigating any such action or claim) caused by any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement, the Prospectus, the Prospectus Supplement (including any Interim Prospectus Supplement), the General Disclosure Package, any free writing prospectus that the Company has filed, or is required to file, pursuant to Rule 433(d) under the Securities Act, or any amendment or supplement thereto, or caused by any omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, except insofar as such losses, claims, damages or liabilities are caused by any such untrue statement or omission or alleged untrue statement or omission based upon the Manager Information.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) Each of the Manager, the Forward Seller and the Forward Purchaser agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Company, its directors, its officers who sign the Registration Statement and each person, if any, who controls the Company within the meaning of either Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act to the same extent as the foregoing indemnity from the Company to the Manager, but only with reference to information relating to the Manager, the Forward Seller or the Forward Purchaser furnished to the Company in writing by the Manager, the Forward Seller or the Forward Purchaser expressly for use in the Registration Statement, the Prospectus, the Prospectus Supplement (including any Interim Prospectus Supplement), the General Disclosure Package, any free writing prospectus that the Company has filed, or is required to file, pursuant to Rule 433(d) under the Securities Act, or any amendment or supplement thereto.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) In case any proceeding (including any governmental investigation) shall be instituted involving any person in respect of which indemnity may be sought pursuant to Section 8(a) or 8(b) of this Agreement, such person (the "**indemnified party**") shall promptly notify the person against whom such indemnity may be sought (the "**indemnifying party**") in writing (but failure to so notify an indemnifying party as provided in this Section 8(c) shall not relieve such indemnifying party from any liability hereunder to the extent it is not materially prejudiced (through the forfeiture of substantive rights and defenses) as a result thereof and in any event shall not relieve it from any liability which it may have otherwise than on account of this indemnity agreement), and the indemnifying party, upon request of the indemnified party, shall retain counsel reasonably satisfactory to the indemnified party to represent the indemnified party and any others the indemnifying party may designate in such proceeding and shall pay the fees and disbursements of such counsel related to such proceeding. In any such proceeding, any indemnified party shall have the right to retain its own counsel, but the fees and expenses of such counsel shall be at the expense of such indemnified party unless (i) the indemnifying party and the indemnified party shall have mutually agreed to the retention of such counsel, (ii) the named parties to any such proceeding (including any impleaded parties) include both the indemnifying party and the indemnified party and representation of both parties by the same counsel would be inappropriate due to actual or potential differing interests between them or (iii) the named parties to any proceeding include the indemnified party and another party, and the indemnified party has legal defenses that the other party does not. It is understood that the indemnifying party shall not, in respect of the legal expenses of any indemnified party in connection with any proceeding or related proceedings in the same jurisdiction, be liable for the fees and expenses of more than one separate firm (in addition to any local counsel) for all such indemnified parties and that all such fees and expenses shall be reimbursed as they are incurred. Such firm shall be designated in writing by the Manager, the Forward Seller or the Forward Purchaser, in the case of parties indemnified pursuant to Section 8(a) of this Agreement, and by the Company, in the case of parties indemnified pursuant to Section 8(b) of this Agreement. The indemnifying party shall not be liable for any settlement of any proceeding effected without its written consent, but if settled with such consent or if there be a final judgment for the plaintiff, the indemnifying party agrees to indemnify the indemnified party from and against any loss or liability by reason of such settlement or judgment. Notwithstanding the foregoing sentence, if at any time an indemnified party shall have requested an indemnifying party to reimburse the indemnified party for fees and expenses of counsel as contemplated by the second and third sentences of this paragraph, the indemnifying party agrees that it shall be liable for any settlement of any proceeding effected without its written consent if (i) such settlement is entered into more than 30 days after receipt by such indemnifying party of the aforesaid request and (ii) such indemnifying party shall not have reimbursed the indemnified party in accordance with such request prior

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to the date of such settlement. No indemnifying party shall, without the prior written consent of the indemnified party, effect any settlement of any pending or threatened proceeding in respect of which any indemnified party is or could have been a party and indemnity could have been sought hereunder by such indemnified party, unless such settlement (i) includes an unconditional release of such indemnified party from all liability on claims that are the subject matter of such proceeding and (ii) does not include a statement as to or an admission of fault, culpability or failure to act by or on behalf of any indemnified party.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) To the extent the indemnification provided for in Section 8(a) or 8(b) of this Agreement is unavailable to an indemnified party or insufficient in respect of any losses, claims, damages or liabilities referred to therein, then each indemnifying party under such paragraph, in lieu of indemnifying such indemnified party thereunder, shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by such indemnified party as a result of such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (i) in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative benefits received by the each of Company, the Manager, the Forward Seller and the Forward Purchaser from the offering of the Shares or (ii) if the allocation provided by Section 8(d)(i) of this Agreement is not permitted by applicable law, in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect not only the relative benefits referred to in Section 8(d)(i) of this Agreement but also the relative fault of each of the Company, the Manager, the Forward Seller and the Forward Purchaser in connection with the statements or omissions that resulted in such losses, claims, damages or liabilities, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations. The relative benefits received by each of the Company, the Manager, the Forward Seller and the Forward Purchaser in connection with the offering of the Shares pursuant to this Agreement shall be deemed to be in the same respective proportions as (i) in the case of the Company, (x) the net proceeds from the offering of the Primary Shares (before deducting expenses, if applicable, and, for the avoidance of doubt, without including proceeds from the offering of Primary Shares pursuant to the Alternative Equity Distribution Agreements) received by the Company, or (y) with respect to a Forward Sale, the proceeds that would be received by the Company upon physical settlement of each applicable Confirmation assuming that the aggregate amount payable by the Forward Purchaser under such Confirmation is equal to the aggregate amount of the net proceeds realized upon the sale of the Forward Hedge Shares with respect to such Forward Sale, (ii) in the case of the Manager, the total commissions received by the Manager in respect of the Primary Shares, (iii) in the case of the Forward Seller, the total commissions received by the Forward Seller in respect of the Forward Hedge Shares, and (iv) in the case of the Forward Purchaser, the Spread (as defined in the applicable Confirmation and net of any related stock borrow costs or other costs or expenses actually incurred) retained by the Forward Purchaser under such Confirmation. The relative fault of each of the Company, the Manager, the Forward Seller and the Forward Purchaser shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether the untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or the omission or alleged omission to state a material fact relates to information supplied by each such party and the parties' relative intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such statement or omission.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) Each of the Company, the Manager, the Forward Seller and the Forward Purchaser agrees that it would not be just or equitable if contribution pursuant to this Section 8 were determined by *pro rata* allocation or by any other method of allocation that does not take account of the equitable considerations referred to in Section 8(d) of this Agreement. The amount paid or payable by an indemnified party as a result of the losses, claims, damages and liabilities referred to in Section 8(d) shall be deemed to include, subject to the limitations set forth above, any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by such indemnified party in connection with investigating or defending any such action or claim. Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 8, the Manager, the Forward Seller and the Forward Purchaser shall not be required to contribute any amount in excess of (i) the total compensation received by the Manager in connection with the sale of Shares on behalf of the Company, (ii) the total compensation received by the Forward Seller in connection with the sale of Shares on behalf of the Forward Purchaser and (iii) the Spread (as defined in the applicable Confirmation and net of any related stock borrow costs or other costs or expenses actually incurred) retained by the Forward Purchaser pursuant to the relevant Confirmation(s). No person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Securities Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any person who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation. The remedies provided for in this Section 8 are not exclusive and shall not limit any rights or remedies which may otherwise be available to any indemnified party at law or in equity.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(f) The indemnity and contribution provisions contained in this Section 8 and the representations, warranties and other statements of the Company contained in this Agreement shall remain operative and in full force and effect regardless of (i) any termination of this Agreement, (ii) any investigation made by or on behalf of the Manager, the Forward Seller, the Forward Purchaser, any person controlling the Manager, the Forward Seller or the Forward Purchaser or any affiliate of the Manager, the Forward Seller or the Forward Purchaser or by or on behalf of the Company, its officers or directors or any person controlling the Company and (iii) acceptance of and payment for any of the Shares.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;9. *Effectiveness*. This Agreement shall become effective upon the execution and delivery hereof by the parties hereto.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;10. *Termination*. (a) The Company shall have the right, by giving written notice as hereinafter specified, to terminate this Agreement in its sole discretion at any time. Any such termination shall be without liability of any party to any other party, except that (i) with respect to any pending Direct Sale or Forward Sale through the Manager or the Forward Seller, respectively, the obligations of the Company, including, but not limited to, its obligations under Section 4 of this Agreement, shall remain in full force and effect notwithstanding such termination; and (ii) the provisions of Section 1, Section 3(b) and Section 8 of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect notwithstanding such termination.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) The Manager, the Forward Seller and the Forward Purchaser shall have the right, by giving written notice as hereinafter specified, to terminate this Agreement in its sole discretion at any time. Any such termination shall be without liability of any party to any other party except that (i) with respect to any pending Direct Sale or Forward Sale through the Manager or the Forward Seller, respectively, the obligations of the Company, including, but not limited to, its obligations under Section 4 of this Agreement, shall remain in full force and effect notwithstanding such termination; and (ii) the provisions of Section 1, Section 3(b) and Section 8 of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect notwithstanding such termination.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) Unless earlier terminated pursuant to this Section 10, this Agreement shall automatically terminate on the earlier of (i) the date that the aggregate offering price of the Shares sold pursuant to the Equity Distribution Agreements equals the Maximum Program Amount, or (ii) December 31, 2028; provided, however, that this Agreement will continue in effect for the duration of, and solely with respect to, any Confirmation entered into, but not yet settled, before December 31, 2028.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) This Agreement shall remain in full force and effect until and unless terminated pursuant to Section 10(a) Section 10(b) or Section 10(c) of this Agreement or otherwise by mutual agreement of the parties; *provided* that any such termination by mutual agreement or pursuant to this clause (d) shall in all cases be deemed to provide that Section 1, Section 3(b) and Section 8 of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) Subject to Section 10(c), any termination of this Agreement shall be effective on the date specified in such notice of termination; *provided* that such termination shall not be effective until the close of business on the date of receipt of such notice by the Manager, the Forward Seller and the Forward Purchaser or the Company, as the case may be. If such termination shall occur prior to the Settlement Date for any sale of Shares, such sale shall settle in accordance with the provisions of Section 4 of this Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;11. *Entire Agreement*. (a) This Agreement represents the entire agreement among the Company, the Manager, the Forward Seller and the Forward Purchaser with respect to the preparation of any Registration Statement, Prospectus Supplement or the Prospectus, the conduct of the offering and the sale and distribution of the Shares.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) The Company acknowledges that in connection with the offering of the Shares: (i) the Manager, the Forward Seller and the Forward Purchaser have acted and will act at arm's length and neither is an agent of, or owes any fiduciary duties to, the Company or any other person, (ii) the Manager, the Forward Seller and the Forward Purchaser owe the Company only those duties

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and obligations set forth in this Agreement, any Confirmations and prior written agreements (to the extent not superseded by this Agreement), if any, (iii) none of the activities of the Manager, the Forward Seller or the Forward Purchaser in connection with the transactions contemplated herein constitutes a recommendation, investment advice, or solicitation of any action by the Manager, the Forward Seller or the Forward Purchaser with respect to any entity or natural person, and (iv) the Manager, the Forward Seller and the Forward Purchaser may each have interests that differ from those of the Company. The Company waives to the full extent permitted by applicable law any claims it may have against the Manager, the Forward Seller or the Forward Purchaser arising from an alleged breach of fiduciary duty in connection with the sale and distribution of the Shares.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;12. *Counterparts; Electronic Signatures*. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all such counterparts shall together constitute one and the same Agreement. The words "execution," "executed," "signed," "signature," and words of like import in this Agreement shall include images of manually executed signatures transmitted by facsimile, email or other electronic format (including, without limitation, "pdf," "tif" or "jpg") and other electronic signatures (including, without limitation, DocuSign and AdobeSign). The use of electronic signatures and electronic records (including, without limitation, any contract or other record created, generated, sent, communicated, received, or stored by electronic means) shall be of the same legal effect, validity and enforceability as a manually executed signature or use of a paper-based record-keeping system to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, including the Federal Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act, the New York State Electronic Signatures and Records Act and any other applicable law, including, without limitation, any state law based on the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act or the Uniform Commercial Code.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;13. *Applicable Law*. This Agreement and any claims, controversy or dispute relating to or arising out of this Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the internal laws of the State of New York.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;14. *Headings*. The headings of the sections of this Agreement have been inserted for convenience of reference only and shall not be deemed a part of this Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;15. *Notices*. All communications hereunder shall be in writing and effective only upon receipt and if to the Manager or the Forward Seller shall be delivered, mailed or sent to [•]; if to the Forward Purchaser shall be delivered, mailed or sent to [•]; and if to the Company shall be delivered, mailed or sent to 801 East 86th Avenue, Merrillville, Indiana 46410, Attention: Tchapo Napoe, with a copy to the outside counsel for the Company, McGuireWoods LLP, 201 N. Tryon St., Suite 3000, Charlotte, NC 28202, Attention: Barlow Mann.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;16. *No Assignment; Parties.* This Agreement and the rights, duties and obligations hereunder may not be assigned or delegated by the Company, the Manager, Forward Seller or the Forward Purchaser; *provided, however*, that if the Forward Purchaser assigns, transfers or sets over its rights, title and interest, powers, privileges and remedies pursuant to Section 20 of the Master Forward Confirmation, the Forward Purchaser may assign its rights and obligations under this Agreement to such successor Forward Purchaser. The Company shall have no obligation to release the Forward Purchaser from its obligations to the Company upon any such assignment or transfer, nor shall any such assignment or transfer relieve or otherwise discharge the Forward Purchaser from its obligations to the Company. This Agreement and the provisions hereof shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of each of the parties and their respective successors and, to the extent provided in Section 8, the controlling persons, officers, directors, employees and agents and affiliates referred to in Section 8. This Agreement is not intended to confer any rights or benefits on any persons other than as set forth in Section 8 or elsewhere in this Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;17. *Recognition of the U.S. Special Resolution Regimes*. (a) In the event that the Manager, the Forward Seller or the Forward Purchaser that is a Covered Entity (as defined below) becomes subject to a proceeding under a U.S. Special Resolution Regime (as defined below), the transfer from such Manager, Forward Seller or Forward Purchaser of this Agreement, and any interest and obligation in or under this Agreement, will be effective to the same extent as the transfer would be effective under the U.S. Special Resolution Regime if this Agreement, and any such interest and obligation, were governed by the laws of the United States or a state of the United States.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) In the event that the Manager, the Forward Seller or the Forward Purchaser that is a Covered Entity or a BHC Act Affiliate (as defined below) of such Manager, Forward Seller or Forward Purchaser becomes subject to a proceeding under a U.S. Special Resolution Regime, Default Rights (as defined below) under this Agreement that may be exercised against such Manager, Forward Seller or Forward Purchaser are permitted to be exercised to no greater extent than such Default Rights could be exercised under the U.S. Special Resolution Regime if this Agreement were governed by the laws of the United States or a state of the United States.

As used in this Section 17:

"**BHC Act Affiliate**" has the meaning assigned to the term "affiliate" in, and shall be interpreted in accordance with, 12 U.S.C. § 1841(k).

"**Covered Entity**" means any of the following:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) a "covered entity" as that term is defined in, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. § 252.82(b);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) a "covered bank" as that term is defined in, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. § 47.3(b); or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii) a "covered FSI" as that term is defined in, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. § 382.2(b).

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"**Default Right**" has the meaning assigned to that term in, and shall be interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. §§ 252.81, 47.2 or 382.1, as applicable.

"**U.S. Special Resolution Regime**" means each of (i) the Federal Deposit Insurance Act and the regulations promulgated thereunder and (ii) Title II of the Dodd- Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and the regulations promulgated thereunder.

[*Signature page follows*]

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| | |
|:---|:---|
|  Very truly yours,<br>NISOURCE INC. | Very truly yours,<br>NISOURCE INC. |
| By: |  |
|  | Name: |
|  | Title: |

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| | |
|:---|:---|
|  Accepted as of the date first written above<br>[•],<br> as Manager | Accepted as of the date first written above<br>[•],<br> as Manager |
| By: |  |
|  | Name: |
|  | Title: |

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| | |
|:---|:---|
|  [•],<br> as Forward Seller | [•],<br> as Forward Seller |
| By: |  |
|  | Name: |
|  | Title: |

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| | |
|:---|:---|
|  [•],<br> as Forward Purchaser | [•],<br> as Forward Purchaser |
| By: |  |
|  | Name: |
|  | Title: |

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**SCHEDULE I** 

**Permitted Free Writing Prospectuses** 

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**<u>Exhibit A</u>**

[[•] Letterhead]

__________, 20[•]

[ ]

[ ]

Attention: __________

VIA ELECTRONIC MAIL

**<u>TRANSACTION CONFIRMATION</u>**

Dear __________:

This Transaction Confirmation sets forth the terms of the agreement of [•] ([in its capacity as agent for the Company in connection with any Direct Sale of Primary Shares thereunder, the "**Manager**,"] [and] [in its capacity as agent for the Forward Purchaser in connection with any Forward Sale of Forward Hedge Shares thereunder, the "**Forward Seller**]"); [and [•] (as purchaser under any Forward Sale, the "**Forward Purchaser**")] with NiSource Inc. (the "**Company**") relating to the sale of shares of the Company's common stock, par value $0.01 per share, having an aggregate gross sales price of up to $1,500,000,000 pursuant to the Equity Distribution Agreement among the Company, the Forward Purchaser and the Manager, dated October 31, 2025 (the "**Agreement**"). Unless otherwise defined below, capitalized terms defined in the Agreement shall have the same meanings when used herein.

This Transaction Confirmation relates to [a Direct Sale] [a Forward Sale].

