sctovi
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE TO
(Rule 13e-4)
Tender Offer Statement Under Section 14(d)(1) or 13(e)(1)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
NetApp, Inc.
(Name of Subject Company (Issuer) and Filing Person (Offeror))
Options to Purchase Common Stock, $0.001 par value
(Title of Class of Securities)
64110D104
(CUSIP Number of Class of Securities Underlying Common Stock)
Daniel J. Warmenhoven
Chief Executive Officer and Director
NetApp, Inc.
495 East Java Drive,
Sunnyvale, California 94089
(408) 822-6000
(Name, address and telephone numbers of person authorized to receive notices and
communications on behalf of filing persons)
Copies to:
Steven E. Bochner, Esq.
Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati
Professional Corporation
650 Page Mill Road
Palo Alto, CA 94304-1050
(650) 493-9300
CALCULATION OF FILING FEE
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Transaction Valuation* |
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Amount of Filing Fee |
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$ 577,573,970
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$ 32,228.63 |
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* |
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Calculated solely for purposes of determining the filing fee. This amount assumes that options to
purchase 36,102,463 shares of
common stock of NetApp, Inc. having an aggregate value of $577,573,970 as of May 12, 2009 will be exchanged or cancelled pursuant to
this offer. The aggregate value of such securities was calculated based on the Black-Scholes option pricing model.
The amount of
the filing fee, calculated in accordance with the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, equals $55.80 for
each $1,000,000 of
the value of this transaction. |
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Check the box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing with which the
offsetting fee was previously paid. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or the Form or Schedule
and the date of its filing. |
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Amount Previously Paid:
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Not applicable. |
Form or Registration No.:
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Not applicable. |
Filing party:
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Not applicable. |
Date filed:
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Not applicable. |
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Check the box if the filing relates solely to preliminary communications made before the commencement of a tender offer. |
Check the appropriate boxes below to designate any transactions to which the statement relates:
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third party tender offer subject to Rule 14d-1. |
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issuer tender offer subject to Rule 13e-4. |
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going-private transaction subject to Rule 13e-3. |
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amendment to Schedule 13D under Rule 13d-2. |
Check the
following box if the filing is a final amendment reporting the results of the tender offer: o
If
applicable, check the appropriate box(es) below to designate the
appropriate rule provision(s) relied upon:
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Rule 13e-4(i) (Cross-Border Issuer Tender Offer) |
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Rule 14d-1(d) (Cross-Border Third-Party Tender Offer) |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
This Tender Offer Statement on Schedule TO (this Schedule TO) relates to an offer by NetApp,
Inc., a Delaware corporation (NetApp or the Company), to exchange certain options to purchase
up to an aggregate of 34,862,098 shares of the Companys common stock with an exercise price
greater than or equal to $22.00 per share that were granted before June 20, 2008 (Eligible
Options), whether vested or unvested, for new restricted stock units (RSUs). The Company will
exchange Eligible Options for RSUs on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in (i)
the Offer to Exchange Certain Outstanding Options for Restricted Stock Units, dated May 22, 2009
(the Offer to Exchange), attached hereto as Exhibit (a)(1)(A); (ii) the form of E-Mail
Announcement, attached hereto as Exhibit (a)(1)(B); (iii) the Election Form, attached hereto as
Exhibit (a)(1)(C); (iii) the Withdrawal Form, attached hereto as Exhibit (a)(1)(D); (iv) the form
of Confirmation E-Mail/Letter to Employees who Elect to Participate in the Exchange Program,
attached hereto as Exhibit (a)(1)(E); (v) the form of Reminder E-Mail, attached hereto as Exhibit
(a)(1)(F); Screen Shots of the Offer Website, attached hereto as Exhibit (a)(1)(G); and (vi) the
form of E-Mail to All Eligible Employees, attached hereto as Exhibit (a)(1)(H). The foregoing
documents, as they may be amended or supplemented from time to time, together constitute the
Disclosure Documents. An eligible employee refers to all employees of the Company or its
subsidiaries who reside in the United States, Australia, Austria, Peoples Republic of China,
France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea, the Netherlands, Singapore, Spain,
Sweden, Switzerland, or the United Kingdom as of the commencement of the Exchange Offer and through
the date exchanged Eligible Options are cancelled. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Companys
executive officers and members of the Companys board of directors as of the date of this Offer to
Exchange are not eligible to participate in the Offer to Exchange.
The information in the Disclosure Documents, including all schedules and annexes to the
Disclosure Documents, is incorporated herein by reference to answer the items required in this
Schedule TO.
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Item 1. Summary Term Sheet.
The information set forth under the caption Summary Term Sheet and Questions and Answers in
the Offer to Exchange is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 2. Subject Company Information.
(a) Name and Address.
NetApp is the issuer of the securities subject to the Offer to Exchange. The address of the
Companys principal executive office is 495 East Java Drive, Sunnyvale, California 94089, and the
Companys telephone number at that address is (408) 822-6000. The information set forth in the
Offer to Exchange under the caption The Offer titled Information concerning NetApp is
incorporated herein by reference.
(b) Securities.
As of May 18, 2009, the number of outstanding options to purchase shares of the Companys
common stock was 65,799,677. However, the Offer to Exchange applies only to outstanding options
with an exercise price greater than or equal to $22.00 per share that were granted under the Plans
(as defined in the Summary Term Sheet and Questions and
Answers in the Offer to Exchange) before June 20, 2008 (the Eligible Options). As of May 18, 2009,
there were Eligible Options to purchase 34,862,098 shares of the Companys common stock.
(c) Trading Market and Price.
The information set forth in the
Offer to Exchange under the caption The Offer titled Price
range of shares underlying the awards is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 3. Identity and Background of Filing Person.
(a) Name and Address.
The filing person is the issuer. The information set forth under Item 2(a) above is
incorporated by reference.
Pursuant to General Instruction C to Schedule TO, the information set forth on Schedule A to
the Offer to Exchange is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 4. Terms of the Transaction.
(a) Material Terms.
The information set forth in the section of the Offer to Exchange under the caption Summary
Term Sheet and Questions and Answers and the sections under the caption The Offer titled
Eligibility, Number of awards; expiration date, Purposes of the offer, Procedures for
electing to exchange awards, Withdrawal rights and change of election, Acceptance of options
for exchange and granting of RSUs, Conditions of the offer, Price range of shares underlying
the awards, Source and amount of
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consideration; terms of RSUs, Status of options acquired by us in the offer; accounting
consequences of the offer, Legal matters; regulatory approvals, Material income tax
consequences, Extension of offer; termination; amendment and Schedule B attached to the Offer to
Exchange is incorporated herein by reference.
(b) Purchases.
The information set forth in the section of the Offer to Exchange under the caption The
Offer titled Interests of directors and executive officers; transactions and arrangements
concerning the options is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 5. Past Contacts, Transactions, Negotiations and Arrangements.
(e) Agreements Involving the Subject Companys Securities.
The information set forth in section of the Offer to Exchange under the caption The Offer
titled Interests of directors and executive officers; transactions and arrangements concerning the
options is incorporated herein by reference. See also the equity incentive plans, awards and
related agreements attached hereto or incorporated by reference as exhibits (d)(1) through (d)(34).
Item 6. Purposes of the Transaction and Plans or Proposals.
(a) Purposes.
The information set forth in the section of the Offer to Exchange under the caption Summary
Term Sheet and Questions and Answers and the section under the caption The Offer titled
Purposes of the offer is incorporated herein by reference.
(b) Use of Securities Acquired.
The information set forth in the sections of the Offer to Exchange under the caption The
Offer titled Acceptance of options for exchange and granting of RSUs and Status of options
acquired by us in the offer; accounting consequences of the offer is incorporated herein by
reference.
(c) Plans.
The information set forth in the section of the Offer to Exchange under the caption The
Offer titled Purposes of the offer is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 7. Source and Amount of Funds or Other Consideration.
(a) Source of Funds.
The information set forth in the section of the Offer to Exchange under the caption The
Offer titled Source and amount of consideration; terms of RSUs is incorporated herein by
reference.
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(b) Conditions.
The information set forth in the section of the Offer to Exchange under the caption
Conditions of the offer is incorporated herein by reference.
(d) Borrowed Funds.
Not applicable.
Item 8. Interest in Securities of the Subject Company.
(a) Securities Ownership.
The information set forth in the section of the Offer to Exchange under the caption The
Offer titled Interests of directors and executive officers; transactions and arrangements
concerning the options is incorporated herein by reference.
(b) Securities Transactions.
The information set forth in the section of the Offer to Exchange under the caption The
Offer titled Interests of directors and executive officers; transactions and arrangements
concerning the options is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 9. Person/Assets, Retained, Employed, Compensated or Used.
(a) Solicitations or Recommendations.
Not applicable.
Item 10. Financial Statements.
(a) Financial Information.
The information set forth in Schedule B to the Offer to Exchange and in the sections of the
Offer to Exchange under the captions The Offer titled Financial statements and The Offer
titled Additional information is incorporated herein by reference. The Companys Annual Report
on Form 10-K, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) on June 24, 2008,
and the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, as filed with the SEC on March 2, 2009, are incorporated by
reference herein and can be accessed electronically on the SECs website at http://www.sec.gov.