By countersigning or otherwise indicating in writing the Company's acceptance of this Transaction Confirmation (an "**Acceptance**"), the Company shall have agreed with the Manager or the Forward Seller, as applicable, to engage in the following transaction:

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| |
|:---|
| [Number of Shares to be sold][Aggregate Gross Price of Shares to be sold]: |
| Minimum price at which Shares may be sold: |
| Date(s) on which Shares may be sold: |
| Compensation to Manager or Forward Seller, as applicable (if different than the Agreement): |
|  [To Add Other Applicable Terms for Forward Sale] |

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The transaction set forth in this Transaction Confirmation will not be binding on the Company or the Manager or the Forward Seller, as applicable, unless and until (i) in the case of a Direct Sale, the Company delivers its Acceptance or (ii) in the case of a Forward Sale, the Company delivers its Acceptance and a duly executed Supplemental Confirmation; *provided*, *however*, that, in either case, neither the Company nor the Manager or the Forward Seller, as applicable, will be bound by the terms of this Transaction Confirmation unless the Company delivers its Acceptance by [•] a.m./p.m. (New York time) on [the date hereof________, 20[•]].

The transaction, if it becomes binding on the parties, shall be subject to all of the representations, warranties, covenants and other terms and conditions of the Agreement, except to the extent amended or modified hereby, all of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference. Each of the representations and warranties set forth in the Agreement shall be deemed to have been made at and as of every Time of Sale, every Settlement Date and every Representation Date.

If the foregoing conforms to your understanding of our agreement, please so indicate your Acceptance by signing below.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| Very truly yours,<br>[•],<br> As Manager | Very truly yours,<br>[•],<br> As Manager |
| By: |  |
|  | Name: |
|  | Title: |
| [•],<br>As Forward Purchaser | [•],<br>As Forward Purchaser |
| By: |  |
|  | Name: |
|  | Title: |

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| | |
|:---|:---|
|  [•],<br> As Forward Seller | [•],<br> As Forward Seller |
| By: |  |
|  | Name: |
|  | Title: |

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| ACCEPTED as of the date<br> first above written<br>NISOURCE INC. | ACCEPTED as of the date<br> first above written<br>NISOURCE INC. |
| By: |  |
|  | Name: |
|  | Title: |

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**[Note: The Company's Acceptance may also be evidenced by a separate written acceptance referencing this Transaction Confirmation and delivered in accordance with the Agreement]**

## Exhibit 1.2

Exhibit 1.2

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **To:** | NiSource Inc. |
| **A/C:** | [ ] |
| **From:** | [*Dealer*] |
| **Re:** | Issuer Share Forward Sale Transactions |
| **Ref. No:** | [ ] |
| **Date:** | October 31, 2025 |

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Ladies and Gentlemen:

The purpose of this communication (this "**Master Confirmation**") is to set forth the terms and conditions of the transactions to be entered into from time to time between [ ] ("**Dealer**")[, through its agent [ ] (the "**Agent**"),] and NiSource Inc. ("**Counterparty**") in accordance with the terms of the Equity Distribution Agreement, dated as of October 31, 2025 (the "**Equity Distribution Agreement**"), among [the Agent][ ], as manager, Dealer, and Counterparty on the Trade Dates specified herein (collectively, the "**Transactions,**" and each, a "**Transaction**"). This communication constitutes a "Confirmation" as referred to in the Agreement specified below. Each Transaction will be evidenced by a supplemental confirmation (each, a "**Supplemental Confirmation**") substantially in the form of Exhibit A hereto and a pricing report furnished by Dealer pursuant thereto (each, a "**Pricing Report**") substantially in the form of Exhibit B hereto. Each such Supplemental Confirmation and Pricing Report, together with this Master Confirmation, will be a "**Confirmation**" for purposes of the Agreement specified below. Each Confirmation will be a confirmation for purposes of Rule 10b-10 promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "**Exchange Act**").

1. Each Confirmation is subject to, and incorporates, the 2002 ISDA Equity Derivatives Definitions (the "**Equity Definitions**"), as published by the International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. ("**ISDA**"). For purposes of the Equity Definitions, each Transaction will be deemed to be a Share Forward Transaction.

Each Confirmation shall supplement, form a part of and be subject to an agreement (the "**Agreement**") in the form of the 2002 ISDA Master Agreement (the "**ISDA Form**"), as published by ISDA, as if Dealer and Counterparty had executed the ISDA Form on the date hereof (but without any Schedule except for (i) the election of New York law (without regard to New York's choice of laws doctrine other than Title 14 of Article 5 of the New York General Obligations Law (the "**General Obligations Law**")) as the governing law and US Dollars ("**USD**") as the Termination Currency and (ii) the election that the "Cross Default" provisions of Section 5(a)(vi) of the Agreement shall apply to Dealer and Counterparty with a "Threshold Amount" in respect of Dealer of 3% of the stockholders' equity of [*Dealer/Dealer's Parent*] and a "Threshold Amount" in respect of Counterparty of USD 50 million; *provided* that (x) the

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words ", or becoming capable at such time of being declared," shall be deleted from clause (1) thereof and (y) "Specified Indebtedness" has the meaning specified in Section 14 of the Agreement, except that such term shall not include obligations in respect of deposits received in the ordinary course of Dealer's banking business and (z) the following language shall be added to the end of such Section 5(a)(vi): "Notwithstanding the foregoing, a default under subsection (2) hereof shall not constitute an Event of Default if (X) the default was caused solely by error or omission of an administrative or operational nature; (Y) funds were available to enable the party to make the payment when due; and (Z) the payment is made within two Local Business Days of such party's receipt of written notice of its failure to pay;").

All provisions contained in the Agreement are incorporated into and shall govern each Confirmation except as expressly modified below. Each Confirmation evidences a complete and binding agreement between Dealer and Counterparty as to the terms of the relevant Transaction and replaces any previous agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof.

The Transactions hereunder shall be the sole Transactions under the Agreement. If there exists any ISDA Master Agreement between Dealer or any of its Affiliates and Counterparty or any confirmation or other agreement between Dealer or any of its Affiliates and Counterparty pursuant to which an ISDA Master Agreement is deemed to exist between Dealer or any of its Affiliates and Counterparty, then notwithstanding anything to the contrary in such ISDA Master Agreement, such confirmation or agreement or any other agreement to which Dealer or such other Affiliates and Counterparty are parties, the Transactions shall not be considered Transactions under, or otherwise governed by, such existing or deemed ISDA Master Agreement. In the event of any inconsistency among the Agreement, this Master Confirmation, any Supplemental Confirmation, any applicable Pricing Report and the Equity Definitions, the following will prevail in the order of precedence indicated: (i) such Pricing Report, (ii) such Supplemental Confirmation; (iii) this Master Confirmation; (iv) the Equity Definitions; and (iv) the Agreement.

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

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **<u>General Terms:</u>** |  |
| Trade Date: | For each Transaction, as specified in the Supplemental Confirmation for such Transaction, to be, subject to the provisions opposite the caption "Early Valuation" below, the last Trading Day of the Forward Hedge Selling Period for such Transaction. |
| Effective Date: | For each Transaction, as specified in the Supplemental Confirmation for such Transaction, to be the date that is one Settlement Cycle following the Trade Date for such Transaction, or such later date on which the conditions set forth in Section 3 of this Master Confirmation shall have been satisfied. |

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| Buyer: | Dealer |
| Seller: | Counterparty |
| Trading Day: | Any Scheduled Trading Day for the Exchange other than a day on which the Exchange is scheduled to close prior to its Scheduled Closing Time. |
| Forward Hedge Selling Period: | For each Transaction, as specified in the Supplemental Confirmation for such Transaction, to be a period of consecutive Trading Days following the date of such Supplemental Confirmation; *provided* that, if prior to the scheduled end of any Forward Hedge Selling Period (x) any event occurs that would permit the Dealer to designate a Scheduled Trading Day as an Early Valuation Date or (y) a Bankruptcy Termination Event occurs, then the Forward Hedge Selling Period shall immediately terminate at the first such occurrence. |
| Maturity Date: | For each Transaction, as specified in the Supplemental Confirmation for such Transaction (or, if such date is not a Scheduled Trading Day, the next following Scheduled Trading Day). |
| Shares: | The shares of common stock, par value USD 0.01 per Share, of Counterparty (Ticker: "NI") |
| Number of Shares: | For each Transaction, initially, as specified in the Supplemental Confirmation for such Transaction, to be the number of Shares equal to the Actual Sold Forward Amount for the Forward Hedge Selling Period for such Transaction, as reduced on each Relevant Settlement Date (as defined under "Settlement Terms" below) by the number of Settlement Shares to which the related Valuation Date relates. |
| Actual Sold Forward Amount: | For each Transaction and the related Forward Hedge Selling Period, the number of Forward Hedge Shares that the Dealer (or its agent or affiliate) sold pursuant to the Equity Distribution Agreement during such Forward Hedge Selling Period. |

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| Forward Hedge Share: | For each Transaction, any Share borrowed by the Dealer (or its agent or affiliate) and sold pursuant to the Equity Distribution Agreement by the Dealer (or its agent or affiliate) in connection with such Transaction. |
| Settlement Currency: | USD |
| Exchange: | The New York Stock Exchange |
| Related Exchange: | All Exchanges |
| Prepayment: | Not Applicable |
| Variable Obligation: | Not Applicable |
| Forward Price: | For each Transaction, on the Effective Date for such Transaction, the Initial Forward Price for such Transaction, and on any calendar day thereafter, the product of the Forward Price for such Transaction on the immediately preceding calendar day and 1 + the Daily Rate \* (1/365); *provided* that the Forward Price for such Transaction on each Forward Price Reduction Date for such Transaction shall be the Forward Price for such Transaction otherwise in effect on such date *minus* the Forward Price Reduction Amount for such Forward Price Reduction Date.<br>Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent Counterparty delivers Shares hereunder on or after a Forward Price Reduction Date and at or before the record date for an ordinary cash dividend with an ex-dividend date corresponding to such Forward Price Reduction Date (and, for the avoidance of doubt, the related dividend will be paid on such Shares), the Calculation Agent shall adjust the Forward Price to the extent it determines that such an adjustment is appropriate and necessary to preserve the economic intent of the parties by offsetting the economic effect of Dealer having received the benefit of both (i) the Forward Price Reduction Amount and (ii) the ordinary cash dividend with an ex-dividend date corresponding to such Forward Price Reduction Amount (taking into account Dealer's commercially reasonable hedge positions in respect of the Transaction). |

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| Initial Forward Price: | For each Transaction, as specified in the Supplemental Confirmation for such Transaction, to be the product of (i) an amount equal to 1 *minus* the Forward Hedge Selling Commission Rate applicable to such Transaction; and (ii) the Volume-Weighted Hedge Price, subject to adjustment as set forth herein. |
| Forward Hedge Selling Commission Rate: | For each Transaction, as specified in the Supplemental Confirmation for such Transaction, to be a rate mutually agreed between the Dealer and the Counterparty but not in excess of 2%. |
| Volume-Weighted Hedge Price: | For each Transaction, as specified in the Supplemental Confirmation for such Transaction, to be the volume-weighted average of the Sales Prices per Share of the Forward Hedge Shares sold on each Trading Day of the Forward Hedge Selling Period for such Transaction, as determined by the Calculation Agent; *provided* that, solely for the purposes of calculating the Initial Forward Price, each such Sales Price (other than the Sales Price for the last day of the relevant Forward Hedge Selling Period) shall be subject to adjustment by the Calculation Agent in the same manner as the Forward Price pursuant to the definition thereof during the period from, and including, the date one Settlement Cycle immediately following the first Trading Day of the relevant Forward Hedge Selling Period on which the Forward Hedge Shares related to such Sales Price are sold to, and including, the Effective Date of such Transaction. |
| Sales Price: | For each Transaction and any related Forward Hedge Share, the actual sale execution price of such Forward Hedge Share sold by Dealer on the Exchange under the Equity Distribution Agreement. |
| Daily Rate: | For any day, the Overnight Bank Funding Rate (or if the Overnight Bank Funding Rate is no longer available, a successor rate selected by the Calculation Agent in its commercially reasonable discretion) *minus* the Spread. |
| Spread: | For each Transaction, as specified in the Supplemental Confirmation for such Transaction. |
| Overnight Bank Funding Rate: | For any day, the rate set forth for such day opposite the caption "Overnight bank funding rate" as displayed on the page "OBFR01 " on the BLOOMBERG Professional Service, or any successor page; *provided* that if no such rate appears for such day on such page, the Overnight Bank Funding Rate for such day shall be such rate for the immediately preceding day for which such a rate appears. |

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| Forward Price Reduction Dates: | For each Transaction, as specified in Schedule I to the Supplemental Confirmation for such Transaction, to be each date set forth under the heading "Forward Price Reduction Date" in the Supplemental Confirmation for such Transaction. |
| Forward Price Reduction Amount: | For each Forward Price Reduction Date, the Forward Price Reduction Amount set forth opposite such date on Schedule I to the Supplemental Confirmation for such Transaction. |
| **<u>Valuation:</u>** |  |
| Valuation Date: | For any Settlement (as defined below) with respect to any Transaction, if Physical Settlement is applicable, as designated in the relevant Settlement Notice (as defined below); or if Cash Settlement or Net Share Settlement is applicable, the last Unwind Date for such Settlement. Section 6.6 of the Equity Definitions shall not apply to any Valuation Date. |
| Unwind Dates: | For any Cash Settlement or Net Share Settlement with respect to any Settlement of any Transaction, each day on which Dealer (or its agent or affiliate) purchases Shares in the market in connection with unwinding its commercially reasonable hedge position in connection with such Settlement, starting on the First Unwind Date for such Settlement. |
| First Unwind Date: | For any Cash Settlement or Net Share Settlement with respect to any Settlement of any Transaction, as designated in the relevant Settlement Notice. |
| Unwind Period: | For any Cash Settlement or Net Share Settlement with respect to any Settlement of any Transaction, the period starting on the First Unwind Date for such Settlement and ending on the Valuation Date for such Settlement. |

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| Cash Settlement Valuation Disruption: | If Cash Settlement is applicable with respect to any Transaction and any Unwind Date during the related Unwind Period is a Disrupted Day, the Calculation Agent shall determine whether (i) such Disrupted Day is a Disrupted Day in full, in which case the 10b-18 VWAP for such Disrupted Day shall not be included in the calculation of the Settlement Price, or (ii) such Disrupted Day is a Disrupted Day only in part, in which case the 10b-18 VWAP for such Disrupted Day shall be determined by the Calculation Agent based on Rule 10b-18 eligible transactions (as defined below) in the Shares on such Disrupted Day, taking into account the nature and duration of the relevant Market Disruption Event, and the weightings of the 10b-18 VWAP and the Forward Prices, as applicable for each Unwind Date during such Unwind Period shall be adjusted in a commercially reasonable manner by the Calculation Agent for purposes of determining the Settlement Price and the Relevant Forward Price, as applicable, to account for the occurrence of such partially Disrupted Day, with such adjustments based on, among other factors, the duration of any Market Disruption Event and the volume, historical trading patterns and price of the Shares. |
| Market Disruption Event: | The definition of "Market Disruption Event" in Section 6.3(a) of the Equity Definitions is hereby amended by deleting the words "at any time during the one-hour period that ends at the relevant Valuation Time, Latest Exercise Time, Knock-in Valuation Time or Knock-out Valuation Time, as the case may be" and inserting the words "at any time on any Exchange Business Day during the Unwind Period" after the word "material," in the third line thereof. |
| Early Closure: | Section 6.3(d) of the Equity Definitions is hereby amended by deleting the remainder of the provision following the term "Scheduled Closing Time" in the fourth line thereof. |
| **<u>Settlement Terms:</u>** |  |
| Settlement: | With respect to any Transaction, any Physical Settlement, Cash Settlement or Net Share Settlement of all or any portion of such Transaction. |
| Settlement Notice: | For any Transaction, subject to "Early Valuation" below, Counterparty may elect to effect a Settlement of all or any portion of such Transaction by designating one or more Scheduled Trading Days following the Effective Date for such Transaction and on or prior to the Maturity Date for such Transaction to be Valuation Dates (or, with respect to Cash Settlements or Net Share Settlements of such Transaction, First Unwind Dates, each of which First Unwind Dates shall occur no later than the 60<sup>th</sup> Scheduled |

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|  | Trading Day immediately preceding the Maturity Date for such Transaction) in a written notice to Dealer (a "**Settlement Notice**") delivered no later than the applicable Settlement Method Election Date for such Transaction, which notice shall also specify (i) the number of Shares (the "**Settlement Shares**") for such Settlement (not to exceed the number of Undesignated Shares for such Transaction as of the date of such Settlement Notice) and (ii) the Settlement Method applicable to such Settlement; *provided* that (A) Counterparty may not designate a First Unwind Date for a Cash Settlement or a Net Share Settlement of any Transaction if, as of the date of such Settlement Notice, any Shares have been designated as Settlement Shares for a Cash Settlement or a Net Share Settlement of such Transaction for which the related Relevant Settlement Date has not occurred; and (B) if the number of Undesignated Shares as of the Maturity Date for such Transaction is not zero, then the Maturity Date for such Transaction shall be a Valuation Date for a Physical Settlement of such Transaction and the number of Settlement Shares for such Settlement shall be the number of Undesignated Shares for such Transaction as of the Maturity Date for such Transaction (*provided* that if such Maturity Date occurs during the period from the time any Settlement Notice is given for a Cash Settlement or Net Share Settlement of such Transaction until the related Relevant Settlement Date, inclusive, then the provisions set forth below opposite "Early Valuation" shall apply to such Transaction as if the Maturity Date for such Transaction were the Early Valuation Date for such Transaction). |
| Undesignated Shares: | For any Transaction, as of any date, the Number of Shares for such Transaction *minus* the number of Shares designated as Settlement Shares for Settlements of such Transaction for which the related Relevant Settlement Date has not occurred. |
| Settlement Method Election: | For any Transaction, applicable; *provided* that:<br>(i) Net Share Settlement shall be deemed to be included as an additional settlement method under Section 7.1 of the Equity Definitions; |