(b) Pro Forma Information.
Not applicable.
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Item 11. Additional Information.
(a) Agreements, Regulatory Requirements and Legal Proceedings.
The information set forth in the sections of the Offer to Exchange under the caption The
Offer titled Interests of directors and executive officers; transactions and arrangements
concerning the options and Legal matters; regulatory approvals is incorporated herein by
reference.
(b) Other Material Information.
Not applicable.
Item 12. Exhibits.
See the Exhibit Index immediately following the signature page of this Tender Offer Statement
on Schedule TO.
Item 13. Information Required by Schedule 13E-3.
(a) Not applicable.
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SIGNATURE
After due inquiry and to the best of my knowledge and belief, I certify that the information
set forth in this Schedule TO is true, complete and correct.
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NETAPP, INC.
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/s/ DANIEL J. WARMENHOVEN
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Daniel J. Warmenhoven |
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Chief Executive Officer, Chairman of the Board |
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Date: May 22, 2009
INDEX OF EXHIBITS
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Exhibit |
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Number |
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Description |
(a)(1)(A)
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Offer to Exchange
Certain Outstanding Options for Restricted Stock Units, dated
May 22, 2009. |
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(a)(1)(B)
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Form of E-Mail Announcement. |
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(a)(1)(C)
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Election Form. |
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(a)(1)(D)
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Withdrawal Form. |
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(a)(1)(E)
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Form of Confirmation E-Mail/Letter
to Employees who Elect to Participate in the Exchange Program. |
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(a)(1)(F)
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Form of Reminder E-Mail. |
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(a)(1)(G)
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Screen Shots of the Offer Website. |
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(a)(1)(H)
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Form of E-Mail to All Eligible Employees. |
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(b)
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Not applicable. |
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(d)(1)
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Performance Unit Agreement. |
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(d)(2)
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Performance Unit Agreement & Election to Transfer Employers Secondary Class 1
National Insurance Liability. |
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(d)(3)
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Performance Unit Agreement-Israel. |
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(d)(4)
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Performance Unit Agreement (India). |
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(d)(5)
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Agreement and Plan of Merger by and among NetApp, Inc. Inc. Kentucky Merger Sub
One Corporation, Derby Merger Sub Two LLC, and Data Domain, Inc.(13) |
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(d)(6)
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The Companys Amended and Restated Employee Stock Purchase Plan.(9) |
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(d)(7)
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The Companys Amended and Restated 1995 Stock Incentive Plan.(1) |
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(d)(8)
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The Companys Amended and Restated 1999 Stock Incentive Plan.(9) |
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(d)(9)
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Spinnaker Networks, Inc. 2000 Stock Plan.(2) |
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(d)(10)
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Alacritus, Inc. 2005 Stock Plan.(4) |
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(d)(11)
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The Companys Fiscal Year 2005 Incentive Compensation Plan.(3) |
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(d)(12)
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The Companys Deferred Compensation Plan.(5) |
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(d)(13)
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Form of Stock Option Agreement approved for use under the Companys amended and
restated 1995 Stock Option Plan.(7) |
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(d)(14)
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Form of Stock Option Agreement approved for use under the Companys amended and
restated 1995 Stock Option Plan (Chairman of the Board or any Board Committee
Chairperson).(7) |
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(d)(15)
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Form of Stock Option Agreement approved for use under the Companys amended and
restated 1995 Stock Option Plan (Restricted Stock Agreement).(7) |
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(d)(16)
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Form of Stock Option Agreement approved for use under the Companys amended and
restated 1999 Stock Option Plan (Restricted Stock Unit Agreement).(7) |
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(d)(17)
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Form of Stock Option Agreement approved for use under the Companys amended and
restated 1999 Stock Option Plan.(7) |
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(d)(18)
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Form of Stock Option Agreement approved for use under the Companys amended and
restated 1999 Stock Option Plan (Change of Control).(7) |
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(d)(19)
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Form of Stock Option Agreement approved for use under the Companys amended and
restated 1999 Stock Option Plan (China).(7) |
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(d)(20)
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Form of Stock Option Agreement approved for use under the Companys amended and
restated 1999 Stock Option Plan (Non-Employee Director Automatic Stock Option
Annual).(7) |
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(d)(21)
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Form of Stock Option Agreement approved for use under the Companys amended and
restated 1999 Stock Option Plan (Non-Employee Director Automatic Stock Option
Initial).(7) |
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(d)(22)
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Form of Stock Option Agreement approved for use under the Companys amended and
restated 1999 Stock Option Plan (France).(7) |
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Exhibit |
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Number |
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Description |
(d)(23)
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Form of Stock Option Agreement approved for use under the Companys amended and
restated 1999 Stock Option Plan (India).(7) |
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(d)(24)
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Form of Stock Option Agreement approved for use under the Companys amended and
restated 1999 Stock Option Plan (United Kingdom).(7) |
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(d)(25)
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Form of Stock Option Grant Notice and Option Agreement under the Decru, Inc.
Amended and Restated 2001 Equity Incentive Plan and the 2001 Equity Incentive Plan
filed under Attachment II.(6) |
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(d)(26)
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Form of Stock Option Grant Notice and Option Agreement under the Decru, Inc. 2001
Equity Incentive Plan and the 2001 Equity Incentive Plan filed under Attachment
II.(6) |
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(d)(27)
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Form of Early Exercise Stock Purchase Agreement under the Decru, Inc. 2001 Equity
Incentive Plan.(6) |
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(d)(28)
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Form of Restricted Stock Bonus Grant Notice and Agreement under the Decru, Inc.
2001 Equity Incentive Plan.(6) |
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(d)(29)
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SANPro Systems, Inc. 2001 U.S. Stock Option Plan.(8) |
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(d)(30)
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Topio, Inc. 2004 Israeli Share Option Plan.(8) |
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(d)(31)
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Onaro, Inc. Amended and Restated 2002 Stock Option and Incentive Plan (including
Appendix Israeli Taxpayers).(10) |
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(d)(32)
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Form of Stock Option Agreement approved for use under the Companys amended and
restated 1999 Stock Option Plan (Israel).(11) |
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(d)(33)
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The Companys Executive Compensation Plan.(9) |
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(d)(33)
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Change of Control Severance Agreements (CEO).(12) |
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(d)(34)
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Form of Change of Control Severance Agreements (Non-CEO Executives).(12) |
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(g)
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Not applicable. |
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(h)
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Not applicable. |
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(1) |
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Previously filed as an exhibit to the Companys Proxy Statement dated August 21, 1998. |
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(2) |
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Previously filed as an exhibit to the Companys Form S-8 Registration Statement dated March 1, 2004. |
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(3) |
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Previously filed as an exhibit to the Companys Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 18, 2005. |
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(4) |
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Previously filed as an exhibit to the Companys Form S-8 Registration Statement dated June 2, 2005. |
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(5) |
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Previously filed as an exhibit to the Companys Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 7, 2005. |
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(6) |
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Previously filed as an exhibit to the Companys Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 19, 2006. |
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(7) |
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Previously filed as an exhibit to the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K dated July 8, 2005. |
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(8) |
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Previously filed as an exhibit to the Companys Form S-8 Registration Statement dated January 5, 2007. |
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(9) |
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Previously filed as an exhibit to the Companys Proxy Statement dated July 25, 2007. |
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(10) |
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Previously filed as an exhibit to the Companys Form S-8 Registration Statement dated February 25,
2008. |
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(11) |
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Previously filed as an exhibit to the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K dated June 24, 2008. |
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(12) |
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Previously filed as an exhibit to the Companys Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q dated September 3,
2008. |
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(13) |
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Previously filed as an exhibit to the Companys Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 21, 2009. |
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Exhibit (a)(1)(A)
OFFER TO EXCHANGE
CERTAIN OUTSTANDING OPTIONS
FOR RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS
This document constitutes part of the prospectus relating to the
NetApp, Inc. 1995 Stock Incentive Plan;
NetApp, Inc. 1999 Stock Option Plan;
Alacritus, Inc. 2005 Stock Plan;
Decru, Inc. 2001 Equity Incentive Plan;
Onaro, Inc. Amended and Restated 2002 Stock Option and Incentive Plan;
Orca Systems, Inc. 1999 Stock Option/Stock Issuance Plan;
Topio, Inc. 2004 Israeli Share Option Plan;
Sanpro Systems, Inc. 2001 U.S. Stock Option Plan; and
Webmanage Technologies, Inc. 2000 Stock Incentive Plan
covering securities that have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
May 22, 2009
NETAPP, INC.
Offer to Exchange Certain Outstanding Options
for Restricted Stock Units
This offer and withdrawal rights will expire at 9:00 p.m., Pacific Time,
on June 19, 2009 unless we extend the expiration date.
By this offer, NetApp, Inc. or its subsidiaries (collectively referred to as NetApp, the
Company, we, our or us) is giving eligible employees the opportunity to exchange some or
all of their outstanding options with an exercise price greater than or equal to $22.00 per share
that were granted before June 20, 2008, whether vested or unvested, for new Restricted Stock Units
(RSUs).