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<br> (ii) Counterparty may elect Cash Settlement or Net Share Settlement for any Settlement of any Transaction only if Counterparty represents and warrants to Dealer in the Settlement Notice containing such election that, as of the date of such Settlement Notice, (A) Counterparty is not aware of any material nonpublic information concerning itself or the Shares, (B) Counterparty is electing the settlement method and designating the First Unwind Date specified in such Settlement Notice in good faith and not as part of a plan or scheme to evade compliance with Rule 10b-5 ("**Rule 10b-5**") under the Exchange Act, or any other provision of the federal securities laws, (C) Counterparty is not "insolvent" (as such term is defined under Section 101(32) of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code (Title 11 of the United States Code) (the "**Bankruptcy Code**")), (D) Counterparty would be able to purchase a number of Shares equal to the greater of (x) the number of Settlement Shares designated in such Settlement Notice and (y) a number of Shares with a value as of the date of such Settlement Notice equal to the product of (I) such number of Settlement Shares and (II) the applicable Forward Price on the date of such Settlement Notice in compliance with the laws of Counterparty's jurisdiction of organization and (E) such election, and settlement in accordance therewith, does not and will not violate or conflict with any law or regulation applicable to Counterparty, or any order or judgment of any court or other agency of government applicable to it or any of its assets, and any governmental consents that are required to have been obtained by Counterparty with respect to such election or settlement have been obtained and are in full force and effect and all conditions of any such consents have been complied with; and<br>

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<br> (iii) Notwithstanding any election to the contrary in any Settlement Notice, Physical Settlement shall be applicable for any Settlement of any Transaction:<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(A) to all of the Settlement Shares designated in such Settlement Notice if, at any time from the date such Settlement Notice is received by Dealer until the related First Unwind Date, inclusive, (I) the trading price per Share on the Exchange (as determined by Dealer in a commercially reasonable manner) is below the Threshold Price or (II) Dealer determines, in its good faith and commercially reasonable judgment, that it would, after using commercially reasonable efforts, be unable to purchase a number of Shares in the market sufficient to unwind a commercially reasonable hedge position in respect of the portion of the Transaction represented by such Settlement Shares and satisfy its delivery obligation hereunder, if any, by the Maturity Date (x) in a manner that (A) would, if Dealer were Counterparty or an affiliated purchaser of Counterparty and taking into account any other Transactions hereunder or any other issuer forward or similar transactions with overlapping unwind periods, be in compliance with the safe harbor provided by Rule 10b-18(b) under the Exchange Act and (B) based on advice of counsel, would not raise material risks under applicable securities laws or (y) due to the lack of sufficient liquidity in the Shares (each, a "**Trading Condition**"); or<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(B) to all or a portion of the Settlement Shares designated in such Settlement Notice if, on any day during the relevant Unwind Period, (I) the trading price per Share on the Exchange (as determined by Dealer in a commercially reasonable manner) is below the Threshold Price or (II) Dealer determines, in its good faith and commercially reasonable judgment or based on advice of counsel, as applicable, that a Trading Condition has occurred with respect to such Transaction, in which case the provisions set forth below in the fourth paragraph opposite "Early Valuation" shall apply as if such day were the Early Valuation Date for such Transaction and (x) for purposes of clause (i) of such paragraph, such day shall be the last<br>

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|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Unwind Date of such Unwind Period and the "Unwound Shares" shall be calculated to, and including, such day and (y) for purposes of clause (ii) of such paragraph, the "Remaining Shares" shall be equal to the number of Settlement Shares designated in such Settlement Notice *minus* the Unwound Shares determined in accordance with clause (x) of this sentence. |
| Threshold Price: | For each Transaction, as specified in the Supplemental Confirmation for such Transaction, to be 50% of the Initial Forward Price for such Transaction. |
| Electing Party: | Counterparty |
| Settlement Method Election Date: | With respect to any Settlement of any Transaction, (x) the second Scheduled Trading Day immediately preceding the Valuation Date for such Transaction, in the case of Physical Settlement, or (y) the fifth Scheduled Trading Day immediately preceding the First Unwind Date for such Transaction, in the case of Cash Settlement or Net Share Settlement. |
| Default Settlement Method: | Physical Settlement |
| Physical Settlement: | Notwithstanding Section 9.2(a)(i) of the Equity Definitions, on the Settlement Date for any Physical Settlement of any Transaction, Dealer shall pay to Counterparty an amount in USD equal to the Forward Price for such Transaction on the relevant Valuation Date *multiplied by* the number of Settlement Shares for such Settlement, and Counterparty shall deliver to Dealer such Settlement Shares. If, on any Settlement Date, the Settlement Shares to be delivered by Counterparty to Dealer hereunder are not so delivered (the "**Deferred Shares**"), and a Forward Price Reduction Date occurs during the period from, and including, such Settlement Date to, but excluding, the date such Settlement Shares are actually delivered to Dealer, then the portion of the amount payable by Dealer to Counterparty in respect of the Deferred Shares shall be reduced by an amount equal to the Forward Price Reduction Amount for such Forward Price Reduction Date, multiplied by the number of Deferred Shares. |

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| Settlement Date: | For any Settlement of any Transaction to which Physical Settlement is applicable, the Valuation Date for such Settlement. |
| Net Share Settlement: | On the Net Share Settlement Date for any Settlement of any Transaction to which Net Share Settlement is applicable, if the Net Share Settlement Amount for such Settlement is greater than zero, Counterparty shall deliver a number of Shares equal to such Net Share Settlement Amount (rounded down to the nearest integer) to Dealer, and if such Net Share Settlement Amount is less than zero, Dealer shall deliver a number of Shares equal to the absolute value of such Net Share Settlement Amount (rounded down to the nearest integer) to Counterparty, in either case, in accordance with Section 9.4 of the Equity Definitions, with such Net Share Settlement Date deemed to be a "Settlement Date" for purposes of such Section 9.4, and, in either case, plus cash in lieu of any fractional Shares included in such Net Share Settlement Amount but not delivered due to rounding required hereby, valued at the relevant Settlement Price. |
| Net Share Settlement Date: | For any Settlement of any Transaction to which Net Share Settlement is applicable, the date that follows the Valuation Date for such Settlement by one Settlement Cycle. |
| Net Share Settlement Amount: | For any Settlement of any Transaction to which Net Share Settlement is applicable, an amount equal to the Forward Cash Settlement Amount for such Settlement *divided by* the Settlement Price for such Settlement. |
| Forward Cash Settlement Amount: | Notwithstanding Section 8.5(c) of the Equity Definitions, the Forward Cash Settlement Amount for any Cash Settlement or Net Share Settlement of any Transaction shall be equal to (i) the number of Settlement Shares for such Settlement *multiplied by* (ii) an amount equal to (A) the Settlement Price for such Settlement *minus* (B) the Relevant Forward Price for such Settlement. |
| Relevant Forward Price: | For any Cash Settlement of any Transaction, the arithmetic average of the Forward Prices for such Transaction on each Unwind Date relating to such Settlement. |

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|  | <br> For any Net Share Settlement of any Transaction, the weighted average of the Forward Prices for such Transaction on each Unwind Date relating to such Settlement (weighted based on the number of Shares purchased by Dealer or its agent or affiliate on each such Unwind Date in connection with unwinding its commercially reasonable hedge position in connection with such Settlement, as determined by the Calculation Agent). |
| Settlement Price: | For any Cash Settlement of any Transaction, the arithmetic average of the 10b-18 VWAP on each Unwind Date relating to such Settlement, *plus* a commercially reasonable amount determined by the Calculation Agent that in no event will exceed USD 0.02.<br>For any Net Share Settlement of any Transaction, the weighted average price of the purchases of Shares made by Dealer (or its agent or affiliate) during the Unwind Period for such Settlement in connection with unwinding its commercially reasonable hedge position relating to such Settlement (weighted based on the number of Shares purchased by Dealer or its agent or affiliate on each Unwind Date in connection with unwinding its commercially reasonable hedge position in connection with such Settlement, as determined by the Calculation Agent), *plus* a commercially reasonable amount determined by the Calculation Agent that in no event will exceed USD 0.02. |
| 10b-18 VWAP: | For any Exchange Business Day, as determined by the Calculation Agent based on the 10b-18 Volume Weighted Average Price per Share as reported in the composite transactions for United States exchanges and quotation systems for the regular trading session (including any extensions thereof) of the Exchange on such Exchange Business Day (without regard to pre-open or after hours trading outside of such regular trading session for such Exchange Business Day), as published by Bloomberg at 4:15 p.m. New York City time (or 15 minutes following the end of any extension of the regular trading session) on such Exchange Business Day, on Bloomberg page "NI AQR_SEC" (or any successor thereto), or if such price is not so reported on such Exchange Business Day for any reason or is, in the Calculation Agent's reasonable determination, erroneous, such 10b-18 VWAP shall be as reasonably determined by the Calculation Agent. For purposes of calculating the 10b-18 VWAP for such Exchange Business Day, the Calculation Agent will |

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|  | include only those trades that are reported during the period of time during which Counterparty could purchase its own shares under Rule 10b-18(b)(2) and are effected pursuant to the conditions of Rule 10b-18(b)(3), each under the Exchange Act (such trades, "**Rule 10b-18 eligible transactions**"). |
| Unwind Activities: | The times and prices at which Dealer (or its agent or affiliate) purchases any Shares during any Unwind Period in connection with unwinding its commercially reasonable hedge position in respect of each Transaction shall be determined by Dealer in a commercially reasonable manner. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, in the event that Dealer concludes, in its reasonable discretion based on advice of counsel, that it is appropriate with respect to any legal, regulatory or self-regulatory requirements or related policies and procedures (whether or not such requirements, policies or procedures are imposed by law or have been voluntarily adopted by Dealer) (a "**Regulatory Disruption**"), for it to refrain from purchasing Shares in connection with unwinding its commercially reasonable hedge position in respect of such Transaction on any Scheduled Trading Day that would have been an Unwind Date but for the occurrence of a Regulatory Disruption, Dealer will notify Counterparty in writing that a Regulatory Disruption has occurred on such Scheduled Trading Day with respect to such Transaction, in which case Dealer shall, to the extent practicable in its good faith discretion, specify the nature of such Regulatory Disruption, and, for the avoidance of doubt, such Scheduled Trading Day shall not be an Unwind Date for such Transaction and such Regulatory Disruption shall be deemed to be a Market Disruption Event; *provided* that Dealer may exercise its right to suspend under this sentence only in good faith in relation to events or circumstances that are not the result of actions of it or any of its Affiliates that are taken with the intent to avoid its obligations under the Transactions. |
| Relevant Settlement Date: | For any Settlement of any Transaction, the Settlement Date, Cash Settlement Payment Date or Net Share Settlement Date for such Settlement, as the case may be. |

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| Other Applicable Provisions: | To the extent Dealer is obligated to deliver Shares under any Transaction, the provisions of Sections 9.2 (last sentence only), 9.8, 9.9, 9.10, 9.11 and 9.12 of the Equity Definitions will be applicable as if "Physical Settlement" applied to such Transaction; *provided* that the Representation and Agreement contained in Section 9.11 of the Equity Definitions shall be modified by excluding any representations therein relating to restrictions, obligations, limitations or requirements under applicable securities laws that exist as a result of the fact that Counterparty is the issuer of the Shares. |
| **<u>Share Adjustments:</u>** |  |
| Potential Adjustment Events: | Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Equity Definitions, none of (i) an Extraordinary Dividend, (ii) the issuance of stock-based awards in the ordinary course pursuant to the Counterparty's employee and director's benefit plans or (iii) the issuance of stock in the ordinary course under the Counterparty's employee stock purchase plan shall constitute a Potential Adjustment Event. For the avoidance of doubt, a cash dividend on the Shares that differs from expected dividends as of the first Trading Day of the Forward Hedge Selling Period for such Transaction shall not be a Potential Adjustment Event under Section 11.2(e)(vii) of the Equity Definitions with respect to such Transaction. |
| Extraordinary Dividend: | For any Transaction, any dividend or distribution on the Shares with an ex-dividend date occurring on any day following the first Trading Day of the Forward Hedge Selling Period for such Transaction (other than (i) any dividend or distribution of the type described in Section 11.2(e)(i) or Section 11.2(e)(ii)(A) of the Equity Definitions or (ii) a regular, quarterly cash dividend in an amount equal to or less than the Regular Dividend Amount for such calendar quarter for such Transaction that has an ex-dividend date no earlier than the Forward Price Reduction Date occurring in the relevant quarter for such Transaction). |
| Regular Dividend Amount: | For each Transaction and each calendar quarter, the amount set forth under the heading "Regular Dividend Amount" in the Supplemental Confirmation for such Transaction and such calendar quarter, as specified in Schedule I to the Supplemental Confirmation for such Transaction. |
| Method of Adjustment: | Calculation Agent Adjustment. |

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| **<u>Extraordinary Events:</u>** |  |
| Extraordinary Events: | The consequences that would otherwise apply under Article 12 of the Equity Definitions to any applicable Extraordinary Event (excluding any Change in Law, Failure to Deliver, Hedging Disruption, Increased Cost of Hedging, Increased Cost of Stock Borrow, Loss of Stock Borrow or any Extraordinary Event that also constitutes a Bankruptcy Termination Event, but including, for the avoidance of doubt, any other applicable Additional Disruption Event) shall not apply. |
| Tender Offer: | Applicable; *provided* that Section 12.1(d) of the Equity Definitions shall be amended by replacing the reference therein to "10%" with a reference to "20%". |
| Delisting: | In addition to the provisions of Section 12.6(a)(iii) of the Equity Definitions, it shall also constitute a Delisting if the Exchange is located in the United States and the Shares are not immediately re-listed, re-traded or re-quoted on any of the New York Stock Exchange, the NASDAQ Global Select Market or the NASDAQ Global Market (or their respective successors); if the Shares are immediately re-listed, re-traded or re-quoted on any such exchange or quotation system, such exchange or quotation system shall be deemed to be the Exchange. |
| **<u>Additional Disruption Events:</u>** |  |
| Change in Law: | Applicable; *provided* that (A) any determination as to whether (i) the adoption of or any change in any applicable law or regulation (including, without limitation, any tax law) or (ii) the promulgation of or any change in or public announcement of the formal or informal interpretation by any court, tribunal or regulatory authority with competent jurisdiction of any applicable law or regulation (including any action taken by a taxing authority), in each case, constitutes a "Change in Law" shall be made without regard to Section 739 of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 or any similar legal certainty provision in any legislation enacted, or rule or regulation promulgated, on or after the Trade Date, (B) Section 12.9(a)(ii) of the Equity Definitions is hereby amended (i) by adding the words "(including, for the avoidance of doubt and without limitation, adoption or promulgation of new regulations authorized or mandated by existing statute)" after the |

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|  | word "regulation" in the second line thereof and (ii) by replacing the words "the interpretation" with the words "or public announcement of any formal or informal interpretation" in the third line thereof and (C) the words ", unless the illegality is due to an act or omission of the party seeking to elect termination of the Transaction with the intent to avoid its obligations under the terms of the Transaction" are added immediately following the word "Transaction" in the fifth line thereof; and *provided further* that Section 12.9(a)(ii) of the Equity Definitions is hereby amended by adding the phrase "and/or Hedge Position" after the word "Shares" in clause (X) thereof and (iii) by immediately following the word "Transaction" in clause (X) thereof, adding the phrase "in the manner contemplated by the Hedging Party on the Trade Date". |
| Failure to Deliver: | Applicable with respect to a Transaction if Dealer is required to deliver Shares under such Transaction; otherwise, Not Applicable. |
| Hedging Disruption: | Applicable |
| Increased Cost of Hedging: | Applicable; *provided* that Section 12.9(b)(vi) of the Equity Definitions shall be amended by (i) adding "or" before clause (B) of the second sentence thereof, (ii) deleting clause (C) of the second sentence thereof and (iii) deleting the third and fourth sentences thereof. |
| Increased Cost of Stock Borrow: | Applicable; *provided* that Section 12.9(b)(v) of the Equity Definitions shall be amended by (i) adding "or" before clause (B) of the second sentence thereof, (ii) deleting clause (C) of the second sentence thereof and (iii) deleting the third, fourth and fifth sentences thereof. For the avoidance of doubt, upon the announcement of any event that, if consummated, would result in a Merger Event or Tender Offer, the term "rate to borrow Shares" as used in Section 12.9(a)(viii) of the Equity Definitions shall include any commercially reasonable cost borne or amount payable by the Hedging Party in respect of maintaining or reestablishing its hedge position with respect to the relevant Transaction, including, but not limited to, any assessment or other amount payable by the Hedging Party to a lender of Shares in respect of any merger or tender offer premium, as applicable. |

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| Initial Stock Loan Rate: | For each Transaction, as specified in the Supplemental Confirmation for such Transaction. |
| Loss of Stock Borrow: | Applicable; *provided* that Section 12.9(b)(iv) of the Equity Definitions shall be amended by (i) deleting clause (A) of the first sentence thereof in its entirety and (ii) replacing the words "neither the Non-Hedging Party nor the Lending Party lends" with "the Lending Party does not lend" in the second sentence thereof. |
| Maximum Stock Loan Rate: | For each Transaction, as specified in the Supplemental Confirmation for such Transaction. |
| Hedging Party: | For all applicable Additional Disruption Events, Dealer |
| Determining Party: | For all applicable Extraordinary Events, Dealer |
| **<u>Early Valuation:</u>** |  |
| Early Valuation: | For any Transaction, notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, in the Agreement, in any Supplemental Confirmation or in the Equity Definitions, at any time (x) following the occurrence of a Hedging Event with respect to such Transaction, the declaration by Issuer of an Extraordinary Dividend, or an ISDA Event with respect to such Transaction or (y) if an Excess Section 13 Ownership Position, an Excess NYSE Ownership Position or an Excess Regulatory Ownership Position exists, Dealer (or, in the case of such an ISDA Event that is an Event of Default or Termination Event, the party entitled to designate an Early Termination Date in respect of such event pursuant to Section 6 of the Agreement) shall have the right to designate any Scheduled Trading Day to be the "Early Valuation Date" for such Transaction, in which case the provisions set forth in this "Early Valuation" Section shall apply to such Transaction, in the case of an Event of Default or Termination Event, in lieu of Section 6 of the Agreement. For the avoidance of doubt, any amount calculated pursuant to this "Early Valuation" Section as a result of an Extraordinary Dividend shall not be adjusted by the value associated with such Extraordinary Dividend. |

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<br> Dealer covenants and agrees with Counterparty that Dealer will not knowingly cause the occurrence of an Excess Section 13 Ownership Position, an Excess NYSE Ownership Position or an Excess Regulatory Ownership Position on any day during the term of any Transaction for the purpose, in whole or in part, of causing the occurrence of an Early Valuation Date.<br>If an Early Valuation Date for a Transaction occurs on a date that is not during an Unwind Period for such Transaction, then such Early Valuation Date shall be a Valuation Date for a Physical Settlement of such Transaction, and the number of Settlement Shares for such Settlement shall be the Number of Shares on such Early Valuation Date; *provided* that Dealer may in its sole discretion permit Counterparty to elect Cash Settlement or Net Share Settlement in respect of such Transaction. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Master Confirmation, any Supplemental Confirmation, the Agreement or the Equity Definitions, if Dealer designates an Early Valuation Date with respect to a Transaction following the occurrence of an ISDA Event and such Early Valuation Date is to occur before the date that is one Settlement Cycle after the last day of the Forward Hedge Selling Period for such Transaction, then, for purposes of such Early Valuation Date, (i) a Supplemental Confirmation relating to such Transaction shall, notwithstanding the provisions under Section 3 of this Master Confirmation, be deemed to be effective; and (ii) the Forward Price shall be deemed to be the Initial Forward Price (calculated assuming that the last Trading Day of such Forward Hedge Selling Period were the day immediately following the date Dealer so notifies Counterparty of such designation of an Early Valuation Date for purposes of such Early Valuation Date).<br>If an Early Valuation Date for a Transaction occurs during an Unwind Period for such Transaction, then (i) (A) the last Unwind Date of such Unwind Period shall be deemed to be such Early Valuation Date, (B) a Settlement shall occur in respect of such Unwind Period, and the Settlement Method elected by Counterparty in respect of such Settlement shall apply, and (C) the number of Settlement Shares for such Settlement shall be the number of Unwound Shares for such Unwind Period on such Early Valuation Date, and (ii) (A) such Early Valuation Date shall be a Valuation Date for an additional Physical Settlement of such Transaction (*provided* that Dealer may in its sole discretion elect that the Settlement Method elected by Counterparty for the Settlement described in clause (i) of this sentence shall apply) and (B) the number of Settlement Shares for such additional Settlement shall be the number of Remaining Shares on such Early Valuation Date.<br>

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|:---|:---|
|  | <br> Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the case of a Nationalization or Merger Event, if at the time of the related Relevant Settlement Date the Shares have changed into cash or any other property or the right to receive cash or any other property, the Calculation Agent shall adjust the nature of the Shares as it determines appropriate to account for such change such that the nature of the Shares is consistent with what shareholders receive in such event. |
| ISDA Event: | (i) Any Event of Default or Termination Event, other than an Event of Default or Termination Event that also constitutes a Bankruptcy Termination Event, that gives rise to the right of either party to designate an Early Termination Date pursuant to Section 6 of the Agreement or (ii) the announcement of any event or transaction on or after the first Trading Day of the Forward Hedge Selling Period for such Transaction that, if consummated, would result in a Merger Event, Tender Offer, Nationalization, Delisting or Change in Law, in each case, as determined by the Calculation Agent. |
| Amendment to Merger Event: | Section 12.1(b) of the Equity Definitions is hereby amended by deleting the remainder of such Section beginning with the words "in each case if the Merger Date is on or before" in the fourth to last line thereof. |
| Hedging Event: | In respect of any Transaction, the occurrence of any of the following events on or following the first Trading Day of the Forward Hedge Selling Period: (i) (x) a Loss of Stock Borrow in connection with which Counterparty does not refer the Hedging Party to a satisfactory Lending Party within the required time period as provided in Section 12.9(b)(iv) of the Equity Definitions or (y) a Hedging Disruption, (ii) (A) an Increased Cost of Stock Borrow or (B) an Increased Cost of Hedging in connection with which, in the case of sub-clause (A) or (B), Counterparty does not elect, and so notify the Hedging Party of its election, in each case, within the required time period to either amend such Transaction pursuant to Section 12.9(b)(v)(A) or Section 12.9(b)(vi)(A) of the Equity Definitions, as applicable, or pay an amount determined by the |

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| | |
|:---|:---|
|  | Calculation Agent that corresponds to the relevant Price Adjustment pursuant to Section 12.9(b)(v)(B) or Section 12.9(b)(vi)(B) of the Equity Definitions, as applicable, or (iii) the occurrence of a Market Disruption Event during an Unwind Period for such Transaction and the continuance of such Market Disruption Event for at least eight Scheduled Trading Days. In respect of any Transaction, if a Hedging Event occurs with respect to such Transaction on or after the first Trading Day of the Forward Hedge Selling Period for such Transaction and prior to the Trade Date for such Transaction, the Calculation Agent may reduce the Initial Forward Price to account for such Hedging Event and any costs or expenses reasonably incurred by Dealer as a result of such Hedging Event. |
| Remaining Shares: | For any Transaction, on any day, the Number of Shares for such Transaction as of such day (or, if such day occurs during an Unwind Period for such Transaction, the Number of Shares for such Transaction as of such day *minus* the Unwound Shares for such Transaction for such Unwind Period on such day). |
| Unwound Shares: | For any Transaction, for any Unwind Period in respect of such Transaction on any day, the aggregate number of Shares with respect to which Dealer has unwound its commercially reasonable hedge position in respect of such Transaction in connection with the related Settlement as of such day. |
| **<u>Acknowledgements:</u>** |  |
| Non-Reliance: | Applicable |
| Agreements and Acknowledgements Regarding Hedging Activities: | Applicable |
| Additional Acknowledgements: | Applicable |
| Calculation Agent: | Dealer; *provided* that, following the occurrence and during the continuation of an Event of Default pursuant to Section 5(a)(vii) of the Agreement with respect to which Dealer is the sole Defaulting Party, Counterparty shall have the right to select a leading dealer in the market for U.S. corporate equity derivatives reasonably acceptable to Dealer to replace Dealer as the Calculation Agent, and the parties shall work in good faith to execute any appropriate |

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| | |
|:---|:---|
|  | documentation required by such replacement Calculation Agent. Following any determination or calculation by the Calculation Agent hereunder, upon a written request by Counterparty, the Calculation Agent will, within a commercially reasonable period of time following such request, provide to Counterparty by e-mail to the e-mail address provided by Counterparty in such written request a report (in a commonly used file format for the storage and manipulation of financial data) displaying in reasonable detail the basis for such determination or calculation, as the case may be; *provided* that Dealer shall not be required to disclose any proprietary or confidential models of Dealer or any information that is proprietary or subject to contractual, legal or regulatory obligations to not disclose such information. |
| **<u>Payments and Deliveries:</u>** |  |
| Counterparty Payment and Delivery Instructions: | To be provided by Counterparty |
| Dealer Payment and Delivery Instructions: | To be provided by Dealer |
| **<u>Contact Details:</u>** |  |
| Counterparty's Contact Details for Purpose of Giving Notice: | To be provided by Counterparty |
| Dealer's Contact Details for Purpose of Giving Notice: | To be provided by Dealer |
| Dealer's Contact Details for Trade Affirmations and Settlements: | To be provided by Dealer |
| Dealer's Contact Details for Trade Confirmations: | To be provided by Dealer |
| **<u>Offices:</u>** |  |
| Office of Counterparty: | Not Applicable; Counterparty is not a Multibranch Party. |
| Office of Dealer: | For each Transaction, as specified in the Supplemental Confirmation for such Transaction. |

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3. <u>Effectiveness</u>.

The effectiveness of each Supplemental Confirmation and the related Transaction on the Effective Date for such Supplemental Confirmation shall be subject to the following conditions except to the extent previously waived by Dealer in writing:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) the representations and warranties of Counterparty contained in the Equity Distribution Agreement, and any certificate delivered pursuant thereto by Counterparty shall be true and correct on such Effective Date as if made as of such Effective Date;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) Counterparty shall have performed all of the obligations required to be performed by it under the Equity Distribution Agreement on or prior to such Effective Date;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) all of the conditions set forth in Section 5 of the Equity Distribution Agreement shall have been satisfied;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) such Supplemental Confirmation shall be dated during the period commencing on the date of the Equity Distribution Agreement and expiring on the earlier to occur of (i) the date on which on which the gross sale price of Shares sold pursuant to the Equity Distribution Agreement and any similar agreement or agreements with one or more other dealers and dated the date thereof is equal to or exceeds USD 1.5 billion and (ii) the date on which the Equity Distribution Agreement is terminated;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) all of the representations and warranties of Counterparty hereunder and under the Agreement shall be true and correct on such Effective Date as if made as of such Effective Date; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(f) Counterparty shall have performed all of the obligations required to be performed by it hereunder and under the Agreement on or prior to such Effective Date, including without limitation its obligations under Section 5 and Section 6 of this Master Confirmation.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(g) Counterparty shall have delivered to Dealer an opinion of counsel in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Dealer, with respect to the matters set forth in Section 3(a) of the Agreement and that the maximum number of Shares initially issuable under such Transaction have been duly authorized and, upon issuance pursuant to the terms of such Transaction, will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.

Notwithstanding the foregoing or any other provision of this Master Confirmation or any Supplemental Confirmation, if in respect of any Transaction on or prior to 9:00 a.m., New York City time, on any Forward Hedge Settlement Date, in connection with establishing its commercially reasonable hedge position in respect of such Transaction Dealer, in its sole judgment, it (or its affiliate) (x) is unable, after using commercially reasonable efforts, to borrow and deliver for sale the full number of Shares to be borrowed and sold pursuant to the Equity Distribution Agreement on such Forward Hedge Settlement Date or (y) would incur a stock loan cost of more than a rate equal to the Maximum Stock Loan Rate for such Transaction with respect to all or any portion of such full number of Shares, then the effectiveness of the related Supplemental Confirmation and such Transaction shall be limited to the number of Shares Dealer is so able to borrow in connection with establishing its commercially reasonable hedge

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position of such Transaction at a cost of not more than a rate equal to the Maximum Stock Loan Rate for such Transaction, which, for the avoidance of doubt, may be zero. "**Forward Hedge Settlement Date**" will mean a Trading Day that is one Settlement Cycle immediately following the Trading Day on which the sale of any Forward Hedge Shares occurs pursuant to the Equity Distribution Agreement.

4. <u>Additional Mutual Representations and Warranties</u>. In addition to the representations and warranties in the Agreement, each party represents and warrants to the other party that it is an "eligible contract participant", as defined in the U.S. Commodity Exchange Act (as amended), and an "accredited investor" as defined in Section 2(a)(15)(ii) of the Securities Act of 1933 (as amended) (the "**Securities Act**"), and is entering into each Transaction hereunder as principal and not for the benefit of any third party.

5. <u>Additional Representations, Warranties and Agreements of Counterparty</u>. Counterparty represents and warrants to Dealer that the representations and warranties of Counterparty which are set forth in Section 1 of the Equity Distribution Agreement are true and correct as of the date hereof and, except to the extent previously waived by Dealer in writing, will be deemed to have represented and warranted to Dealer that such representations and warranties are true and correct as of the date of each Supplemental Confirmation, each Trade Date for any Transaction and each Forward Hedge Settlement Date for any Transaction. Such representations and warranties hereby are deemed to be repeated to Dealer on the date hereof and on each such other date as if set forth herein. In addition to the representations and warranties in Section 1 of the Equity Distribution Agreement, the Agreement and those contained elsewhere herein, Counterparty represents and warrants to Dealer, and agrees with Dealer, that:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) without limiting the generality of Section 13.1 of the Equity Definitions, it acknowledges that Dealer is not making any representations or warranties with respect to the treatment of any Transaction, including without limitation ASC Topic 260, *Earnings Per Share*, ASC Topic 815, *Derivatives and Hedging*, ASC Topic 480, *Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity*, ASC 815-40, *Derivatives and Hedging — Contracts in Entity's Own Equity* (or any successor issue statements) or under the Financial Accounting Standards Board's Liabilities & Equity Project;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) it shall not take any action to reduce or decrease the number of authorized and unissued Shares below the sum of (i) the aggregate Number of Shares across all Transactions hereunder *plus* (ii) the total number of Shares issuable upon settlement (whether by physical settlement, net share settlement or otherwise) of any other transaction or agreement to which it is a party;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) it will not repurchase any Shares if, immediately following such repurchase, the aggregate Number of Shares across all Transactions hereunder would be equal to or greater than [4.5%] [8.5%] of the number of then-outstanding Shares and it will notify Dealer promptly upon the announcement or consummation of any repurchase of Shares in an amount that, taken together with the amount of all repurchases since the date of the last such notice (or, if no such notice has been given, since the Trade Date), exceeds 0.5% of the number of then-outstanding Shares;

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) it is not entering into this Master Confirmation or any Supplemental Confirmation to create actual or apparent trading activity in the Shares (or any security convertible into or exchangeable for Shares), or to raise or depress or otherwise manipulate the price of the Shares (or any security convertible into or exchangeable for Shares) for the purpose of inducing the purchase or sale of the Shares (or any security convertible into or exchangeable for Shares) by others;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) it is not aware of any material non-public information regarding itself or the Shares; it is entering into this Master Confirmation and each Supplemental Confirmation and will provide any Settlement Notice in good faith and not as part of a plan or scheme to evade compliance with Rule 10b-5 or any other provision of the federal securities laws and will act in good faith with respect to this Master Confirmation and each Supplemental Confirmation; it has not entered into or altered any hedging transaction relating to the Shares corresponding to or offsetting any Transaction; and it has consulted with its own advisors as to the legal aspects of its adoption and implementation of this Master Confirmation and each Supplemental Confirmation under Rule 10b5-1 under the Exchange Act ("**Rule 10b5-1**");

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(f) as of the date hereof and the Trade Date for each Transaction no state or local (including non-U.S. jurisdictions) law, rule, regulation or regulatory order applicable to the Shares would give rise to any reporting, consent, registration or other requirement (including without limitation a requirement to obtain prior approval from any person or entity) as a result of Dealer or its affiliates owning or holding (however defined) Shares; *provided* that Counterparty makes no such representation or warranty regarding any such requirement that is applicable generally to the ownership of equity securities by Dealer;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(g) as of the date hereof, the Trade Date for each Transaction and the date of any payment or delivery by Counterparty or Dealer under any Transaction, it is not and will not be "insolvent" (as such term is defined under Section 101(32) of the Bankruptcy Code);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(h) it is not as of the date hereof, and on the Trade Date for each Transaction and after giving effect to the transactions contemplated hereby and by each Supplemental Confirmation will not be, required to register as an "investment company" as such term is defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) as of the date hereof and the Trade Date for each Transaction it: (i) is an "institutional account" as defined in FINRA Rule 4512(c); and (ii) is capable of evaluating investment risks independently, both in general and with regard to all transactions and investment strategies involving a security or securities, and will exercise independent judgment in evaluating any recommendations of Dealer or its associated persons; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(j) IT UNDERSTANDS AS OF THE DATE HEREOF AND AS OF THE TRADE DATE FOR EACH TRANSACTION THAT EACH TRANSACTION IS SUBJECT TO COMPLEX RISKS WHICH MAY ARISE WITHOUT WARNING AND MAY AT TIMES BE VOLATILE AND THAT LOSSES MAY OCCUR QUICKLY AND IN UNANTICIPATED MAGNITUDE AND IS WILLING TO ACCEPT SUCH TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND ASSUME (FINANCIALLY AND OTHERWISE) SUCH RISKS.