If you participate in the offer, the number of RSUs you receive will depend on the exercise
price of the options that you exchange.
We will grant the RSUs following the expiration of the offer on the same calendar day on which
we cancel the options surrendered in the exchange (the RSU grant date). We expect the RSU grant
date to be June 19, 2009. If the expiration date is extended, the RSU grant date will be similarly
delayed. The RSUs will be granted under the terms of the Companys 1999 Stock Option Plan.
For purposes of this offer, the term option refers to an option to purchase one (1) share of
our common stock, and the term option grant refers to a grant of one or more options. You may
tender for exchange any one (1) or more of your eligible options or none at all. However, if you
choose to tender one or more options received pursuant to a particular option grant, you must
exchange all outstanding options received pursuant to such grant.
The vesting schedule of the RSUs will be determined on a grant-by-grant basis and will depend
on the extent to which the options surrendered in exchange for such RSUs have vested at the time of
such exchange and, for surrendered options that are fully vested, the exercise price. The vesting
schedules of the RSUs are detailed in Section 9 of this Offer to Exchange Certain Outstanding
Options for RSUs (the Offer to Exchange). Vesting of the RSUs is conditioned upon your continued
service with us through each applicable vesting date.
Our common stock is traded on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol NTAP. On
May 21, 2009, the closing price of our common stock was $17.88 per share. You should evaluate
the risks related to our business, our common stock, and this offer, and review current market
quotes for our common stock, among other factors, before deciding to participate in this offer.
See Risks of Participating in the Offer beginning on page 14 for a discussion of risks that
you should consider before participating in this offer.
IMPORTANT
If you choose to participate in the offer, you must submit your election via the offer website
at https://netapp-exchange.equitybenefits.com and follow the instructions on the offer website.
The offer website will also provide you with certain information about your eligible options,
including the grant date, the exercise price, the number of underlying shares and the election
alternatives available to you.
We encourage you to submit your election electronically via the offer website. If you are
unable to do so, you must complete a paper election form and return it via facsimile at (408)
716-2633 or e-mail at optexch@netapp.com (via PDF or similar imaged document file), before
9:00 p.m., Pacific Time, on June 19, 2009, unless we extend the offer. To obtain a paper election
form, please send an e-mail request to optexch@netapp.com or call (408) 754-4670. You can also
view and print the election form at
http://finance-web.netapp.com/stock/stock-option-exchange_09.html.
Only responses that are complete and actually received by NetApp (whether via the offer
website or via facsimile or e-mail) by the deadline will be accepted. Responses submitted by
any other means, including hand delivery, interoffice, U.S. mail (or other post) and Federal
Express (or similar delivery service) are not permitted. The delivery of all documents, including
election forms and withdrawal forms, is at your risk. NetApp intends to confirm the receipt of
your election form and/or any withdrawal form submitted by facsimile or e-mail within two
(2) U.S. business days. If you have not received an e-mail confirmation, it is your responsibility
to confirm that we have received your election form and/or withdrawal form by sending an email to
optexch@netapp.com.
Neither the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) nor any state securities
commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed judgment upon the accuracy or
adequacy of this offer. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
If you need additional copies of the offer documents or the election or withdrawal forms, you
should send an email to optexch@netapp.com or call (408) 754-4670. Copies will be furnished
promptly at our expense. You can also view and print documents at
http://finance-web.netapp.com/stock/stock-option-exchange_09.html. You should direct questions
about this offer to optexch@netapp.com.
Offer to Exchange dated May 22, 2009
You should rely only on the information contained in this Offer to Exchange or documents to which
we have referred you. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with different information. We
are not making an offer of the RSUs in any jurisdiction where the offer is not permitted or where
it would not achieve its compensatory purposes, and in such jurisdictions we are considering
alternative compensation programs. However, we may, at our discretion, take any actions necessary
for us to make the offer to holders of options in any of these jurisdictions. You should not
assume that the information provided in this Offer to Exchange is accurate as of any date other
than the date as of which it is shown, or if no date is indicated otherwise, the date of this
offer. This Offer to Exchange summarizes various documents and other information. These summaries
are qualified in their entirety by reference to the documents and information to which they relate.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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SUMMARY TERM SHEET AND QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS |
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1 |
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RISKS OF PARTICIPATING IN THE OFFER |
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14 |
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THE OFFER |
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17 |
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1. Eligibility |
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17 |
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2. Number of awards; expiration date |
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17 |
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3. Purposes of the offer |
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19 |
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4. Procedures for electing to exchange awards |
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21 |
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5. Withdrawal rights and change of election |
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23 |
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6. Acceptance of options for exchange and granting of RSUs |
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24 |
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7. Conditions of the offer |
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24 |
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8. Price range of shares underlying the awards |
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9. Source and amount of consideration; terms of RSUs |
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28 |
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10. Information concerning NetApp |
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33 |
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11. Interests of directors and executive officers; transactions and arrangements concerning the options |
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34 |
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12. Status of options acquired by us in the offer; accounting consequences of the offer |
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36 |
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13. Legal matters; regulatory approvals |
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36 |
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14. Material income tax consequences |
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37 |
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15. Extension of offer; termination; amendment |
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39 |
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16. Fees and expenses |
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17. Additional information |
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40 |
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18. Financial statements |
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41 |
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19. Miscellaneous |
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42 |
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SCHEDULE A Information Concerning the Executive Officers and Directors of NetApp, Inc. |
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A-1 |
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SCHEDULE B Summary Financial Information of NetApp, Inc. |
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B-1 |
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SCHEDULE C Guide to Tax Issues & Legal Issues in Australia |
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C-1 |
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SCHEDULE D Guide to Tax Issues & Legal Issues in Austria |
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D-1 |
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SCHEDULE E Guide to Tax & Legal Issues in the Peoples Republic of China |
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E-1 |
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SCHEDULE F Guide to Tax & Legal Issues in France |
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F-1 |
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SCHEDULE G Guide to Tax & Legal Issues in Germany |
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G-1 |
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SCHEDULE H Guide to Tax & Legal Issues in Hong Kong |
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H-1 |
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SCHEDULE I Guide to Tax & Legal Issues in India |
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I-1 |
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SCHEDULE J Guide to Tax & Legal Issues in Israel |
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J-1 |
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SCHEDULE K Guide to Tax & Legal Issues in Italy |
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K-1 |
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SCHEDULE L Guide to Tax & Legal Issues in Japan |
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L-1 |
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SCHEDULE M Guide to Tax & Legal Issues in Korea |
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M-1 |
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SCHEDULE N Guide to Tax & Legal Issues in the Netherlands |
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N-1 |
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SCHEDULE O Guide to Tax & Legal Issues in Singapore |
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O-1 |
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SCHEDULE P Guide to Tax & Legal Issues in Spain |
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P-1 |
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SCHEDULE Q Guide to Tax & Legal Issues in Sweden |
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Q-1 |
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SCHEDULE R Guide to Tax & Legal Issues in Switzerland |
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R-1 |
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SCHEDULE S Guide to Tax & Legal Issues in the United Kingdom |
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S-1 |
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SUMMARY TERM SHEET AND QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
The following are answers to some of the questions that you may have about this offer. You
should read carefully this entire Offer to Exchange, the attached exhibits and the election and
withdrawal forms together with their associated instructions. This offer is made subject to the
terms and conditions of these documents as they may be amended from time to time hereafter. The
information in this summary is not complete. Additional important information is contained in the
remainder of this Offer to Exchange and the other offer documents. We have included in this
summary references to other sections in this Offer to Exchange to help you find more complete
information with respect to these topics.
Q1. |
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What is the offer? |
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A1. |
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This offer is an opportunity for eligible employees to voluntarily
exchange outstanding options with an exercise price greater than or
equal to $22.00 per share that were granted under the Plans (as
defined below) before June 20, 2008 for RSUs. |
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The following are some terms that are frequently used in this Offer to Exchange. |
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Terms Used in This Offer to Exchange |
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cancellation date refers to the same calendar day as the expiration date.
This is the date when exchanged options will be cancelled. We expect that the
cancellation date will be June 19, 2009. If the expiration date is extended, then
the cancellation date will be similarly delayed. |
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common stock refers to NetApps common stock. |
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eligible employee refers to an employee of NetApp (which, for purposes of this
offer, includes all subsidiaries of NetApp) who resides in the United States,
Australia, Austria, Peoples Republic of China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India,
Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea, the Netherlands, Singapore, Spain, Sweden,
Switzerland, or the United Kingdom as of the commencement of the offer and through
the cancellation date. However, our executive officers and the members of our
board of directors are not eligible employees and may not participate in the offer. |
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eligible options refers to outstanding options to purchase shares of NetApps
common stock that have an exercise price greater than or equal to $22.00 per share
that were granted under the Plans (as defined below) before June 20, 2008 and
remain outstanding and unexercised as of the expiration date. |
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Exchange Act refers to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. |
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exchanged options refers to options that you exchange for RSUs pursuant to
this offer. |
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executive officers refers to those officers of NetApp that are subject to
Section 16 of the Exchange Act. |
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expiration date refers to the date that this offer expires. We expect that
the expiration date will be June 19, 2009, at 9:00 p.m., Pacific Time. We may
extend the expiration date at our discretion. If we extend the offer, the term
expiration date will refer to the time and date at which the extended offer
expires. |
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offer period or offering period refers to the period from the commencement
of this offer to the expiration date. This period will commence on May 22, 2009,
and we expect it to end at 9:00 p.m., Pacific Time, on June 19, 2009. |
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Offer to Exchange refers to this Offer to Exchange Certain Outstanding Options
for RSUs. |
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offer website is a dedicated website established for this offer through which
eligible employees may submit elections electronically. |
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option refers to an option to purchase one (1) share of our common stock. |
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option grant refers to a grant of one (1) or more options. |
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outstanding option refers to an unexercised option under the Plans held by an
eligible employee. |
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Plans refers to the NetApp, Inc. 1995 Stock Incentive Plan; the NetApp, Inc.
1999 Stock Option Plan; the Alacritus, Inc. 2005 Stock Plan; the Decru, Inc. 2001
Equity Incentive Plan; the Onaro, Inc. Amended and Restated 2002 Stock Option and
Incentive Plan; the Orca Systems, Inc. 1999 Stock Option/Stock Issuance Plan; the
Topio, Inc. 2004 Israeli Share Option Plan; the Sanpro Systems, Inc. 2001 U.S.
Stock Option Plan and the Webmanage Technologies, Inc. 2000 Stock Incentive Plan. |
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RSUs refer to restricted stock units granted pursuant to this offer that
replace your exchanged options. Each RSU granted in the exchange represents the
right to receive one share of our common stock on specified dates when the RSU
vests. RSUs will be granted on the RSU grant date pursuant to the 1999 Stock
Option Plan and subject to the terms and conditions of an RSU agreement between you
and the Company. |
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RSU grant date refers to the date that is the same calendar date as the
expiration date and the cancellation date. This is the date when RSUs will be
granted. We expect that the RSU grant date will be June 19, 2009. If the
expiration date is extended, then the RSU grant date will be similarly delayed. |
Q2. |
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How do I participate in this offer? |
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A2. |
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If you are an eligible employee, you will receive on the commencement of the offer an e-mail announcing this
offer and directing you to the offer website. If you wish to participate in this offer, you must access the
offer website and click on the MAKE AN ELECTION button. If you do not want to participate, then no action is
necessary. You will be directed to your electronic election form that contains the following personalized
information with respect to each eligible option you hold: |
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the grant date indicated for the eligible option on the applicable option agreement; |
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the current exercise price per share in effect for the eligible option; |
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the number of eligible options; and |
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the election alternatives available to you. |
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You will need to check the appropriate box next to each of your eligible options to indicate
your choice of whether to exchange your eligible options in accordance with the terms of
this offer or retain your eligible options under their current terms. After completing the
electronic election |
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form, you will have the opportunity to review the elections you have made with respect to
your eligible options. If you are satisfied with your elections, you will proceed to the
Agreement to Terms of Election page. Only after you agree to the Agreement to the Terms
of Election will you be directed to the Print Confirmation page. Please print and keep a
copy of the Print Confirmation page for your records. At this point, you will have
completed the election process. |
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If you wish to participate, you must complete the election process in the foregoing manner
before 9:00 P.M., Pacific Time, on June 19, 2009. If we extend the offer beyond that
deadline, you must complete the process before the extended expiration of the offer. |
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We encourage you to submit and/or change your election electronically via the offer website.
If you are unable to do so, you must complete a paper election form and return it via
facsimile at (408) 716-2633 or e-mail at optexch@netapp.com (via PDF or similar imaged
document file), before 9:00 p.m., Pacific Time, on June 19, 2009, unless we extend the
offer. To obtain a paper election form, please send an e-mail request to optexch@netapp.com
or call (408) 754-4670. You can also view and print the election form at
http://finance-web.netapp.com/stock/stock-option-exchange_09.html. |
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You may tender for exchange any one (1) or more of your eligible options or none at all.
However, if you choose to tender options received pursuant to a particular option grant, you
must exchange all outstanding options received pursuant to such option grant. For a
complete listing of your outstanding options please refer to your Smith Barney Benefit
Access account at www.benefitaccess.com, which lists your outstanding options, the grant
date of your options, the exercise price of your options and the number of shares of common
stock subject to your outstanding options. |
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This is a one-time offer, and we will strictly enforce the offering period. We reserve the
right to reject any eligible options tendered for exchange that we determine are not in
appropriate form or that we determine are unlawful to accept. Subject to the terms and
conditions of this offer, we will accept all properly tendered options promptly after the
expiration of this offer. (See Section 4) |
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We may extend this offer. If we extend this offer, we will issue a press release, e-mail or
other communication disclosing the extension no later than 6:00 a.m., Pacific Time, on the
U.S. business day immediately following the previously scheduled expiration date. |
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The delivery of all documents, including election forms and withdrawal forms, is at your
risk. Only responses that are complete and actually received by NetApp before the deadline
will be accepted. If your election or withdrawal is received by facsimile or e-mail, we
intend to confirm the receipt of your election form and/or any withdrawal form by e-mail
within two (2) U.S. business days. If you have not received an e-mail confirmation, it is
your responsibility to confirm that we have received your election form and/or any
withdrawal form by sending an email to optexch@netapp.com. |
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Responses submitted by any other means, including hand delivery, interoffice or U.S. mail
(or other post) or Federal Express (or similar delivery service), are not permitted. (See
Section 4) |
3
Q3. |
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How many RSUs will I receive for the options that I exchange? |
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A3. |
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The number of RSUs that you receive will depend on the exercise price
of your exchanged options, as follows: |
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Per Share Exercise Price of Eligible |
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Options |
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RSUs Granted for Exchanged Options |
$22.00 $27.30
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1 RSU for every 5 exchanged options |
$27.31 $32.49
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1 RSU for every 6 exchanged options |
$32.50 $37.99
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1 RSU for every 7 exchanged options |
$38.00 $46.99
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1
RSU for every 10 exchanged options |
$47.00 and higher
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1 RSU for every 25 exchanged options |
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As noted above, for purposes of this offer, including the exchange ratios, the term option
refers to an option to purchase one (1) share of our common stock, and the term option
grant means a grant of one (1) or more options. For purposes of applying the exchange
ratios, fractional RSUs will be rounded down to the nearest whole RSU on a grant-by-grant
basis. (See Section 2) |
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If, with respect to the surrender of options received pursuant to a particular option grant,
you would otherwise be entitled to receive fewer than forty (40) RSUs in the exchange, then
we will make a cash payment instead of granting RSUs. The cash payment will be equal to the
closing market price of a share of NetApps common stock on the business day immediately
prior to the expiration date multiplied by the number of RSUs that would otherwise have been
granted in exchange for such surrendered options. The cash payment, less applicable
withholdings, will be made as soon as practicable after the RSU grant date and will not be
subject to any vesting schedule. |
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Please note: The exchange ratios apply to each of your option grants separately.
This means that all of the outstanding options that you received pursuant to a particular
option grant will be aggregated and divided by the applicable exchange ratio. As a result,
the various eligible options you hold may be subject to different exchange ratios to the
extent that such options were originally received pursuant to different option grants. (See
Section 2) |
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Example: |
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Assume that you have 1,000 outstanding options that you received pursuant to a single option
grant, and the exercise price of each such option is $32.00 per share. If you tender all
1,000 options for exchange, you will receive 166 RSUs on the RSU grant date. This number is
the result obtained by dividing 1,000 by 6 (i.e. the exchange ratio for an eligible option
with an exercise price of $32.00) and rounding down to the nearest whole RSU. |
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Example: |
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Assume that you have eligible options that you received pursuant to two separate option
grants. In the first grant, you received 50 options with an exercise price of $32.00 per
share. In the second grant, you received 100 options with an exercise price of $40 per
share. Assume the closing market price for NetApps common stock is $17.00 on the business
day immediately prior to the expiration date. If you tender all of the options received
pursuant to the two grants (i.e. 150 |
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options), then you will receive a cash payment of $306.00, less applicable withholding.
This amount represents the cash value, based on the closing market price of NetApps common
stock on the business day immediately prior to the expiration date, of the 8 RSUs that you
would have otherwise received in exchange for the 50 options received in the first option
grant and the 10 RSUs that you would have otherwise received in exchange for the 100 options
received in the second option grant. |
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Q4. |
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Who may participate in this offer? |
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A4. |
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You may participate in this offer if you are an eligible employee of
NetApp at the time of this offer and you remain an eligible employee
of NetApp or a successor entity through the RSU grant date. In
addition, you may participate in this offer only if you reside in the
United States, Australia, Austria, Peoples Republic of China, France,
Germany, Hong Kong, India, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea, the
Netherlands, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, or the United
Kingdom. Our executive officers and the members of our board of
directors may not participate in the offer. (See Section 1) |
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Q5. |
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Why is NetApp making this offer? |
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A5. |
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We are making this offer to restore the retention and incentive
benefits of our equity awards. We believe that this offer will help
us to retain our valuable employees and better align the interests of
our employees and stockholders to maximize stockholder value. We
issued the currently outstanding options to attract and retain the
best available personnel and to provide additional incentives to our
employees. However, our stock price, like that of many other companies
in our industry, has declined significantly in the past year. As a
result, most of our employees hold options with exercise prices
significantly higher than the current market price of our common
stock. These options are commonly referred to as being underwater.