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6. <u>Additional Covenants of Counterparty</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) Counterparty acknowledges and agrees that any Shares delivered by Counterparty to Dealer on any Settlement Date or Net Share Settlement Date for any Transaction will be (i) newly issued, (ii) approved for listing or quotation on the Exchange, subject to official notice of issuance, and (iii) registered under the Exchange Act, and, when delivered by Dealer (or an affiliate of Dealer) to securities lenders from whom Dealer (or an affiliate of Dealer) borrowed Shares in connection with hedging its exposure to such Transaction, will be freely saleable without further registration or other restrictions under the Securities Act in the hands of those securities lenders, irrespective of whether any such stock loan is effected by Dealer or an affiliate of Dealer (provided that such Shares may be subject to resale restrictions if the status of any such securities lender would cause any such resale restrictions to apply by virtue of its share ownership in Counterparty, status as an "affiliate" of Counterparty or otherwise). Accordingly, Counterparty agrees that any Shares so delivered will not bear a restrictive legend and will be deposited in, and the delivery thereof shall be effected through the facilities of, the Clearance System. In addition, Counterparty represents and agrees that any such Shares shall be, upon such delivery, duly and validly authorized, issued and outstanding, fully paid and nonassessable, free of any lien, charge, claim or other encumbrance.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) Counterparty agrees that Counterparty shall not enter into or alter any hedging transaction relating to the Shares corresponding to or offsetting any Transaction. Without limiting the generality of the provisions set forth opposite the caption "Unwind Activities" in Section 2 of this Master Confirmation, Counterparty acknowledges that it has no right to, and agrees that it will not seek to, control or influence Dealer's decision to make any "purchases or sales" (within the meaning of Rule 10b5-1(c)(1)(i)(B)(3)) under or in connection with any Transaction, including, without limitation, Dealer's decision to enter into any hedging transactions.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) Counterparty acknowledges and agrees that any amendment, modification, waiver or termination of this Master Confirmation or any Supplemental Confirmation must be effected in accordance with the requirements for the amendment or termination of a "plan" as defined in Rule 10b5-1(c). Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, any such amendment, modification, waiver or termination shall be made in good faith and not as part of a plan or scheme to evade the prohibitions of Rule 10b-5, and no such amendment, modification or waiver shall be made at any time at which Counterparty or any officer, director, manager or similar person of Counterparty is aware of any material non-public information regarding Counterparty or the Shares.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) Counterparty shall promptly provide notice thereof to Dealer (i) upon the occurrence of any event that would constitute an Event of Default or a Termination Event in respect of which Counterparty is a Defaulting Party or an Affected Party, as the case may be, and (ii) upon announcement of any event that, if consummated, would constitute an Extraordinary Event or Potential Adjustment Event.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) Neither Counterparty nor any of its "affiliated purchasers" (as defined by Rule 10b-18 under the Exchange Act ("**Rule 10b-18**")) shall take any action that would cause any purchases of Shares by Dealer or any of its Affiliates in connection with any Cash Settlement or Net Share Settlement of any Transaction or any corresponding settlement of any other issuer forward sale or similar transaction with Dealer not to meet the requirements of the safe harbor provided by Rule 10b-18 if such purchases were made by Counterparty. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, during any Unwind Period for any Transaction, except with the prior written consent of Dealer, Counterparty will not, and will cause its affiliated purchasers (as defined in Rule 10b-18) not to, directly or indirectly (including by means of a derivative instrument) purchase, offer to purchase, place any bid or limit order that would effect a purchase of, or announce or commence any tender offer relating to, any Shares (or equivalent interest, including a unit of beneficial interest in a trust or limited partnership or a depository share) or any security convertible into or exchangeable for the Shares. However, the foregoing shall not (i) limit Counterparty's ability, pursuant to any issuer "plan" (as defined in Rule 10b-18), to re-acquire Shares from employees in connection with such plan or program, (ii) limit Counterparty's ability to withhold Shares to cover tax liabilities associated with such a plan, (iii) prohibit any purchases effected by or for an issuer "plan" by an "agent independent of the issuer" (each as defined in Rule 10b-18), (iv) otherwise restrict Counterparty's or any of its affiliates' ability to repurchase Shares under privately negotiated, off-exchange transactions with any of its employees, officers, directors, affiliates or any third party that are not expected to result in market transactions or (v) limit Counterparty's ability to grant stock and options to "affiliated purchasers" (as defined in Rule 10b-18) or the ability of such affiliated purchasers to acquire such stock or options in connection with any issuer "plan" (as defined in Rule 10b-18) for directors, officers and employees or any agreements with respect to any such plan for directors, officers or employees of any entities that are acquisition targets of Counterparty, and in connection with any such purchase under (i) through (v) above, Counterparty will be deemed to represent to Dealer that such purchase does not constitute a "Rule 10b-18 purchase" (as defined in Rule 10b-18).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(f) Counterparty will not take, or permit to be taken, any action to cause any "restricted period" (as such term is defined in Regulation M promulgated under the Exchange Act ("**Regulation M**")) to occur in respect of Shares or any security with respect to which the Shares are a "reference security" (as such term is defined in Regulation M) during any Unwind Period for any Transaction.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(g) Counterparty shall: (i) prior to the opening of trading in the Shares on any day on which Counterparty makes, or expects to be made, any public announcement (as defined in Rule 165(f) under the Securities Act) of any Merger Transaction during any Unwind Period, notify Dealer of such public announcement; (ii) promptly notify Dealer following any such announcement that such announcement has been made; (iii) promptly (but in any event prior to the next opening of the regular trading session on the Exchange) provide Dealer with written notice specifying (A) Counterparty's average daily Rule 10b-18 purchases (as defined in Rule 10b-18) during the three full calendar months immediately preceding the announcement date for the Merger Transaction that were not effected through Dealer or its affiliates and (B) the number of Shares purchased pursuant to the proviso in Rule 10b-18(b)(4) under the Exchange Act for the three full calendar months preceding such announcement date. Such written notice shall be deemed to be a certification by Counterparty to Dealer that such information is true and correct. In addition, Counterparty shall promptly notify Dealer of the earlier to occur of the completion of such transaction and the completion of the vote by target shareholders. Counterparty acknowledges that any such notice may result in a Regulatory

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Disruption, a Trading Condition or, if such notice relates to an event that is also an ISDA Event, an Early Valuation, or may affect the length of any ongoing Unwind Period; accordingly, Counterparty acknowledges that its delivery of such notice must comply with the standards set forth in Section 6(c) of this Master Confirmation. "**Merger Transaction**" means any merger, acquisition or similar transaction involving a recapitalization as contemplated by Rule 10b-18(a)(13)(iv) under the Exchange Act. For the avoidance of doubt, a Merger Transaction or the announcement thereof shall not give either party the right to designate an Early Valuation Date for any Transaction and/or to accelerate or preclude an election by Counterparty of Physical Settlement for any Settlement of any Transaction, unless such Merger Transaction or the announcement thereof is also an ISDA Event.

7. <u>Termination on Bankruptcy</u>. The parties hereto agree that, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Agreement or the Equity Definitions, each Transaction constitutes a contract to issue a security of Counterparty as contemplated by Section 365(c)(2) of the Bankruptcy Code and that a Transaction and the obligations and rights of Counterparty and Dealer (except for any liability as a result of breach of any of the representations or warranties provided by Counterparty in Section 4 or Section 5 of this Master Confirmation) shall immediately terminate, without the necessity of any notice, payment (whether directly, by netting or otherwise) or other action by Counterparty or Dealer, if, on or prior to the final Settlement Date, Cash Settlement Payment Date or Net Share Settlement Date, as the case may be, for such Transaction an Insolvency Filing occurs or any other proceeding commences with respect to Counterparty under the Bankruptcy Code (a "**Bankruptcy Termination Event**").

8. <u>Additional Provisions</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) Dealer acknowledges and agrees that Counterparty's obligations under the Transactions are not secured by any collateral and that neither this Master Confirmation nor any Supplemental Confirmation is intended to convey to Dealer rights with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby and by any Supplemental Confirmation that are senior to the claims of common stockholders in any U.S. bankruptcy proceedings of Counterparty; *provided* that nothing herein shall limit or shall be deemed to limit Dealer's right to pursue remedies in the event of a breach by Counterparty of its obligations and agreements with respect to this Master Confirmation, any Supplemental Confirmation or the Agreement; *provided further* that nothing herein shall limit or shall be deemed to limit Dealer's rights in respect of any transaction other than the Transactions.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) [*Reserved*]

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) The parties hereto intend for:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) each Transaction to be a "securities contract" as defined in Section 741(7) of the Bankruptcy Code, and the parties hereto to be entitled to the protections afforded by, among other Sections, Sections 362(b)(6), 362(b)(27), 362(o), 546(e), 546(j), 555 and 561 of the Bankruptcy Code;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) the rights given to Dealer pursuant to "Early Valuation" in Section 2 of this Master Confirmation to constitute "contractual rights" to cause the liquidation of a "securities contract" and to set off mutual debts and claims in connection with a "securities contract", as such terms are used in Sections 555 and 362(b)(6) of the Bankruptcy Code;

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii) any cash, securities or other property provided as performance assurance, credit support or collateral with respect to the Transactions to constitute "margin payments" and "transfers" under a "securities contract" as defined in the Bankruptcy Code;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iv) all payments for, under or in connection with the Transactions, all payments for Shares and the transfer of Shares to constitute "settlement payments" and "transfers" under a "securities contract" as defined in the Bankruptcy Code; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(v) any or all obligations that either party has with respect to this Master Confirmation, any Supplemental Confirmation or the Agreement to constitute property held by or due from such party to margin, guaranty or settle obligations of the other party with respect to the transactions under the Agreement (including the Transactions) or any other agreement between such parties.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) Notwithstanding any other provision of the Agreement, this Master Confirmation or any Supplemental Confirmation, in no event will Counterparty be required to deliver in the aggregate in respect of all Settlement Dates, Net Share Settlement Dates or other dates on which Shares are delivered in respect of any amount owed under any Transaction a number of Shares greater than two times the Number of Shares for such Transaction as of the Trade Date for such Transaction (the "**Capped Number**"). The Capped Number shall be subject to adjustment only on account of (x) Potential Adjustment Events of the type specified in (1) Sections 11.2(e)(i) through (vi) of the Equity Definitions or (2) Section 11.2(e)(vii) of the Equity Definitions so long as, in the case of this sub-clause (2), such event is within Issuer's control, and (y) Merger Events requiring corporate action of Issuer (or any surviving entity of the Issuer hereunder in connection with any such Merger Event). Counterparty represents and warrants to Dealer (which representation and warranty shall be deemed to be repeated for all Transactions on each day that any Transaction is outstanding) that the aggregate Capped Number across all Transactions hereunder is equal to or less than the number of authorized but unissued Shares that are not reserved for future issuance in connection with transactions in the Shares (other than the Transactions) on the date of the determination of such aggregated Capped Number. In the event Counterparty shall not have delivered the full number of Shares otherwise deliverable under any Transaction as a result of this Section 8(d) (the resulting deficit for such Transaction, the "**Deficit Shares**"), Counterparty shall be continually obligated to deliver Shares, from time to time until the full number of Deficit Shares have been delivered pursuant to this paragraph, on a pro rata basis across all Transactions hereunder, when, and to the extent that, (A) Shares are repurchased, acquired or otherwise received by Counterparty or any of its subsidiaries after the date hereof (whether or not in exchange for cash, fair value or any other consideration), (B) authorized and unissued Shares reserved for issuance in respect of other transactions prior to such date which prior to the relevant date become no longer so reserved or (C) Counterparty additionally authorizes any unissued Shares that are not reserved for transactions other than the Transactions (such events as set forth in clauses (A), (B) and (C) above, collectively, the "**Share Issuance Events**"). Counterparty shall promptly notify Dealer of the occurrence of any of the Share

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Issuance Events (including the number of Shares subject to clause (A), (B) or (C) and the corresponding number of Shares to be delivered for each Transaction) and, as promptly as reasonably practicable, deliver such Shares thereafter. Counterparty shall not, until Counterparty's obligations under the Transactions have been satisfied in full, use any Shares that become available for potential delivery to Dealer as a result of any Share Issuance Event for the settlement or satisfaction of any transaction or obligation other than the Transactions or reserve any such Shares for future issuance for any purpose other than to satisfy Counterparty's obligations to Dealer under the Transactions.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) The parties intend for this Master Confirmation and each Supplemental Confirmation to constitute a "Contract" as described in the letter dated October 6, 2003 submitted on behalf of Goldman, Sachs & Co. to Paula Dubberly of the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "**Staff**") to which the Staff responded in an interpretive letter dated October 9, 2003.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(f) The parties intend for each Transaction (taking into account purchases of Shares in connection with any Cash Settlement or Net Share Settlement of any Transaction) to comply with the requirements of Rule 10b5-1(c)(1)(i)(A) under the Exchange Act and for this Master Confirmation and each Supplemental Confirmation to constitute a binding contract or instruction satisfying the requirements of 10b5-1(c) and to be interpreted to comply with the requirements of Rule 10b5-1(c).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(g) Notwithstanding any provisions of the Agreement, all communications relating to the Transactions or the Agreement shall be transmitted to Dealer exclusively in accordance with its contact details for purposes of giving notice in Section 2 of this Master Confirmation.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(h) Counterparty acknowledges that:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) during the term of the Transactions, Dealer and its affiliates may buy or sell Shares or other securities or buy or sell options or futures contracts or enter into swaps or other derivative securities in order to establish, adjust or unwind its hedge position with respect to the Transactions;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) Dealer and its affiliates may also be active in the market for the Shares and derivatives linked to the Shares other than in connection with hedging activities in relation to the Transactions, including acting as agent or as principal and for its own account or on behalf of customers;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii) Dealer shall make its own determination as to whether, when or in what manner any hedging or market activities in Counterparty's securities shall be conducted and shall do so in a manner that it deems appropriate to hedge its price and market risk with respect to the Forward Price and the Settlement Price for each Transaction;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iv) any market activities of Dealer and its affiliates with respect to the Shares may affect the market price and volatility of the Shares, as well as the Forward Price and the Settlement Price for each Transaction, each in a manner that may be adverse to Counterparty; and

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(v) each Transaction is a derivatives transaction; Dealer may purchase or sell shares for its own account at an average price that may be greater than, or less than, the price received by Counterparty under the terms of the relevant Transaction.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) Counterparty and Dealer agree and acknowledge that (A) the Transactions contemplated by this Master Confirmation will be entered into in reliance on the fact that this Master Confirmation and each Supplemental Confirmation hereto form a single agreement between Counterparty and Dealer, and Dealer would not otherwise enter into such Transactions; (B) this Master Confirmation, together with each Supplemental Confirmation hereto, is a "qualified financial contract," as such term is defined in Section 5-701(b)(2) of the General Obligations Law; (C) each Supplemental Confirmation hereto, regardless of whether transmitted electronically or otherwise, constitutes a "confirmation in writing sufficient to indicate that a contract has been made between the parties" hereto, as set forth in Section 5-701(b)(3)(b) of the General Obligations Law; and (D) this Master Confirmation and each Supplemental Confirmation hereto constitute a prior "written contract," as set forth in Section 5-701(b)(1)(b) of the General Obligations Law, and each party hereto intends and agrees to be bound by this Master Confirmation and such Supplemental Confirmation.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(j) Counterparty and Dealer agree that, notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, upon the execution and delivery of any Supplemental Confirmation relating to a Transaction by Counterparty, each of the representations, warranties, covenants, agreements and other provisions of this Master Confirmation and the Supplemental Confirmation for such Transaction (including, without limitation, Dealer's right to designate an Early Valuation Date in respect of such Transaction pursuant to the provisions opposite the caption "Early Valuation" in Section 2 of this Master Confirmation and the termination of such Transaction following a Bankruptcy Termination Event as described in Section 7 of this Master Confirmation) shall govern, and be applicable to, such Transaction as of the first Trading Day of the Forward Hedge Selling Period for such Transaction as if the Trade Date for such Transaction were such first Trading Day.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(k) Tax Matters.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) Payer Tax Representations. For the purpose of Section 3(e) of the Agreement, each of Dealer and Counterparty makes the following representation: It is not required by any applicable law, as modified by the practice of any relevant governmental revenue authority, of any Relevant Jurisdiction to make any deduction or withholding for or on account of any Tax from any payment (other than interest under Section 9(h) of the Agreement) to be made by it to the other party under the Agreement. In making this representation, it may rely on (i) the accuracy of any representations made by the other party pursuant to Section 3(f) of the Agreement, (ii) the satisfaction of the agreement contained in Section 4(a)(i) or Section 4(a)(iii) of the Agreement and the accuracy and effectiveness of any document provided by the other party pursuant to Section 4(a)(i) or Section 4(a)(iii) of the Agreement and (iii) the satisfaction of the agreement of the other party contained in Section 4(d) of the Agreement, except that it will not be a breach of this representation where reliance is placed on clause (ii) above and the other party does not deliver a form or document under Section 4(a)(iii) of the Agreement by reason of material prejudice to its legal or commercial position.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) Change of Account. Section 2(b) of the Agreement is hereby amended by the addition of the following after the word "delivery" in the first line thereof: "to another account in the same legal and tax jurisdiction".

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii) "Tax" as used in this clause (k) and "Indemnifiable Tax" as defined in Section 14 of the Agreement shall not include (A) any tax imposed or collected pursuant to Sections 1471 through 1474 of the Code, any current or future regulations or official interpretations thereof, any agreement entered into pursuant to Section 1471(b) of the Code, or any fiscal or regulatory legislation, rules or practices adopted pursuant to any intergovernmental agreement entered into in connection with the implementation of such Sections of the Code (a "**FATCA Withholding Tax**") and (B) any tax imposed or collected pursuant to Section 871(m) of the Code or any current or future regulations or official interpretation thereof (a "**Section 871(m) Withholding Tax**"). For the avoidance of doubt, each of a FATCA Withholding Tax and a Section 871(m) Withholding Tax is a Tax the deduction or withholding of which is required by applicable law for purposes of Section 2(d) of the Agreement.

9. <u>Indemnification</u>. Counterparty agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Dealer, its affiliates and their respective directors, officers, employees, and controlling persons (Dealer and each such person being an "**Indemnified Party**") from and against any and all losses (excluding, for the avoidance of doubt, financial losses resulting from the economic terms of the Transactions), claims, damages and liabilities (or actions in respect thereof), joint or several, incurred by or asserted against such Indemnified Party which arise out of, are in connection with, or relate to any breach of any covenant or representation made by Counterparty in this Master Confirmation and any Supplemental Confirmation. In addition, Counterparty will reimburse any Indemnified Party for all reasonable expenses (including reasonable counsel fees and expenses) as they are incurred in connection with the investigation of, preparation for or defense or settlement of any pending or threatened claim covered by this Section 9 or any action, suit or proceeding arising therefrom, whether or not such Indemnified Party is a party thereto and whether or not such claim, action, suit or proceeding is initiated or brought by or on behalf of Counterparty. Counterparty will not be liable under the foregoing indemnification provision to the extent that any loss, claim, damage, liability or expense is found in a nonappealable judgment by a court of competent jurisdiction to have resulted from Dealer's breach of any covenant or representation, willful misconduct, gross negligence or bad faith in performing the services that are subject of the Transactions. If for any reason the foregoing indemnification is unavailable to any Indemnified Party or insufficient to hold harmless any Indemnified Party, then Counterparty shall contribute, to the maximum extent permitted by law, to the amount paid or payable by the Indemnified Party as a result of such loss, claim, damage or liability. Counterparty also agrees that no Indemnified Party shall have any liability to Counterparty or any person asserting claims on behalf of or in right of Counterparty in connection with or as a result of any matter referred to in this Master Confirmation and any Supplemental Confirmation except to the extent that any losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses incurred by Counterparty result from the gross negligence, willful misconduct or bad faith of the Indemnified Party. The provisions of this Section 9 shall survive the completion of the Transactions contemplated by this Master Confirmation and any Supplemental Confirmation and any assignment and/or delegation of the Transactions made pursuant to the Agreement, this Master Confirmation or any Supplemental Confirmation shall inure to the benefit of any permitted assignee of Dealer. For the avoidance of doubt, any payments due as a result of this provision may not be used to set off any obligation of Dealer upon settlement of the Transactions.