By making this offer, we intend to provide eligible employees with the
opportunity to receive RSUs that have greater retention value because,
unlike underwater options, such RSUs provide value to employees even
if our stock price remains depressed. (Section 3) |
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Q6. |
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Which of my options are eligible? |
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A6. |
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Your eligible options are those options to purchase shares of common
stock of NetApp that have an exercise price greater than or equal to
$22.00 per share, were granted under the Plans before June 20, 2008
and remain outstanding and unexercised as of the expiration date,
currently expected to be June 19, 2009. For a complete listing of
your outstanding options, please refer to your Smith Barney Benefit
Access account at www.benefitaccess.com, which lists your outstanding
options, the grant date of your options, the exercise price of your
options and the number of shares subject to your outstanding options.
(See Section 2) |
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Q7. |
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Are there circumstances under which I would not be granted RSUs? |
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A7. |
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Yes. If, for any reason, you are no longer an employee of NetApp on
the RSU grant date, you will not receive any RSUs. Instead, you will
keep your current eligible options and the eligible options will vest
and expire in accordance with their terms. Except as provided by
applicable law and/or any employment agreement between you and NetApp,
your employment with NetApp will remain at-will regardless of your
participation in the offer and can be terminated by you or your
employer at any time with or without cause or notice. (See Section 1) |
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Moreover, even if we accept your eligible awards, we will not grant RSUs to you if we are
prohibited from doing so by applicable laws. For example, we could become prohibited from |
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granting RSUs as a result of changes in SEC or Nasdaq rules. We do not anticipate any such
prohibitions at this time. (See Section 13) |
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In addition, if you hold an option that expires after the commencement of, but before the
cancellation of options under, this offer, that particular option is not eligible for
exchange. Therefore, if you hold options that expire before the currently scheduled
cancellation date or, if we extend the offer such that the cancellation date is a later date
and you hold options that expire before the rescheduled cancellation date, those options
will not be eligible for exchange and such options will continue to be governed by their
original terms. (See Section 15) |
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We also reserve the right, in our reasonable judgment, before the expiration date to
terminate or amend the offer and to postpone our acceptance and cancellation of any options
elected to be exchanged if any of the events listed in Section 7 of this Offer to Exchange
occurs, by giving oral or written notice of the termination or postponement to you or by
making a public announcement of the termination. (See Section 15) |
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If, with respect to the surrender of options received pursuant to a particular option grant,
you would otherwise have been entitled to receive fewer than forty (40) RSUs in the
exchange, then we will make a cash payment instead of granting RSUs. The cash payment will
be equal to the closing market price of a share of NetApps common stock on the business day
immediately prior to the expiration date multiplied by the number of RSUs that would
otherwise have been granted in exchange for such surrendered options. The cash payment,
less applicable withholdings, will be made as soon as practicable
after the cancellation date and will not be subject to any vesting schedule. |
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Holders of options in the following countries will not be eligible to participate in the
exchange offer and will not be granted RSUs: Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Denmark,
Finland, Indonesia, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Philippines, Poland,
Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, or United Arab
Emirates. NetApp has determined that the exchange offer is not permitted or would not
achieve its compensatory purposes with respect to option holders in the foregoing countries. |
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Q8.
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Am I required to participate in this option exchange? |
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A8.
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No. Participation in this offer is completely voluntary. (See Section 2) |
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Q9.
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When will my RSUs vest? |
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A9.
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Each RSU represents the right to receive one share of our common stock on a specified future date if the RSU has vested in
accordance with the vesting schedules summarized in the table and further described below, subject to your continuing to be
an employee or other service provider to NetApp through each relevant vesting date: |
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Unvested or Partially |
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Exercise Price |
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Vested Option Grant |
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Fully Vested Option Grant |
$22.00 $27.30
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4 Years
(1/4 on each
anniversary of grant
date)
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2 Years
(1/2 on each anniversary of grant date) |
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$27.31 $32.49
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4 Years
(1/4 on each
anniversary of grant
date)
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2 Years
(1/2 on each anniversary of grant date) |
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$32.50 $37.99
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4 Years
(1/4 on each
anniversary of grant
date)
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2 Years
(1/2 on each anniversary of grant date) |
6
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Unvested or Partially |
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Exercise Price |
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Vested Option Grant |
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Fully Vested Option Grant |
$38.00 $46.99
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4 Years
(1/4 on each
anniversary of grant
date)
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3 Years
(1/3 on each anniversary of grant date) |
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Equal to or greater
than $47.00
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4 Years
(1/4 on each
anniversary of grant
date)
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3 Years
(1/3 on each anniversary of grant date) |
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The vesting schedule of the RSUs will be determined on a grant-by-grant basis
and depend on the extent to which the option grant surrendered in exchange for such
RSUs has vested at the time of such exchange and, for a surrendered option grant
that is fully vested, the exercise price. |
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None of the RSUs will be vested as of the RSU grant date. |
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No RSUs will be scheduled to vest earlier than one year from their date of
grant. |
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The annual vesting date will be the anniversary of the RSU grant date. |
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If the surrendered option grant is entirely unvested or partially vested, then
regardless of the exercise price of such surrendered options, the RSU will vest as
to one-fourth of the RSUs on each of the first four anniversaries of the grant
date, so that 100% of the RSUs will be vested on the fourth anniversary of the
grant date, provided that the eligible employee remains in continued serviced with
the Company through each vesting date. |
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If the surrendered option grant has an exercise price between $22.00 and $37.99
per share and is fully vested, then the RSUs will vest as to 50% of the RSUs on
each of the first two anniversaries of the grant date, so that 100% of the RSUs
will be vested on the second anniversary of the grant date, provided the eligible
employee remains in continued service with the Company through each vesting date. |
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If the surrendered option grant has an exercise price of $38.00 per share or
greater and is fully vested, then the RSUs will vest as to one-third of the RSUs on
each of the first three anniversaries of the grant date, so that 100% of the RSUs
will be vested on the third anniversary of the grant date, provided the eligible
employee remains in continued service with the Company through each vesting date. |
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We will make minor modifications to the vesting schedule of any RSUs to
eliminate fractional vesting (such that a whole number of RSUs will vest on each
vesting date); this will be done by rounding up to the nearest whole number of RSUs
that will vest on the first vesting date and rounding down on the following vesting
date. |
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If, with respect to the surrender of options received pursuant to a particular
option grant, you would otherwise be entitled to receive fewer than forty (40) RSUs
in the exchange, then we will make a cash payment instead of granting RSUs. The
cash payment will be equal to the closing market price of a share of NetApps
common stock on the business day immediately prior to the expiration date
multiplied by the number of RSUs that would otherwise have been granted in exchange
for such surrendered options. The cash payment, less applicable withholdings, will
be made as soon as practicable after the RSU grant date and will not be subject to
any vesting schedule. |
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Q10.
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If I participate in this offer, do I have to exchange all of my eligible options? |
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A10.
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No. You may pick and choose which of your outstanding eligible option grants you wish to exchange. However, if you
decide to exchange any options received pursuant to a particular option grant, you must exchange all of the outstanding
options received pursuant to such grant (i.e. you must make your election to participate on a grant-by-grant basis). You
should note that we are not accepting partial tenders of option grants, except that (a) you may partially tender an option
grant covered by a domestic relations order (or comparable legal document as the result of the end of a marriage) (See
Question and Answer 11), and (b) you may elect to exchange all of the options received pursuant to such grant that remain
unexercised on the cancellation date. (See Section 2) |
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Q11.
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What happens if I have an eligible option that is subject to a domestic relations order or comparable legal document as
the result of the end of a marriage? |
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A11.
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If you have an eligible option that is subject to a domestic relations order (or comparable legal document as the result
of the end of a marriage) and a person who is not an eligible employee of NetApp beneficially owns a portion of that
eligible option, you may tender only the portion beneficially owned by you. Any portion beneficially owned by a person
who is not our employee may not be exchanged in this offer (even if legal title to that portion of the award is held by
you and you are an eligible employee). (See Section 2) |
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Q12.
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When will I receive the RSUs? |
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A12.
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We will grant the RSUs on the RSU grant date. The RSU grant date will be the same calendar day as the cancellation date,
which we expect to be June 19, 2009. If the expiration date is extended, the RSU grant date will be similarly delayed.
You will receive your RSU agreement as soon as practicable after the expiration of the offer. (See Section 6) |
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Q13.
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When will my exchanged options be cancelled? |
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A13.
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Your exchanged options will be cancelled following the expiration of the offer on the same calendar day as the expiration
date. We refer to this date as the cancellation date. We expect that the cancellation date will be June 19, 2009, unless
the offer period is extended. (See Section 6) |
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Q14.
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Once I surrender my exchanged options, is there anything I must do to receive the RSUs? |
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A14.
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No. Once your exchanged options have been surrendered, there is nothing that you must do to receive your RSUs. Your RSUs
will be granted to you on the same day that the exchanged options are cancelled provided that you are still an employee on
such date (See Question and Answer 7). We expect that the RSU grant date will be June 19, 2009. In order to vest in the
shares covered by RSUs, you will need to remain in continued service with NetApp through the applicable vesting date, as
described in Question and Answer 9. (See Section 1) |
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Q15.
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Can I exchange NetApp common stock that I acquired upon a prior exercise of NetApp options? |
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A15.
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No. This offer relates only to certain outstanding options to purchase shares of NetApp common stock. You may not
exchange shares of NetApp common stock in this offer. (See Section 2) |
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Q16.
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Will I be required to give up all of my rights under the cancelled options? |
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A16.
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Yes. Once we have accepted your exchanged options and your exchanged options have been cancelled, you will no longer have
any rights under those options. We intend to cancel all exchanged options following the expiration of the offer on the
same calendar day as the expiration date. We refer to this date as the cancellation date. We expect that the
cancellation date will be June 19, 2009. (See Section 6) |
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Q17.
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Will the terms and conditions of my RSUs be the same as the terms and conditions of my exchanged options? |
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A17.
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No. Your RSUs will be unvested as of the RSU grant date and will have a different vesting schedule from the vesting
schedule of your exchanged options. |
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Your RSUs will be granted under the terms of the Companys 1999 Stock Option Plan and an RSU
agreement. The applicable form of RSU agreement for U.S. employees and separate versions thereof reflecting
country-specific terms for employees residing outside the U.S. are incorporated by reference as exhibits to the
Schedule TO with which this Offer to Exchange has been filed and are available on the SEC
website at www.sec.gov. (See Section 9) |
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Until your RSUs vest and you are issued shares for such RSUs, you will not have any of the
rights or privileges of a stockholder of NetApp. Once you have been issued the shares of
common stock, you will have all of the rights and privileges of a stockholder with respect
to those shares, including the right to vote and to receive dividends. |
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Q18.
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What happens to my eligible options if I choose not to participate or if my options are not accepted for exchange? |
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A18.
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If you choose not to participate or your eligible options are not accepted for exchange, your existing eligible options
will (a) remain outstanding until they expire by their terms, (b) retain their current exercise price, (c) retain their
current vesting schedule and (d) retain all of the other terms and conditions as set forth in the relevant agreement
related to such option grant. (See Section 6) |
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Q19.
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How does NetApp determine whether an eligible option has been properly tendered? |
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A19.
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We will determine, in our discretion, all questions about the validity, form, eligibility (including time of receipt) and
acceptance of any eligible options. Our determination of these matters will be final and binding on all parties. We
reserve the right to reject any election form or any eligible options tendered for exchange that we determine are not in
an appropriate form or that we determine are unlawful to accept. We will accept all properly tendered eligible options
that are not validly withdrawn, subject to the terms of this offer. No tender of eligible options will be deemed to have
been made properly until all defects or irregularities have been cured or waived by us. We have no obligation to give
notice of any defects or irregularities in any election form, and we will not incur any liability for failure to give any
notice. (See Section 4) |
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Q20.
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Will I have to pay taxes if I participate in the offer? |
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A20.
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If you participate in the offer and are a U.S. taxpayer, you generally will not be required under current U.S. law to
recognize income for U.S. federal income tax purposes at the time of the exchange. However, you normally will have
taxable income when your RSUs vest, at which time NetApp will also typically have payroll tax withholding obligations. In
order for you to be issued shares of common stock when your RSUs vest, you must make satisfactory arrangements with |
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respect to the payment of income, employment and other taxes that NetApp determines must be
withheld with respect to such shares. NetApp will automatically redeem a sufficient number
of shares of its common stock issued when RSUs vest to satisfy the withholding obligations,
unless we determine otherwise. You may also have taxable capital gain when you sell the
shares underlying the RSUs. Note that the tax treatment of RSUs is significantly different
from the tax treatment of your eligible options, and participating in the offer could result
in your tax liability being higher than if you had kept your eligible options. (See Risks of
Participating in the Offer on page 13.) Please see Section 14
for a description of the general
tax consequences associated with options and RSUs. |
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If you participate in the offer and are subject to tax or social insurance contributions in
Australia, Austria, Peoples Republic of China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Israel,
Italy, Japan, Korea, the Netherlands, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, or the United
Kingdom, please refer to Schedules C R of this Offer to Exchange for a description of the
tax and social insurance consequences that may apply to you. |
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You should consult with your tax advisor to determine the personal tax consequences to you
of participating in this offer. If you are a resident of or subject to the tax laws in more
than one country, you should be aware that there may be additional or different tax and
social insurance consequences that may apply to you. |
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Q21. |
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What if NetApp merges with, or
is acquired by, another company? |
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A21. |
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Although we currently are not
anticipating any merger or acquisition, other than the proposed
acquisition of Data Domain, Inc. described on our Current Report on
Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 21, 2009, if we merge or
consolidate with or are acquired by another entity prior to the expiration of the offer, you may choose to withdraw any
eligible options you have tendered for exchange, and your eligible
options will be treated in accordance with the applicable Plan and
relevant option agreement. Further, if NetApp is acquired prior to
the expiration of the offer, we reserve the right to withdraw the
offer, in which case your eligible options and your rights under them
will remain intact and exercisable for the time period set forth in
your stock option agreement and you will receive no RSUs in exchange
for them. If NetApp is acquired prior to the expiration of the offer
but does not withdraw the offer, we (or the successor entity) will
notify you of any material changes to the terms of the offer or the
RSUs. Under such circumstances, the type of security and the number
of shares covered by your RSUs would be adjusted based on the
consideration per share given to holders of our common stock in
connection with the acquisition. As a result of this adjustment, you
may receive RSUs covering more or fewer shares of the acquirors
common stock than the number of shares subject to the eligible
options that you tendered for exchange or than the number you would
have received pursuant to the RSUs if no acquisition had occurred. |
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If we are acquired by or merge with another company, your exchanged options might be worth
more than the RSUs that you receive in exchange for them. |
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A transaction involving us, such as a merger or other acquisition, could have a substantial
effect on our stock price, including significantly increasing the price of our common
stock. Depending on the structure and terms of this type of transaction, option holders
who elect to participate in the offer might be deprived of the benefit of the appreciation
in the price of our common stock resulting from the merger or acquisition. This could
result in a greater financial benefit for those option holders who did not participate in
this offer and retained their original awards. |
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Finally, if another company acquires us, that company, as part of the transaction or
otherwise, may decide to terminate some or all of our employees before the completion of
this offer. |
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Termination of your employment for this or any other reason before the RSU grant date means
that the tender of your eligible options will not be accepted, you will keep your tendered
options in accordance with their original terms, and you will not receive any RSUs or other
benefit for your tendered options. |
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If we are acquired after your tendered options have been accepted, cancelled, and exchanged
for RSUs, your RSUs will be treated in the acquisition transaction in accordance with the
terms of the transaction agreement or the terms of the Companys 1999 Stock Option Plan and
your new RSU agreement. (See Section 9) |
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Q22.
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Will I receive an RSU agreement? |
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A22.
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Yes. All RSUs will be subject to the terms of an RSU agreement between you and NetApp under the
Companys 1999 Stock Option Plan. The applicable form of RSU agreement for U.S. employees and separate versions thereof reflecting
country-specific terms for employees residing outside the U.S. are incorporated by reference as exhibits to the
Schedule TO with which this Offer to Exchange has been filed and are available on the SEC
website at www.sec.gov. (See Section
9) |
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Q23.
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Are there any conditions to this offer? |
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A23.
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Yes. The completion of this offer is subject to a number of
customary conditions that are described in Section 7 of this Offer to
Exchange. If any of these conditions are not satisfied, we will not
be obligated to accept and exchange properly tendered eligible
options, though we may do so at our discretion. (See Sections 2 and
7) |
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Q24.
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If you extend the offer, how will you notify me? |
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A24.
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If we extend this offer, we will issue a press release, e-mail or
other form of communication disclosing the extension no later than
6:00 a.m., Pacific Time, on the next U.S. business day following the
previously scheduled expiration date. (See Sections 2 and 15) |
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Q25.
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How will you notify me if the offer is changed? |
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A25.
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If we change the offer, we will issue a press release, e-mail or
other form of communication disclosing the change no later than
6:00 a.m., Pacific Time, on the next U.S. business day following the
date on which we change the offer. (See Sections 2 and 15) |
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Q26.
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Can I change my mind and withdraw from this offer? |
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A26.
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Yes. You may change your mind after you have submitted an election
and withdraw some or all of your eligible options from the offer at
any time before the expiration date (expected to be
June 19, 2009). Please note, however, that withdrawals must be made on a grant-by-grant basis. This means you cannot withdraw one
option received pursuant to a particular option grant without also withdrawing all other options received pursuant to such option
grant. If we extend the expiration date, you may withdraw your election at any time until the extended offer expires. You may
change your mind as many times as you wish, but you will be bound by the last properly submitted election and/or withdrawal we
receive before the expiration date. Although we do not expect this to occur, under SEC rules governing this offer, if we have not
accepted your properly tendered eligible options by 9:00 p.m., Pacific Time, on July 21, 2009, you may withdraw your eligible
options at any time thereafter. (See Section 5) |
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Q27.