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10. <u>Beneficial Ownership</u>. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Agreement, this Master Confirmation or any Supplemental Confirmation, in no event shall Dealer be entitled to receive, or be deemed to receive, or have the "right to acquire" (within the meaning of NYSE Rule 312.04(g)) Shares to the extent that, upon such receipt of such Shares, (i) the "beneficial ownership" (within the meaning of Section 13 of the Exchange Act and the rules promulgated thereunder) of Shares by Dealer, any of its affiliates' business units subject to aggregation with Dealer for purposes of the "beneficial ownership" test under Section 13 of the Exchange Act and all persons who may form a "group" (within the meaning of Rule 13d-5(b)(1) under the Exchange Act) with Dealer with respect to "beneficial ownership" of any Shares (collectively, "**Dealer Group**") would be equal to or greater than the lesser of (x) 4.5% of the outstanding Shares (such condition, an "**Excess Section 13 Ownership Position**"), and (y) 4.9% of the outstanding Shares as of the Trade Date for any Transaction (such number of Shares, the "**Threshold Number of Shares**" and such condition, the "**Excess NYSE Ownership Position**") or (ii) Dealer, Dealer Group or any person whose ownership position would be aggregated with that of Dealer or Dealer Group (Dealer, Dealer Group or any such person, a "**Dealer Person**") under Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law or any state or federal bank holding company or banking laws, or any federal, state or local laws, regulations or regulatory orders (including, without limitation, the Federal Power Act) applicable to ownership of Shares ("**Applicable Laws**"), would own, beneficially own, constructively own, control, hold the power to vote or otherwise meet a relevant definition of ownership in excess of a number of Shares equal to (x) the lesser of (A) the maximum number of Shares that would be permitted under Applicable Laws and (B) the number of Shares that would give rise to reporting or registration obligations or other requirements (including obtaining prior approval by a state or federal regulator) of a Dealer Person under Applicable Laws and with respect to which such requirements have not been met or the relevant approval has not been received or that would give rise to any consequences under the constitutive documents of Counterparty or any contract or agreement to which Counterparty is a party, in each case *minus* (y) 1% of the number of Shares outstanding on the date of determination (such condition described in clause (ii), an "**Excess Regulatory Ownership Position**"). Dealer shall notify Counterparty promptly if, at any time, an Excess Section 13 Ownership Position, an Excess NYSE Ownership Position or an Excess Regulatory Ownership Position has occurred or would occur as a result of a delivery by Counterparty to Dealer. If any delivery owed to Dealer under any Transaction is not made, in whole or in part, as a result of this provision, (i) Counterparty's obligation to make such delivery shall not be extinguished and Counterparty shall make such delivery as promptly as practicable after, but in no event later than one Exchange Business Day after, Dealer gives notice to Counterparty that such delivery would not result in (x) Dealer Group directly or indirectly so beneficially owning in excess of the lesser of (A) 4.5% of the outstanding Shares and (B) the Threshold Number of Shares or (y) the occurrence of an Excess Regulatory Ownership Position and (ii) if such delivery relates to a Physical Settlement of any Transaction, notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, Dealer shall not be obligated to satisfy the portion of its payment obligation with respect to such Transaction corresponding to any Shares required to be so delivered until the date Counterparty makes such delivery.

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11. <u>Non-Confidentiality</u>. The parties hereby agree that (i) effective from the date of commencement of discussions concerning the Transactions, Counterparty and each of its employees, representatives, or other agents may disclose to any and all persons, without limitation of any kind, the tax treatment and tax structure of the Transactions and all materials of any kind, including opinions or other tax analyses, provided by Dealer and its affiliates to Counterparty relating to such tax treatment and tax structure; *provided* that the foregoing does not constitute an authorization to disclose the identity of Dealer or its affiliates, agents or advisers, or, except to the extent relating to such tax structure or tax treatment, any specific pricing terms or commercial or financial information, and (ii) Dealer does not assert any claim of proprietary ownership in respect of any description contained herein or therein relating to the use of any entities, plans or arrangements to give rise to a particular U.S. federal income tax treatment for Counterparty.

12. <u>Restricted Shares</u>. If Counterparty is unable to comply with the covenant of Counterparty contained in the portion of Section 6(a) of this Master Confirmation from and including clause (ii) to and including the penultimate sentence thereof or Dealer otherwise determines in its reasonable opinion that any Shares to be delivered to Dealer by Counterparty under any Transaction may not be freely returned by Dealer to securities lenders as described in the covenant of Counterparty contained in Section 6(a) of this Master Confirmation, then delivery of any such Settlement Shares (the "**Unregistered Settlement Shares**") shall be effected pursuant to Annex A hereto, unless waived by Dealer.

14. <u>Rule</u> <u>10b-18</u>. In connection with bids and purchases of Shares in connection with any Net Share Settlement or Cash Settlement of any Transaction or any corresponding settlement of any other issuer forward or similar transaction with Dealer, Dealer shall use commercially reasonable efforts to conduct its activities, or cause its affiliates to conduct their activities, in a manner consistent with the requirements of the safe harbor provided by Rule 10b-18 under the Exchange Act, as if such provisions were applicable to such purchases and taking into account any applicable Securities and Exchange Commission no-action letters as appropriate, and subject to any delays between the execution and reporting of a trade of the Shares on the Exchange and other circumstances beyond Dealer's control.

15. <u>Governing Law</u>. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Agreement, the Agreement, this Master Confirmation, any Supplemental Confirmation, any Pricing Report and all matters arising in connection with the Agreement, this Master Confirmation, any Supplemental Confirmation or any Pricing Report, including any claim, controversy or dispute arising hereunder or thereunder or relating hereto or thereto, shall be governed by, and shall be construed and enforced in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York (without reference to its choice of laws doctrine other than Title 14 of Article 5 of the New York General Obligations Law).

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16. <u>Set-Off</u>. Each party waives any and all rights it may have to set-off delivery or payment obligations it owes to the other party under any Transaction against any delivery or payment obligations owed to it by the other party, whether arising under the Agreement, under any other agreement between parties hereto, by operation of law or otherwise.

17. <u>Staggered Settlement</u>. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, Dealer may, by prior notice to Counterparty, satisfy its obligation to deliver any Shares or other securities on any date due (an "**Original Delivery Date**") by making separate deliveries of Shares or such securities, as the case may be, at more than one time on or prior to such Original Delivery Date, so long as the aggregate number of Shares and other securities so delivered on or prior to such Original Delivery Date is equal to the number required to be delivered on such Original Delivery Date.

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

19. <u>Jurisdiction</u>. The parties hereto irrevocably submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of the State of New York and the United States District Court located in the Borough of Manhattan in New York City in connection with any suit, action, proceeding, dispute or other matter relating to the Agreement, this Master Confirmation, any Supplemental Confirmation or any Pricing Report and waive any objection to the laying of venue in, and any claim of inconvenient forum with respect to, these courts.

20. <u>Transfer and Assignment; Designation by Dealer</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) Notwithstanding any provision of the Agreement to the contrary, Dealer may assign, transfer and set over all rights, title and interest, powers, privileges and remedies of Dealer under any Transaction, in whole or part, to an affiliate of Dealer without the consent of Counterparty; *provided* that (i) at the time of assignment or transfer, such affiliate or its guarantor, if any, has creditworthiness that is equivalent to or better than that of Dealer, (ii) no Event of Default, Potential Event of Default or Termination Event with respect to which Dealer or such affiliate is the Defaulting Party or an Affected Party, as the case may be, exists or would result therefrom, (iii) no event, circumstance or similar condition giving rise to a right or responsibility to designate an Early Valuation Date or otherwise terminate or cancel the Transaction or to make an adjustment to the terms of the Transaction would result therefrom, and (iv) Counterparty shall not, nor is there a material likelihood that it would, as a result of such assignment or transfer (A) be required to pay to Dealer or such affiliate an additional amount in respect of any Tax, (B) receive a payment from which an amount is required to be deducted or withheld for or on account of a Tax as to which no additional amount is required to be paid, (C) otherwise be subject to materially adverse tax consequences, (D) become subject to the jurisdiction of any state or country other than the United States of America or (E) become subject to any regulatory requirements with respect to clearing or margin for uncleared swaps.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) Notwithstanding any other provision in this Master Confirmation or any Supplemental Confirmation to the contrary requiring or allowing Dealer to purchase, sell, receive or deliver any Shares or other securities to or from Counterparty, Dealer may designate any of its affiliates to purchase, sell, receive or deliver such Shares or other securities and otherwise to perform Dealer's obligations in respect of any Transaction, and any such designee may assume such obligations. Dealer shall be discharged of its obligations to Counterparty only to the extent of any such performance.

21. <u>Counterparts</u>.

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

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Agreement, either party may deliver to the other party a notice relating to any Event of Default or Termination Event under this Master Confirmation by email.

22. <u>Delivery of Cash</u>. For the avoidance of doubt, nothing in this Master Confirmation or any Supplemental Confirmation shall be interpreted as requiring Counterparty to deliver cash or other assets in respect of the settlement of the Transactions, except in circumstances where the required cash or other asset settlement thereof is permitted for classification of the contract as equity by ASC 815-40, *Derivatives and Hedging — Contracts in Entity's Own Equity*, as in effect on the date hereof.

23. <u>Adjustments</u>. For the avoidance of doubt, whenever the Calculation Agent, the Hedging Party or the Determining Party is called upon to make an adjustment pursuant to the terms of this Master Confirmation, any Supplemental Confirmation or the Equity Definitions to take into account the effect of an event, the Calculation Agent, the Hedging Party or the Determining Party, as applicable, shall make such adjustment by reference to the effect of such event on the Hedging Party, assuming that the Hedging Party maintains a commercially reasonable hedge position at the time of the event.

24. <u>Other Forward and Similar Dealer Transactions</u>. Dealer acknowledges that Counterparty has entered or may enter in the future into one or more substantially similar forward transactions for the Shares (each, an "**Other Forward**" and collectively, the "**Other Forwards**") with one or more dealers (each, an "**Other Dealer**" and collectively, the "**Other Dealers**"). Dealer and Counterparty agree that if Counterparty designates a "Settlement Date" with respect to one or

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more Other Forwards for which "Cash Settlement" or "Net Share Settlement" is applicable, and the resulting "Unwind Period" for such Other Forwards coincides for any period of time with an Unwind Period for the Transaction (the "**Overlap Unwind Period**"), Counterparty shall notify Dealer at least one Scheduled Trading Day prior to the commencement of such Overlap Unwind Period of the first Scheduled Trading Day and length of such Overlap Unwind Period, and Dealer shall be permitted to purchase Shares to unwind its hedge in respect of the Transaction only on alternating Scheduled Trading Days during such Overlap Unwind Period, commencing on the first, second, third or later Scheduled Trading Day of such Overlap Unwind Period, as notified to Dealer by Counterparty at least one Scheduled Trading Day prior to such Overlap Unwind Period (which alternating Scheduled Trading Days, for the avoidance of doubt, may be every other Scheduled Trading Day if there is only one Other Dealer, every third Scheduled Trading Day if there are two Other Dealers, etc.).

25. [<u>No Insurance or Guaranty</u>. Counterparty understands, agrees and acknowledges that no obligations of Dealer to it hereunder shall be entitled to the benefit of deposit insurance and that such obligations shall not be guaranteed by any affiliate of Dealer or any governmental agency.]

26. [<u>Wall Street Transparency and Accountability Act</u>. In connection with Section 739 of the Wall Street Transparency and Accountability Act of 2010 ("WSTAA"), the parties hereby agree that neither the enactment of WSTAA or any regulation under the WSTAA, nor any requirement under WSTAA or an amendment made by WSTAA, shall limit or otherwise impair either party's otherwise applicable rights to terminate, renegotiate, modify, amend or supplement this Master Confirmation or the Agreement, as applicable, arising from a termination event, force majeure, illegality, increased costs, regulatory change or similar event under this Master Confirmation, the Equity Definitions incorporated herein or the Agreement (including, but not limited to, rights arising from an Increased Cost of Stock Borrow, any condition described in clause (i) of Section 10 of this Master Confirmation, an Excess Regulatory Ownership Position, an Illegality, or other event, circumstance or similar condition giving rise to a right or responsibility to designate an Early Valuation Date or otherwise terminate or cancel the Transaction or to make an adjustment to the terms of the Transaction (as defined in the Agreement)).]

27. <u>[Payee Representations and Tax Documents to be Delivered</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) *Dealer*. For the purpose of Section 3(f) of the Agreement, Dealer makes the following representation: [to be provided by Dealer]. For the purpose of Section 4(a)(i) and 4(a)(ii) of the Agreement, Dealer agrees to deliver a completed and accurate U.S. Internal Revenue Service Form [to be provided by Dealer] (or successor form), completed in a manner reasonably acceptable to Counterparty, upon execution and delivery of this Master Confirmation, promptly upon reasonable demand by Counterparty and promptly upon learning that any such form previously delivered by Dealer has become [obsolete] [inaccurate] or incorrect.]

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) *Counterparty*. For the purpose of Section 3(f) of the Agreement, Counterparty makes the following representation: Counterparty is a corporation established under the laws of the State of Delaware and is a "U.S. person" (as that term is used in Section 1.1441-4(a)(3)(ii) of the United States Treasury Regulations) for United States federal income tax purposes. For the purpose of Section 4(a)(i) and 4(a)(ii) of the Agreement, Counterparty agrees to deliver a completed and accurate U.S. Internal Revenue Service Form W-9 (or successor form) [, completed in a manner reasonably acceptable to Dealer,] upon execution and delivery of this Master Confirmation, promptly upon reasonable demand by Dealer and promptly upon learning that any such form previously delivered by Counterparty has become [obsolete] [inaccurate] or incorrect.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) For the purpose of Section 4(a)(i) and 4(a)(ii) of the Agreement, each of Dealer and Counterparty agree to deliver any other form or document that may be required by the other party in order to allow such party to make a payment under this Master Confirmation without any deduction or withholding for or on account of any tax or with such deduction or withholding at a reduced rate. In each case, such form or document shall be completed accurately and in a manner reasonably acceptable to the other party and shall be delivered promptly upon reasonable demand by the other party and promptly upon learning that any such form or document previously delivered by it has become [obsolete] [inaccurate] or incorrect.]

28. [<u>EMIR Portfolio Reconciliation and NFC Representation Protocols</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) *2013 EMIR Portfolio Reconciliation, Dispute Resolution and Disclosure Protocol.* The parties agree that the terms of the Attachment to the 2013 EMIR Portfolio Reconciliation, Dispute Resolution and Disclosure Protocol published by ISDA on July 19, 2013 ("Protocol") apply to the Agreement as if the parties had adhered to the Protocol without amendment. In respect of the Attachment to the Protocol, (i) the definition of "Adherence Letter" shall be deemed to be deleted and references to "Adherence Letter" shall be deemed to be to this clause (a) (and references to "such party's Adherence Letter" and "its Adherence Letter" shall be read accordingly), (ii) references to "adheres to the Protocol" shall be deemed to be "enters into the Agreement", (iii) references to "Protocol Covered Agreement" shall be deemed to be references to the Agreement (and each "Protocol Covered Agreement" shall be read accordingly), and (iv) references to "Implementation Date" shall be deemed to be references to the date of this Master Confirmation. For the purposes of this clause (a):

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) Dealer is a Portfolio Data Sending Entity and Counterparty is a Portfolio Data Receiving Entity.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) Dealer and Counterparty may use a Third Party Service Provider, and each of Dealer and Counterparty consents to such use, including the communication of the relevant data in relation to Dealer and Counterparty to such Third Party Service Provider for the purposes of the reconciliation services provided by such entity.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii) The Local Business Days for such purposes in relation to Dealer are [to be provided by Dealer] and, in relation to Counterparty, are [to be provided by Counterparty].

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iv) The provisions in this paragraph shall survive the termination of this Master Confirmation.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(v) The following are the applicable email addresses:

Portfolio Data:

Dealer:

Counterparty:

Notice of discrepancy:

Dealer:

Counterparty:

Dispute Notice:

Dealer:

Counterparty:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) *NFC Representation Protocol.* The parties agree that the provisions set out in the Attachment to the ISDA 2013 EMIR NFC Representation Protocol published by ISDA on March 8, 2013 (the "NFC Representation Protocol") shall apply to the Agreement as if each party were an Adhering Party under the terms of the NFC Representation Protocol. In respect of the Attachment to the Protocol, (i) the definition of "Adherence Letter" shall be deemed to be deleted and references to "Adherence Letter" shall be deemed to be to this clause (b) (and references to "the relevant Adherence Letter" and "its Adherence Letter" shall be read accordingly), (ii) references to "adheres to the Protocol" shall be "enters into the Agreement", (iii) references to "Covered Master Agreement" shall be deemed to be references to the Agreement (and each "Covered Master Agreement" shall be read accordingly), and (iv) references to "Implementation Date" shall be deemed to be references to the date of this Master Confirmation. Counterparty confirms that it enters into this Master Confirmation as a party making the NFC Representation (as such term is defined in the NFC Representation Protocol). Counterparty shall promptly send any required notification under the NFC Representation Protocol to Dealer [(with a copy to [to be provided by Dealer]].

29. [<u>Transaction Reporting – Consent for Disclosure of Information</u>.

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein or in the Agreement or any non-disclosure, confidentiality or other agreements entered into between the parties from time to time, each party hereby consents to the Disclosure of information (the "**Reporting Consent**"):

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) to the extent required by, or necessary in order to comply with, any applicable law, rule or regulation which
mandates Disclosure of transaction and similar information or to the extent required by, or necessary in order to comply with, any order, request or directive regarding Disclosure of transaction and similar information issued by any relevant
authority or body or agency ()"**Reporting Requirements** "); or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) to and between the other party's head office, branches or affiliates; to any person, agent, third party
or entity who provides services to such other party or its head office, branches or affiliates; to a Market; or to any trade data repository or any systems or services operated by any trade repository or Market, in each case, in connection with such
Reporting Requirements.