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Can I change my mind about which eligible options I want to exchange? |
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A27.
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Yes. You may change your mind after you have submitted an election and change the eligible options you
tender for exchange at any time before the expiration date. If we extend the expiration date, you may
change your election at any time until the extended offer expires. You may elect to exchange additional
eligible options, fewer eligible options, all of your eligible options or none of your eligible options.
You may change your mind as many times as you wish, but you will be bound by the last properly submitted
election we receive before the expiration date. (See Section 4 and 5) |
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Q28.
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How do I change my election? |
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A28.
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To change your election, you must do the following before the expiration date: |
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1. |
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Access the offer website at https://netapp-exchange.equitybenefits.com and
complete a new electronic election form; or |
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2. |
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Although we encourage you to submit your election electronically via the offer
website, if you are unable to do so, you must complete a paper election form and return
it via facsimile at (408) 716-2633 or e-mail at optexch@netapp.com (via PDF or similar
imaged document file), before the expiration date. To obtain a paper election form
please send an e-mail request to optexch@netapp.com or call (408) 754-4670. You can
also view and print the election form at
http://finance-web.netapp.com/stock/stock-option-exchange_09.html. |
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The delivery of all documents, including election forms and withdrawal forms, is at your
risk. Only responses that are complete and actually received by NetApp before the deadline
will be accepted. If your election or withdrawal is received by facsimile or e-mail, we
intend to confirm the receipt of your election form and/or any withdrawal form by e-mail
within two (2) U.S. business days. If you have not received an e-mail confirmation, it is
your responsibility to confirm that we have received your election form and/or any
withdrawal form. |
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Responses submitted by any other means, including hand delivery, interoffice, U.S. mail (or
other post) and Federal Express (or similar delivery service) are not permitted. (See
Section 5) |
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Q29.
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What if I withdraw my election and then decide again that I want to
participate in this offer? |
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A29.
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If you have withdrawn your election to participate and then decide
again that you would like to participate in this offer, you may
re-elect to participate by submitting a new, properly completed
electronic election form (or faxed or e-mailed form) accepting the
offer before the expiration date, in accordance with the procedures
described in Question and Answer 2 and Section 5. |
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Q30.
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Are you making any recommendation as to whether I should exchange my
eligible options? |
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A30.
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No. We are not making any recommendation as to whether you should
accept this offer. We understand that the decision whether or not to
exchange your eligible options in this offer will be a challenging
one for many employees. The program does carry risk (see Risks of
Participating in the Offer beginning on page 14 for information
regarding some of these risks), and there are no guarantees that you
ultimately would receive greater value from the RSUs you will receive
in exchange than you would if you had retained your corresponding
options. As a result, you must make your own decision as to whether
or not to participate in this offer. For questions regarding
personal tax implications or other investment- or tax-related
questions, you should talk to your legal counsel, accountant, and/or
financial advisor. (See Section 3) |
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Q31.
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Whom can I contact if I have questions about the offer, or if I need
additional copies of the offer documents? |
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A31.
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You should direct questions about this offer and requests for
additional copies of this Offer to Exchange and the other offer
documents to optexch@netapp.com. (See Section 10) |
13
RISKS OF PARTICIPATING IN THE OFFER
Participation in this Offer to Exchange involves a number of potential risks and
uncertainties, including those described below. This list and the risk factors set forth under the
heading Risk Factors in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, for the quarter ended January 23,
2009, and our Annual Report on Form 10-K, for the year ended April 25, 2008, in each case as filed
with the SEC, highlight the material risks relating to our business
and to participating in this Offer to Exchange. You should
carefully consider these risks, and we encourage you to speak with your financial, legal and/or tax
advisors as necessary before deciding whether to participate in this Offer to Exchange. In
addition, we strongly encourage you to read the entire Offer to Exchange, including the sections
discussing the tax consequences of participating in the Offer to Exchange, for a more in-depth
discussion of the risks that may apply to you.
In addition, this Offer to Exchange and our SEC reports referred to above include
forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. We have based these
forward-looking statements largely on our current expectations and projections about future events
and financial trends that we believe may affect our financial condition, results of operations,
business strategy, short-term and long-term business operations and objectives, and financial
needs. These forward-looking statements include all statements other than statements of historical
facts and current status contained or incorporated by reference in this Offer to Exchange,
including statements regarding our future financial position, our business strategy, and the plans
and objectives of management for future operations. The words believe, may, will, estimate,
continue, anticipate, intend, expect and similar expressions are intended to identify
forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to,
statements related to the likelihood that this Offer to Exchange will restore the retention and
incentive benefits of our equity awards and maximize stockholder value, the possibility that
another company could acquire us and terminate your employment, and the likelihood that the Offer
to Exchange will be treated as a non-taxable event, are inherently uncertain insofar as they are
based on managements current expectations and assumptions concerning future events, and they are
subject to a number of potential risks and uncertainties, including those described below. The
forward-looking statements made by us in connection with this Offer to Exchange do not fall within
the safe harbor for forward-looking statements provided by the Private Securities Litigation Reform
Act of 1995.
The
following discussion should be read in conjunction with the summary financial information attached as Schedule B, as well as our financial statements and notes to the financial statements
included in our most recent Forms 10-K, 10-Q and, if applicable, 8-K
filed with the SEC. We caution you not to place
undue reliance on the forward-looking statements contained in this Offer to Exchange, which speak
only as of the date hereof.
Risks that are Specific to this Offer
If the price of our common stock increases after the date on which your options are cancelled, your
cancelled options might have been worth more than the RSUs that you receive in exchange for them.
Because the exchange ratio
of this offer is not one-for-one with respect to all awards, it is
possible that, at some point in the future, your eligible options would have been economically more
valuable than the RSUs granted pursuant to this offer. For example,
if you exchange an option grant for
500 shares with an exercise price of $38.00, you would receive 50 RSUs. Assume, for illustrative
purposes only, that three (3) years after the new grant date, the price of our common stock has
increased to $55.00 per share. Under this example, if you had kept your exchanged options and
exercised them at $55.00 per share, you
14
would have realized pre-tax gain of $8,500, but if you exchanged your options and sold the
shares vested pursuant to the RSUs, you would realize only a pre-tax gain of $2,750.
If we are acquired by or merge with another company, your cancelled options might have been worth
more than the RSUs that you receive in exchange for them.
A transaction involving us, such as a merger or other acquisition, could have a substantial
effect on our stock price, including significantly increasing the price of our common stock.
Depending on the structure and terms of this type of transaction, award holders who elect to
participate in the offer might receive less of a benefit from the appreciation in the price of our
common stock resulting from the merger or acquisition. This could result in a greater financial
benefit for those option holders who did not participate in this offer and retained their original
awards.
Furthermore, a transaction involving us, such as a merger or other acquisition, could result
in a reduction in our workforce. Generally, if your service terminates for any reason before your
RSUs vest, you will not receive any value from your RSUs. Please see our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 21, 2009 with respect to our planned acquisition of Data Domain, Inc.
Your RSUs will not be vested on the new grant date.
The RSUs
will be subject to a vesting schedule, and in order to vest in your
RSUs, you must remain in continued service with NetApp through each relevant vesting date. If your service with
NetApp terminates before any of your RSUs vest, your unvested RSUs will be forfeited to NetApp
without consideration.
Tax-Related Risks
Tax effects of RSUs for United States Taxpayers.
If you participate in the offer, you generally will not be required under current U.S. law to
recognize income for U.S. federal income tax purposes at the time of
the exchange or on the RSU
grant date. However, you generally will have taxable ordinary income when your RSUs vest, at which
time NetApp generally also will have a payroll tax withholding obligation. NetApp will
automatically redeem a sufficient number of shares of its common stock issued when RSUs vest to
satisfy the withholding obligations, unless we determine otherwise. You also may have taxable
capital gains when you sell the shares underlying the RSUs. Please see Section 14 of the Offer to
Exchange for a description of the general tax consequences associated with RSUs.
Holders of Incentive Stock Options Who Choose Not to Participate
If this offer is open for thirty (30) or more calendar days, eligible employees who hold
eligible options that are incentive stock options and who do not participate in the offer will have
the incentive stock option holding periods of their options automatically adjusted to restart on
the date the offer is commenced. As a result, if this offer is open for thirty (30) or more
calendar days, to receive favorable U.S. tax treatment for such adjusted incentive stock option, an
eligible employee must hold (i.e., not sell or otherwise dispose of) the shares acquired upon
exercise of the incentive stock option for at least two (2) years from the date this offer
commenced (that is, more than two (2) years from May 22, 2009) and one (1) year after the exercise
of the option (even if you do not exchange your incentive stock options for new RSUs). If these
holding periods (and all other incentive stock option requirements) are met, the excess of the sale
price of the shares underlying the option over the exercise price of the options will be treated as
long-term capital gain. Currently, this offer is scheduled to expire on June 19, 2009. If the
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offer expires as scheduled, the offer will have remained open for less than thirty (30)
calendar days and the incentive stock option terms would not be adjusted as described above.