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"**Disclosure**" means disclosure, reporting, retention, or any action similar or analogous to any of the aforementioned.

"**Market**" means any exchange, regulated market, clearing house, central clearing counterparty or multilateral trading facility.

Disclosures made pursuant to this Reporting Consent may include, without limitation, Disclosure of information relating to disputes over transactions between the parties, a party's identity and certain transaction and pricing data and may result in certain anonymous information becoming available to the public or to recipients in a jurisdiction which may have a different level of protection for personal data from that of the relevant party's home jurisdiction.

This Reporting Consent shall be deemed to constitute an agreement between the parties with respect to Disclosure in general and shall survive the termination of this Master Confirmation. No amendment to or termination of this Reporting Consent shall be effective unless such amendment or termination is made in writing between the parties and specifically refers to this Reporting Consent.]

30. [<u>Contractual Recognition of Bail-In (United Kingdom).</u>

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Agreement or in any other agreement, arrangement or understanding among the parties, each party acknowledges and accepts that liabilities arising under the Agreement (other than Excluded Liabilities) may be subject to the exercise of the UK Bail-in Power by the relevant resolution authority and agrees and consents to, and acknowledges and accepts to be bound by, any Bail-in Action and the effects thereof (including any variation, modification and/or amendment to the terms of the Agreement as may be necessary to give effect to any such Bail-in Action), which if the Bail-in Termination Amount is payable by the BRRD Party to the Creditor Counterparty may include, without limitation:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) a reduction, in full or in part, of the Bail-in Termination Amount;
and/or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) a conversion of all, or a portion of, the Bail-in Termination Amount
into shares or other instruments of ownership, in which case the Creditor Counterparty acknowledges and accepts that any such shares or other instruments of ownership may be issued to or conferred upon it as a result of the Bail-in Action.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) Each party acknowledges and accepts that this provision is exhaustive on the matters described herein to the exclusion of any other agreements, arrangements or understanding between the parties relating to the subject matter of the Agreement and that no further notice shall be required between the parties pursuant to the Agreement in to order to give effect to the matters described herein.

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) The acknowledgements and acceptances contained in clauses (a) and (b) above will not apply if:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) the relevant resolution authority determines that the liabilities arising under the Agreement may be subject to
the exercise of the UK Bail-in Power pursuant to the law of a third country governing such liabilities or a binding agreement concluded with such third country and in either case the UK Regulations have been
amended to reflect such determination; and/or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) the UK Regulations have been repealed or amended in such a way as to remove the requirement for either party to
give or obtain the acknowledgements and acceptances contained in paragraphs (a) and (b).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) Definitions.

"**Bail-in Action**" means the exercise of the UK Bail-in Power by the relevant resolution authority in respect of any transaction under the Agreement.

"**Bail-in Termination Amount**" means the early termination amount or early termination amounts (howsoever described), together with any accrued but unpaid interest thereon, in respect of all transactions (or if the Bail-in Action is exercised only with respect to transactions in one or more netting sets, all transactions relating to such netting set(s), as applicable) under the Agreement (before, for the avoidance of doubt, any such amount is written down or converted by the relevant resolution authority).

"**BRRD**" means Article 55 of Directive 2014/59/EU establishing a framework for the recovery and resolution of credit institutions and investment firms.

"**BRRD Party**" means the party in respect of which the UK Bail-in Power has been exercised by the relevant resolution authority.

"**Creditor Counterparty**" means the party which is not the BRRD Party.

"**Excluded Liabilities**" means liabilities excluded from the scope of the contractual recognition of bail-in requirement pursuant to the UK Regulations.

"**UK Bail-in Power**" means any write-down or conversion power existing from time to time (including, without limitation, any power to amend or alter the maturity of eligible liabilities of an institution under resolution or amend the amount of interest payable under such eligible liabilities or the date on which interest becomes payable, including by suspending payment for a temporary period) under, and exercised in compliance with, the UK Regulations.

"**UK Regulations**" means any laws, regulations, rules or requirements in effect in the United Kingdom relating to the transposition of the BRRD as amended from time to time, including but not limited to, the Banking Act 2009 as amended from time to time, and the instruments, rules and standards created thereunder, pursuant to which the obligations of a regulated entity (or other affiliate of a regulated entity) can be reduced (including to zero), cancelled or converted into shares, other securities, or other obligations of such regulated entity or any other person.

------

A reference to a "regulated entity" is to any BRRD Undertaking as such term is defined under the PRA Rulebook promulgated by the United Kingdom Prudential Regulation Authority or to any person falling within IFPRU 11.6, of the FCA Handbook promulgated by the United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority, both as amended from time to time, which includes certain credit institutions, investment firms, and certain of their parent or holding companies.]

[<u>ISDA 2016 Bail-in Art 55 BRRD Protocol</u>. The parties agree that the terms of the Attachment to the ISDA 2016 Bail-in Art 55 BRRD Protocol published by ISDA ("**BRRD Protocol**") apply to the Agreement (which shall, for these purposes, be deemed to be a "Protocol Covered Agreement") as if the parties had each adhered to the BRRD Protocol without amendment, with an Implementation Date of January 1, 2016.]

31. [<u>Special Resolution Regime Termination Right</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) Upon the occurrence of a Crisis Prevention Measure, Crisis Management Measure or a Recognised Third-Country Resolution Action (each as defined in section 48Z(1) of the UK Banking Act 2009) and/or any Bail-in Action in relation to Dealer, Counterparty shall be entitled to exercise termination rights under, or rights to enforce its rights, in connection with the Agreement, to the extent that it would be entitled to do so under the Special Resolution Regime (as defined in the UK Banking Act 2009) if the Agreement were governed by the laws of any part of the United Kingdom.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) For the purposes of clause (a) above, Section 48Z of the U.K. Banking Act 2009 is to be disregarded to the extent that it relates to a Crisis Prevention Measure other than the making of a "mandatory reduction instrument" by the Bank of England under section 6B of the U.K. Banking Act 2009.]

32. [<u>Capacity of Dealer</u>. The parties acknowledge and agree that Dealer is not a U.S. registered broker-dealer, and that its participation in the Agreement and any Transaction is pursuant and subject to Rule 15a-6. The parties acknowledge and agree that Dealer's U.S. registered broker-dealer affiliate, [to be provided by Dealer] (its "**U.S. Affiliate**"), will act as Dealer's chaperone for purposes of the activities contemplated in the Agreement, and that any reference to any obligation of Dealer in the Agreement, shall, to the extent that such obligations are required to be carried out by a registered broker or dealer under Rule 15a-6, be deemed to be a requirement that Dealer procure that U.S. Affiliate perform such obligations. Such obligations include but are not limited to effecting transactions, issuing confirmations, maintaining books and records, participating in oral communications, and obtaining certain representations and consents.]

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33. [<u>[To be Provided by Dealer] as Agent</u>. Dealer has appointed as its agent its indirect wholly-owned subsidiary, the Agent, for purposes of conducting on the Dealer's behalf, a business in privately negotiated transactions in options and other derivatives. You hereby are advised that Dealer, the principal and stated counterparty in such transactions, has duly authorized the Agent to market, structure, negotiate, document, price, execute and hedge transactions in over-the-counter derivative products. The Agent has full, complete and unconditional authority to undertake such activities on behalf of Dealer. The Agent acts solely as agent and has no obligation, by way of issuance, endorsement, guarantee or otherwise, with respect to the performance of either party under this Master Confirmation or any Supplemental Confirmation. None of the Transactions is insured or guaranteed by the Agent.] .

34. [The parties agree and acknowledge that (i) [to be provided by Dealer] (the "**Agent**"), an affiliate of Dealer, has acted solely as agent and not as principal with respect to each Transaction hereunder and (ii) the Agent has no obligation or liability, by way of guaranty, endorsement or otherwise, in any manner in respect of any Transaction hereunder (including, if applicable, in respect of the settlement thereof). Each party agrees it will look solely to the other party (or any guarantor in respect thereof) for performance of such other party's obligations under each Transaction hereunder.]

35. <u>[U.S. Stay Regulations</u>.] To the extent that the QFC Stay Rules are applicable hereto, then the parties acknowledge that (i) both parties have adhered to the 2018 ISDA U.S. Resolution Stay Protocol (the "**Protocol**"), and agree that the terms of the Protocol are incorporated into and form a part of this Master Confirmation, and for such purposes this Master Confirmation shall be deemed a Protocol Covered Agreement and each party shall be deemed to have the same status as "Regulated Entity" and/or "Adhering Party" as applicable to it under the Protocol. In the event of any inconsistencies between this Master Confirmation and the terms of the Protocol, the Bilateral Agreement or the Bilateral Terms (the "**QFC Stay Terms**"), the QFC Stay Terms will govern. Terms used in this paragraph without definition shall have the meanings assigned to them under the QFC Stay Rules. For purposes of this paragraph, references to "this Master Confirmation" include any related credit enhancements entered into between the parties or provided by one to the other. In addition, the parties agree that the terms of this paragraph shall be incorporated into any related covered affiliate credit enhancements, with all references to Dealer replaced by references to the covered affiliate support provider.

"**QFC Stay Rules**" mean the regulations codified at 12 C.F.R. 252.2, 252.81–8, 12 C.F.R. 382.1-7 and 12 C.F.R. 47.1-8, which, subject to limited exceptions, require an express recognition of the stay-and-transfer powers of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation under the Federal Deposit Insurance Act and the Orderly Liquidation Authority under Title II of the Dodd Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and the override of default rights related directly or indirectly to the entry of an affiliate into certain insolvency proceedings and any restrictions on the transfer of any covered affiliate credit enhancements.

------

Counterparty hereby agrees (a) to check this Master Confirmation carefully and promptly upon receipt so that errors or discrepancies can be promptly identified and rectified and (b) to confirm that the foregoing (in the exact form provided by Dealer) correctly sets forth the terms of the agreement between Dealer and Counterparty hereunder, by signing this Master Confirmation or this page hereof as evidence of agreement to such terms and providing the other information requested herein and promptly returning an executed copy to us.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Yours faithfully, | Yours faithfully, |
| [DEALER][, By its Agent] | [DEALER][, By its Agent] |
| By: |  |
|  | Name: |
|  | Title: |

---

------

---

| |
|:---|
| Agreed and accepted by: |
| **NISOURCE INC.** |
| By: |
| Name: |
| Title: |

---

------

**ANNEX A** 

PRIVATE PLACEMENT PROCEDURES

If Counterparty delivers Unregistered Settlement Shares pursuant to Section 12 above (a "**Private Placement Settlement**"), then:

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

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) as of or prior to the date of delivery, Dealer and any potential purchaser of any such shares from Dealer (or any affiliate of Dealer designated by Dealer) identified by Dealer shall be afforded a commercially reasonable opportunity to conduct a due diligence investigation with respect to Counterparty customary in scope for private placements of equity securities of similar size by issuers of comparable size to Counterparty and in the same industry as Counterparty (including, without limitation, the right to have made available to them for inspection all financial and other records, pertinent corporate documents and other information reasonably requested by them); *provided* that prior to receiving or being granted access to any such information, Dealer, such affiliate of Dealer or such potential purchaser, as the case may be, may be required by Counterparty to enter into a customary nondisclosure agreement with Counterparty in respect of any such due diligence investigation;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) as of the date of delivery, Counterparty shall enter into an agreement (a "**Private Placement Agreement**") with Dealer (or any affiliate of Dealer designated by Dealer) in connection with the private placement of such shares by Counterparty to Dealer (or any such affiliate) and the private resale of such shares by Dealer (or any such affiliate), substantially similar to private placement purchase agreements customary for private placements of equity securities of similar size by issuers of comparable size to Counterparty and in the same industry as Counterparty, in form and substance commercially reasonably satisfactory to Dealer, which Private Placement Agreement shall include, without limitation, provisions substantially similar to those contained in such private placement purchase agreements relating, without limitation, to the indemnification of, and contribution in connection with the liability of, Dealer and its affiliates and obligations to use best efforts to obtain customary opinions, accountants' comfort letters and lawyers' negative assurance letters, and shall provide for the payment by Counterparty of all commercially reasonable and documented fees and expenses in connection with such resale, including all commercially reasonable and documented fees and expenses of outside counsel for Dealer, and shall contain representations, warranties, covenants and agreements of Counterparty reasonably necessary or advisable to establish and maintain the availability of an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act for such resales; and

Annex A-1

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) in connection with the private placement of such shares by Counterparty to Dealer (or any such affiliate) and the private resale of such shares by Dealer (or any such affiliate), Counterparty shall, if so requested by Dealer, prepare, in cooperation with Dealer, a private placement memorandum in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Dealer.

In the case of a Private Placement Settlement, Dealer shall, in its good faith discretion, adjust the amount of Unregistered Settlement Shares to be delivered to Dealer hereunder in a commercially reasonable manner to reflect the fact that such Unregistered Settlement Shares may not be freely returned to securities lenders by Dealer and may only be saleable by Dealer at a discount to reflect the lack of liquidity in Unregistered Settlement Shares.

If Counterparty delivers any Unregistered Settlement Shares in respect of a Transaction, Counterparty agrees that (i) such Shares may be transferred by and among Dealer and its affiliates and (ii) after the minimum "holding period" within the meaning of Rule 144(d) under the Securities Act has elapsed after the applicable Settlement Date, Counterparty shall promptly remove, or cause the transfer agent for the Shares to remove, any legends referring to any transfer restrictions from such Shares upon delivery by Dealer (or such affiliate of Dealer) to Counterparty or such transfer agent of seller's and broker's representation letters customarily delivered by Dealer or its affiliates in connection with resales of restricted securities pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act, each without any further requirement for the delivery of any certificate, consent, agreement, opinion of counsel, notice or any other document, any transfer tax stamps or payment of any other amount or any other action by Dealer (or such affiliate of Dealer).

Annex A-2

------

**EXHIBIT A** 

SUPPLEMENTAL CONFIRMATION

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **To:** | NiSource Inc. |
| **From:** | [*Dealer*] |
| **Re:** | Issuer Share Forward Sale Transaction |
| **Ref. No:** | [ ] |
| **Date:** | [ ], 20[ ] |

---

Ladies and Gentlemen:

The purpose of this Supplemental Confirmation is to confirm the terms and conditions of the Transaction entered into between [ ] ("**Dealer**") and NiSource Inc. ("**Counterparty**") (together, the "**Contracting Parties**") as of the date hereof. This Supplemental Confirmation is a binding contract between Dealer and Counterparty as of the date hereof.

1. This Supplemental Confirmation supplements, forms part of, and is subject to the Master Confirmation, dated as of October 31, 2025 (the "**Master Confirmation**"), between the Contracting Parties, as amended and supplemented from time to time. All provisions contained in the Master Confirmation govern this Supplemental Confirmation except as expressly modified below.

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

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Trade Date: | As specified by Dealer in a pricing report to be furnished by Dealer to Counterparty promptly after the end of the Forward Hedge Selling Period (the "**Pricing Report**") |
| Effective Date: | As specified by Dealer in the Pricing Report |
| Maturity Date: | As specified by Dealer in the Pricing Report, being the same day of the [_] month after [the Trade Date] |
| Forward Hedge Selling Period: | As specified by Dealer in the Pricing Report |
| Number of Shares: | As specified by Dealer in the Pricing Report |
| Initial Forward Price: | As specified by Dealer in the Pricing Report |
| Forward Hedge Selling Commission Rate: | [ ]% *[not more than 1%]* |
| Spread: | [ ]% |
| Volume-Weighted Hedge Price: | As specified by Dealer in the Pricing Report |
| Threshold Price: | As specified by Dealer in the Pricing Report |
| Initial Stock Loan Rate: | [ ] basis points per annum |
| Maximum Stock Loan Rate: | [ ] basis points per annum |
| Forward Price Reduction Dates | As specified in Schedule I hereto |
| Forward Price Reduction Amounts | As specified in Schedule I hereto |
| Office of Dealer: | [ ] |

---

Exhibit A-1

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Counterparty hereby agrees (a) to check this Supplemental Confirmation carefully and promptly upon receipt so that errors or discrepancies can be promptly identified and rectified and (b) to confirm that the foregoing (in the exact form provided by Dealer) correctly sets forth the terms of the agreement between Dealer and Counterparty hereunder, by signing this Supplemental Confirmation or this page hereof as evidence of agreement to such terms and providing the other information requested herein and promptly returning an executed copy to us.

---

| |
|:---|
| Yours faithfully, |
| [DEALER][, By its Agent] |
| By: |
| Name: |
| Title: |

---

Exhibit A-2

------

---

| |
|:---|
| Agreed and accepted by: |
| NISOURCE INC. |
| By: |
| Name: |
| Title: |

---

Exhibit A-3

------

**Schedule I** 

FORWARD PRICE REDUCTION AMOUNTS

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Forward Price Reduction Date:** | **Forward Price Reduction Amount:** | **Forward Price Reduction Amount:** |
|  [ ], 20[ ] | USD | [ ] |
|  [ ], 20[ ] | USD | [ ] |
|  [ ], 20[ ] | USD | [ ] |
|  …… |  | …… |
|  [ ], 20[ ] | USD | [ ] |

---

REGULAR DIVIDEND AMOUNTS

For any calendar quarter ending on or prior to [December 31, 20[ ]]: USD [ ] <br> For any calendar quarter ending after [December 31, 20[ ]]: USD [ ]

Schedule I-1

------

**EXHIBIT B** 

PRICING REPORT

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **To:** | NiSource Inc. |
| **From:** | [*Dealer*] |
| **Re:** | Issuer Share Forward Sale Transaction |
| **Ref. No:** | [ ] |
| **Date:** | [ ], 20[ ] |

---

Ladies and Gentlemen:

This Pricing Report is furnished by [Dealer] ("**Dealer**") to NiSource Inc. ("**Counterparty")** (together, the "**Contracting Parties**") in accordance with the Supplemental Confirmation dated [ ], 20[ ] (the "**Supplemental Confirmation**") between the Contracting Parties. This Pricing Report specifies the terms required by the Supplemental Confirmation and supplements, forms part of, and is subject to the Supplemental Confirmation and the Master Confirmation, dated as of October 31, 2025 (the "**Master Confirmation**"), between the Contracting Parties, as amended and supplemented from time to time. The terms required by the Supplemental Confirmation are as follows, with such terms determined in accordance with the Master Confirmation:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
|  Trade Date: | [ ], 20[ ] |
|  Effective Date: | [ ], 20[ ] |
|  Maturity Date: | [ ], 20[ ] |
|  Forward Hedge Selling Period: | [___]Trading Days |
|  Number of Shares: | [_______] |
|  Initial Forward Price: | USD [___] |
|  Volume-Weighted Hedge Price: | USD [___] |
|  Threshold Price: | USD [___] |

---

Kindly acknowledge this Pricing Report upon receipt by signing this page and immediately returning an executed copy to us.

---

| |
|:---|
|  Yours faithfully, |
|  [DEALER] |
| By: |
|  Name: |
|  Title: |

---

---

| |
|:---|
|  Acknowledged by: |
|  NISOURCE INC. |
| By: |
|  Name: |
|  Title: |

---

Exhibit B-1

## Exhibit 5.1

**Exhibit 5.1**![LOGO](g773014g1030173826745.jpg)

October 31, 2025

NiSource Inc.

801 East 86th Avenue

Merrillville, Indiana 46410

**NiSource Inc.** 

**<u>At-the-Market Offering of Shares of Common Stock</u>**

Ladies and Gentlemen:

We refer to the Registration Statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-291167) (the "<u>Registration Statement</u>"), filed by NiSource Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "<u>Company</u>"), with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "<u>SEC</u>"). Pursuant to the Registration Statement, the Company is offering from time to time shares of its common stock, par value $0.01 per share (the "<u>Shares</u>"), having an aggregate gross sales prices of up to $1,500,000,000, as described in the Company's Prospectus, dated October 30, 2025 (the "<u>Base Prospectus</u>") and Prospectus Supplement, dated October 31, 2025 (the "<u>Prospectus Supplement</u>" and, together with the Base Prospectus, the "<u>Prospectus</u>"). The Registration Statement became effective upon filing on October 30, 2025. This opinion letter is being furnished in accordance with the requirements of Item 16 of Form S-3 and Item 601(b)(5)(i) of Regulation S-K promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "<u>Securities Act</u>").

The Shares are being offered to the public in accordance with (a) eleven separate Equity Distribution Agreements, each dated October 31, 2025, (i) among the Company, Barclays Capital Inc., as sales agent and forward seller, and Barclays Bank PLC, as forward purchaser, (ii) among the Company, BMO Capital Markets Corp., as sales agent and forward seller, and Bank of Montreal, as forward purchaser, (iii) among the Company and BNP Paribas Securities Corp., as sales agent and forward seller, and BNP PARIBAS as forward purchaser, (iv) among the Company, BofA Securities, Inc., as sales agent and forward seller, and Bank of America, N.A., as forward purchaser, (v) between the Company and Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC, as sales agent, forward seller and forward purchaser, (vi) among the Company, J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, as sales agent and forward seller, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association, as forward purchaser, (vii) among the Company, Mizuho Securities USA LLC, as sales agent and forward seller, and Mizuho Markets Americas Inc., as forward purchaser, (viii) between the Company and Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, as sales agent, forward seller and forward purchaser, (ix) among the Company, MUFG Securities Americas Inc., as sales agent and forward seller, and MUFG Securities EMEA plc, as forward purchaser, (x) among the Company and Scotia Capital (USA) Inc., as sales agent and forward seller, and The Bank of Nova Scotia as forward purchaser, and (xi) among the Company, Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, as sales agent and forward seller, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as forward purchaser (collectively, the "<u>Equity Distribution Agreements</u>"), and (b) eleven separate Master Confirmations for Forward Sale, each

------

dated October 31, 2025, between the Company and each of Barclays Bank PLC, Bank of Montreal, BNP Paribas Securities Corp., Bank of America, N.A., Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC, JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association, Mizuho Markets Americas LLC, Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, MUFG Securities EMEA plc, Scotia Capital (USA) Inc. and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, respectively, as forward purchasers (collectively, the "<u>Master Confirmations</u>" and together with the Equity Distribution Agreements, the "<u>Agreements</u>").

**<u>Documents Reviewed</u>**

In connection with this opinion letter, we have examined the following documents:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) the Registration Statement;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) the Base Prospectus;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) the Prospectus Supplement;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) the Equity Distribution Agreements; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) the Master Confirmations.

In addition, we have examined and relied upon the following:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) a certificate from the Assistant Corporate Secretary of the Company certifying as to (A) true and correct copies of the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, and the Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company, as amended (together, the "<u>Organizational Documents</u>") and (B) the resolutions of the Board of Directors of the Company authorizing (1) the filing of the Registration Statement by the Company and (2) the offer, sale and issuance of the Shares by the Company pursuant to the Agreements (the "<u>Authorizing Resolutions</u>"); and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) originals, or copies identified to our satisfaction as being true copies, of such other records, documents, instruments, certificates of officers and statements of the Company, and certificates and assurances of public officials, as we have deemed necessary for the purposes of this opinion letter.

"<u>Applicable Law</u>" means the Delaware General Corporation Law (the "<u>DGCL</u>").

**<u>Assumptions Underlying Our Opinions</u>**

For all purposes of the opinions expressed herein, we have assumed, without independent investigation, the following:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) <u>Factual Matters</u>. To the extent that we have reviewed and relied upon (i) certificates of the Company or authorized representatives thereof, (ii) representations of the Company set forth in the Agreements and (iii) certificates and assurances from public officials, all of such certificates, representations and assurances are accurate with regard to factual matters and all official records (including filings with public authorities) are properly indexed and filed and are accurate and complete.

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) <u>Authentic and Conforming Documents</u>. All documents submitted to us as originals are authentic, complete and accurate, and all documents submitted to us as copies conform to authentic original documents.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) <u>Signatures; Legal Capacity</u>. The signatures of individuals who have signed or will sign the Agreements are genuine. All individuals who have signed or will sign the Agreements have the legal capacity to execute such Agreements.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) <u>Certain Other Assumptions</u>. For the purposes of this opinion letter, we have assumed that, at the time of the issuance, sale and delivery of Shares pursuant to the Agreements: (i) the authorization thereof by the Company will not have been modified or rescinded, and there will not have occurred any change in law affecting the validity thereof; (ii) the Organizational Documents will not have been modified or amended in a manner so as to affect the valid issuance of the Shares to be issued and will be in full force and effect; and (iii) upon issuance of the Shares, the number of such Shares will not exceed the number of authorized and unissued Shares that have not been reserved for issuance for other purposes.

**<u>Our Opinion</u>**

Based on and subject to the foregoing and the qualifications, limitations and other assumptions set forth in this opinion letter, we are of the opinion that the issuance and sale of the Shares covered by the Registration Statement pursuant to the Agreements have been duly authorized by the Company and, when (A) the number of Shares to be offered, issued and sold by the Company from time to time and the respective pricing terms, times and dates of offering, issuance and sale have been duly authorized and approved by one or more duly authorized officers of the Company, all as provided in, and in compliance with the parameters, limitations and other terms set forth in the Authorizing Resolutions and (B) certificates in the form required under the laws of the State of Delaware representing the Shares are duly executed, countersigned, registered and delivered against payment of the agreed consideration therefor in an amount not less than the aggregate par value thereof, if such Shares are certificated, or book-entry notations in the form required under the laws of the State of Delaware have been made in the share register of the Company to reflect the issuance of such Shares to the purchasers thereof against payment of the agreed consideration therefor in an amount not less than the aggregate par value thereof, if such Shares are not represented by certificates, in each case in accordance with the applicable Agreements, such Shares will be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable.

**<u>Qualifications</u>**

The opinion set forth above is subject to the following qualifications and limitations:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) <u>Applicable Law</u>. Our opinion is limited to the Applicable Law, and we do not express any opinion concerning any other law.

------

**<u>Miscellaneous</u>**

The foregoing opinions are being furnished only for the purpose referred to in the first paragraph of this opinion letter. Our opinions are based on statutes, regulations and administrative and judicial interpretations which are subject to change. We undertake no responsibility to update or supplement these opinions subsequent to the date hereof. Headings in this opinion letter are intended for convenience of reference only and shall not affect its interpretation. We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as Exhibit 5.1 to the Registration Statement on or about the date hereof, to the incorporation by reference of this opinion of counsel into the Registration Statement and to the reference to our firm in the Prospectus Supplement under the caption "Legal Matters." In giving this consent, we do not admit that we are within the category of persons whose consent is required by Section 7 of the Securities Act or the rules and regulations of the SEC promulgated thereunder.

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| |
|:---|
| Very truly yours, |
| /s/ McGuireWoods LLP |

---

## Exhibit 99.1

**Exhibit 99.1**![LOGO](g773014g1030225055179.jpg)

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE** 

October 31, 2025

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION** |  |
| **Media** | **Investors** |
| media@nisource.com | investors@nisource.com |

---

***NiSource announces $1.5 billion at-the-market (ATM)***

***equity issuance program through 2028***

**MERRILLVILLE, Ind.** - NiSource Inc. (NYSE: NI) ("NiSource", "we" and "our") announced today that it has established an "at-the-market" equity offering program under which NiSource may sell shares of its common stock, par value $0.01 per share ("Common Stock"), having an aggregate gross sales price of up to $1.5 billion through December 31, 2028 (the "Offering").

NiSource has entered into separate equity distribution agreements with each of Barclays Capital Inc., BMO Capital Markets Corp., BNP Paribas Securities Corp., BofA Securities, Inc., Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC, J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, Mizuho Securities USA LLC, Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, MUFG Securities Americas Inc., Scotia Capital (USA) Inc. and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC in their respective capacities as sales agents and as forward sellers (collectively, the "Agents"). Pursuant to these agreements, shares of Common Stock may be offered and sold by any method or payment permitted by law to be an "at the market offering" as defined in Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), including by means of ordinary brokers' transactions on the New York Stock Exchange, the existing trading market for shares of Common Stock, or otherwise at market prices prevailing at the time of sale, or sales made to or through a market maker or through an electronic communications network.

In addition to the issuance and sale of shares of Common Stock through the Agents, NiSource may also enter into forward sale agreements under a separate master forward sale confirmation and related supplemental confirmation with the Agents or certain of their respective affiliates, each in their capacity as forward purchasers (collectively, the "Forward Purchasers"). In connection with each forward sale agreement, the relevant Forward Purchaser will, at NiSource's request, attempt to borrow from third parties and, through the relevant Agent, sell a number of shares of Common Stock equal to the number of shares of Common Stock that underlie the forward sale agreement to hedge such forward sale agreement.

NiSource intends to use the proceeds from the sales, if any, of the shares of Common Stock for general corporate purposes, including to finance capital expenditures, for working capital and to repay existing indebtedness.

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The offering supersedes and replaces the $900,000,000 "at-the-market" equity offering we established on February 22, 2024 and is inclusive of approximately $47.5 million of our Common Stock that was unsold under that offering.

The Offering is being made by means of a prospectus supplement to the prospectus contained in the effective registration statement on Form S-3 filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") on October 30, 2025. Before making an investment in the Common Stock, potential investors should read the prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus for more complete information about NiSource and the Offering. Potential investors may obtain these documents for free by visiting EDGAR on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. Alternatively, potential investors may contact any Agent participating in the Offering, who will arrange to send them these documents: Barclays Capital Inc., c/o Broadridge Financial Solutions, 1155 Long Island Avenue, Edgewood, New York 11717, email: barclaysprospectus@broadridge.com, telephone: (888) 603-5847; BMO Capital Markets Corp., Attn: Equity Syndicate Department, 151 W 42nd Street, 32nd Floor, New York, NY 10036, email: bmoprospectus@bmo.com; BNP Paribas Securities Corp., 787 7th Avenue, New York, New York 10019, Attn: BNP Paribas Prospectus Requests, email: DL.prospectus_requests@us.bnpparibas.com, telephone: 212-471-6700; BofA Securities, NC1-022-02-25, 201 North Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC 28255-0001, Attn: Prospectus Department, email: dg.prospectus_requests@bofa.com; Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC, Prospectus Department, 200 West Street, New York, NY 10282, email Prospectus-ny@ny.email.gs.com, telephone: 1-866-471-2526; J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, c/o Broadridge Financial Solutions, 1155 Long Island Avenue, Edgewood, NY 11717, telephone: (866) 803-9204; Mizuho Securities USA LLC, 1271 Avenue of the Americas, 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10020, Attn: Equity Capital Markets, email: US-ECM@mizuhogroup.com, telephone: (212) 205-7600; Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, Attn: Prospectus Department, 180 Varick Street, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10014; MUFG Securities Americas Inc., 1221 Avenue of the Americas, 6th Floor, New York, New York 10020-1001, email: ECM@us.sc.mufg.jp, telephone: (212) 405-6653; Scotia Capital (USA) Inc., c/o ScotiaCapital (USA) Inc., 250 Vesey Street, 24th Floor, New York, NY 10281, email: US.ECM@scotiabank.com, telephone: collect at (855) 346-4015; Wells Fargo Securities, 90 South 7th Street, 5th Floor, Minneapolis, MN 55402, email: WFScustomerservice@wellsfargo.com, telephone: (800) 645-3751 (option #5).

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of shares of Common Stock, in any state or other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or other jurisdiction.

**About NiSource** 

NiSource Inc. (NYSE: NI) is one of the largest fully-regulated utility companies in the United States, serving approximately 3.3 million natural gas customers and 500,000 electric customers across six states through its local Columbia Gas and NIPSCO brands. The mission of our approximately 7,700 employees is to deliver safe, reliable energy that drives value to our customers. NiSource is a member of the Dow Jones Sustainability - North America Index and is on Forbes lists of America's Best Employers for Women and Diversity.

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**Forward-Looking Statements** 

This press release contains "forward-looking statements," within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Investors and prospective investors should understand that many factors govern whether any forward-looking statement contained herein will be or can be realized. Any one of those factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Forward-looking statements in this press release include, but are not limited to, statements concerning the anticipated use of proceeds and any and all underlying assumptions and other statements that are other than statements of historical fact. Expressions of future goals and expectations and similar expressions, including "may," "will," "should," "could," "would," "aims," "seeks," "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "intends," "believes," "estimates," "predicts," "potential," "targets," "forecast," and "continue," reflecting something other than historical fact are intended to identify forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements are based on assumptions that management believes to be reasonable; however, there can be no assurance that actual results will not differ materially.

Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the projections, forecasts, estimates and expectations discussed in this press release include, among other things: our ability to execute our business plan or growth strategy, including utility infrastructure investments, or business opportunities, such as data center development and related generation sources and transmission capabilities to meet potential load growth; our ability to manage data center growth in our service territories; potential incidents and other operating risks associated with our business; our ability to work successfully with our third-party investors; our ability to construct, develop and place into service the generation and transmission assets we plan to construct to serve the customer under the data center contract (the "Contract Assets") on time or at all and consistent with initial cost estimates, as well as the performance of these assets once constructed and placed into service; our ability to obtain the significant additional financing that will be required to construct the Contract Assets on favorable terms, if at all; our ability to recover our investments and realize our expected return under the data center contract; our ability to maintain our investment grade credit ratings as we finance and pursue our data center strategy, including our performance under the data center contract; our customer's performance under the data center contract and any decision by our customer to terminate the data center contract or reduce the committed capacity thereunder; potential changes in the MISO accreditation treatment of capacity resources; our ability to adapt to, and manage costs related to, advances in technology, including alternative energy sources and changes in laws and regulations; our increased dependency on technology; impacts related to our aging infrastructure; our ability to obtain sufficient insurance coverage and whether such coverage will protect us against significant losses; the success of our electric generation strategy; construction risks and supply risks; fluctuations in demand from residential and commercial customers; fluctuations in the price of energy commodities and related transportation costs or an inability to obtain an adequate, reliable and cost-effective fuel supply to meet customer demand; our ability to attract, retain or re-skill a qualified, diverse workforce and maintain good labor relations; our ability to manage new initiatives and organizational changes; the performance and quality of third-party suppliers and service providers; our ability to manage the financial and operational risks related to achieving our carbon emission reduction goals, including our Net Zero Goal (as defined in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024), including any future associated impact from business opportunities such as data center development as those opportunities evolve; potential cybersecurity attacks or security breaches; increased requirements and costs related to cybersecurity; the actions of activist stockholders; any damage to our reputation; the impacts of natural disasters, potential terrorist attacks or other catastrophic events; the physical impacts of climate change and the

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transition to a lower carbon future; our debt obligations; any changes to our credit rating or the credit rating of certain of our subsidiaries; adverse economic and capital market conditions, including increases in inflation or interest rates, recession, or changes in investor sentiment; economic regulation and the impact of regulatory rate reviews; our ability to obtain expected financial or regulatory outcomes; economic conditions in certain industries; the reliability of customers and suppliers to fulfill their payment and contractual obligations; the ability of our subsidiaries to generate cash; pension funding obligations; potential impairments of goodwill; the outcome of legal and regulatory proceedings, investigations, incidents, claims and litigation; compliance with changes in, or new interpretations of applicable laws, regulations and tariffs, including impacts of state and federal orders on our ability to carry out our business plan and growth strategy; the cost of compliance with environmental laws and regulations and the costs of associated liabilities; changes in tax laws or the interpretation thereof; and other risk factors disclosed in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2025, June 30, 2025 and September 30, 2025, and the Company's subsequent filings with the SEC, some of which risks are beyond our control.

We qualify all of our forward-looking statements by these cautionary statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we expressly disclaim an obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by law.