For more detailed information, please read the rest of the Offer to Exchange and see the tax
disclosure set forth under Section 14 of the Offer to Exchange. We recommend that you consult your
tax advisor with respect to the federal, state, and local tax consequences of participating or not
participating in the offer.
Tax-related risks for tax residents of multiple countries.
If you are subject to the tax laws in more than one jurisdiction, you should be aware that
there may be tax and social insurance consequences of more than one country that may apply to you.
You should be certain to consult your own tax advisor to discuss these tax consequences.
Tax related risks for tax residents of non-U.S. countries.
If you are subject to the tax laws of a country other than the United States, even if you are
a resident of the United States, you should be aware that there may be other tax and social
insurance consequences that may apply to you. You are advised to seek appropriate professional
legal and tax advice as to how the tax and other laws in a country other than the United States
apply to your specific situation. See Schedules C through R of this Offer to Exchange for a description
of the tax and social insurance consequences that may apply to you.
16
Risks Relating to Our Business, Generally
Our operating results may be adversely affected by unfavorable economic and market conditions,
including the current economic downturn.
We are subject to the effects of general global economic and market conditions challenging
economic conditions worldwide have from time to time contributed, and are currently contributing,
to slowdowns in the computer, storage, and networking industries at large, as well as the
information technology (IT) market, resulting in:
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Reduced demand for our products as a result of continued constraints on IT related spending by our customers; |
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Increased price competition for our products from competitors; |
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Deferment of purchases and orders by customers due to budgetary constraints or
changes in current or planned utilization of our systems; |
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Risk of excess and obsolete inventories; |
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Excess facilities costs; |
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Higher overhead costs as a percentage of revenue; |
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Increased risk of losses or impairment charges related to our investment portfolio; |
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Negative impacts from increased financial pressures on customers, distributors and
resellers; |
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Negative impacts from increased financial pressures on key suppliers or contract
manufacturers; and |
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Potential discontinuance of product lines or businesses and related asset
impairments. |
The turmoil in the global credit markets, the recent instability in the geopolitical environment in
many parts of the world and other disruptions may continue to put pressure on global economic
conditions. The economic challenges we initially experienced in the United States have spread
throughout the world. If global economic and market conditions, or economic conditions in the
United States or other key markets, remain uncertain, persist, or deteriorate further, we may
experience material adverse impacts on our business, operating results, and financial condition.
Our quarterly operating results may fluctuate, which could adversely impact our common stock price.
We believe that period-to-period comparisons of our results of operations are not necessarily
meaningful and should not be relied upon as indicators of future performance. Our operating results
have in the past, and will continue to be, subject to quarterly fluctuations as a result of
numerous factors, some of which may contribute to more pronounced fluctuations in an uncertain
global economic environment. These factors include, but are not limited to, the following:
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Fluctuations in demand for our products and services, in part due to changes in general
economic conditions and specific economic conditions in the computer, storage, and
networking industries; |
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A shift in federal government spending patterns; |
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Changes in sales and implementation cycles for our products and reduced visibility into
our customers spending plans and associated revenue; |
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The level of price and product competition in our target product markets; |
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The impact of the current adverse economic and credit environment on our customers,
channel partners, and suppliers, including their ability to obtain financing or to fund
capital expenditures; |
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The overall movement toward industry consolidations among both our competitors and our
customers; |
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Our reliance on a limited number of suppliers due to industry consolidation, which
could subject us to periodic supply-and-demand, price rigidity, and quality issues with our
components; |
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The timing of bookings or the cancellation of significant orders; |
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Product configuration and mix; |
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The extent to which our customers renew their service and maintenance contracts with
us; |
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Market acceptance of new products and product enhancements; |
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Announcements and introductions of, and transitions to, new products by us or our
competitors; |
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Deferrals of customer orders in anticipation of new products or product enhancements
introduced by us or our competitors; |
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Our ability to develop, introduce, and market new products and enhancements in a timely
manner; |
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Technological changes in our target product markets; |
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Our levels of expenditure on research and development and sales and marketing programs; |
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Our ability to achieve targeted cost reductions; |
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Adverse movements in foreign currency exchange rates as a result of our international
operations; |
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Excess or inadequate facilities; |
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Actual events, circumstances, outcomes and amounts differing from judgments,
assumptions, and estimates used in determining the values of certain assets (including the
amounts of valuation allowances), liabilities, and other items reflected in our
consolidated financial statements; |
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Disruptions resulting from new systems and processes as we continue to enhance and
scale our system infrastructure; |
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Future accounting pronouncements and changes in accounting rules, such as the increased
use of fair value measures and the potential requirement that U.S. registrants prepare
financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS); |
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Seasonality, such as our historical seasonal decline in revenues in the first quarter
of our fiscal year and seasonal increase in revenues in the second quarter of our fiscal
year, with the latter due in part to the impact of the U.S. federal governments September
30 fiscal year end on the timing its orders. and |
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Linearity, such as our historical intraquarter revenue pattern in which a
disproportionate percentage of each quarters total revenues occur in the last month of the
quarter. |
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Due to such factors, operating results for a future period are difficult to predict, and,
therefore, prior results are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected in future
periods. Any of the foregoing factors, or any other factors discussed elsewhere herein, could have
a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and financial condition. It is
possible that in one or more quarters our results may fall below our forecasts and the expectations
of public market analysts and investors. In such event, the trading price of our common stock would
likely decrease.
Our revenue for a particular period is difficult to forecast, and a shortfall in revenue may harm
our business and our operating results.
Our revenues for a particular period are difficult to forecast, especially in light of the
current global economic downturn and related market uncertainty. Product sales are also difficult
to forecast because the storage and data management market is rapidly evolving, and our sales cycle
varies substantially from customer to customer. New or additional product introductions also
increase the complexities of forecasting revenues.
Additionally, we derive a majority of our revenue in any given quarter from orders booked in
the same quarter. Bookings typically follow intraquarter seasonality patterns weighted toward the
back end of the quarter. If we do not achieve bookings in the latter part of a quarter consistent
with our quarterly targets, our financial results will be adversely impacted.
We use a pipeline system, a common industry practice, to forecast bookings and trends in our
business. Sales personnel monitor the status of potential business and estimate when a customer
will make a purchase decision, the dollar amount of the sale and the products or services to be
sold. These estimates are aggregated periodically to generate a bookings pipeline. Our pipeline
estimates may prove to be unreliable either in a particular quarter or over a longer period of
time, in part because the conversion rate of the pipeline into contracts varies from customer to
customer, can be difficult to estimate, and requires management judgment. Small deviations from our
forecasted conversion rate may result in inaccurate plans and budgets and could materially and
adversely impact our business or our planned results of operations. In particular, the continued
adverse events in the economic environment and financial markets have made it even more difficult
for us to forecast our future results and may result in a reduction in our quarterly conversion
rate as our customers purchasing decisions are delayed, reduced in amount, or cancelled.
Uncertainty about current and future global economic conditions has caused consumers,
businesses and governments to defer purchases in response to tighter credit, decreased cash
availability and declining customer confidence. Accordingly, future demand for our products could
differ from our current expectations.
We have experienced periods of alternating growth and decline in revenues and operating expenses.
If we are not able to successfully manage these fluctuations, our business, financial condition
and results of operations could be significantly impacted.
The ongoing global financial crisis has led to a worldwide economic downturn that has
negatively affected our business. If the current economic downturn continues or worsens, demand for
our products and services and our revenues may be further reduced. A prolonged downturn can
adversely affect our revenues, gross margin and results of operations. During such economic
downturns, it is critical to appropriately align our cost structure with prevailing market
conditions and to minimize the effect of such downturns on our operations, while also maintaining
our capabilities and strategic investments for future growth.
Our expense levels are based in part on our expectations as to future revenues, and a
significant percentage of our expenses are fixed. We have a limited ability to quickly or
significantly reduce our fixed costs, and if revenue levels are below our expectations, operating
results will be adversely impacted. During uneven periods of growth, we may incur costs before we
realize some of the anticipated benefits, which could harm our operating results. We have
significant investments in engineering, sales, service support, marketing programs and other
functions to support and grow our business. We are likely to recognize the costs associated with
these investments earlier than some of the anticipated benefits, and the
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return on these investments may be lower, or may develop more slowly, than we expect, which
could harm our business, operating results and financial condition.
Conversely, if we are unable to effectively manage our resources and capacity, during periods
of increasing demand for our products, we could experience a material adverse effect on operations
and financial results. If the network storage market fails to grow, or grows slower than we expect,
our revenues will be adversely affected. Also, even if IT spending increases, our revenue may not
grow at the same pace.
Our gross margins have varied over time and may continue to vary, and such variation may make it
more difficult to forecast our earnings.
Our product gross margins have been and may continue to be affected by a variety of factors,
including:
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Demand for storage and data management products; |
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Pricing actions, rebates, initiatives, discount levels, and price competition; |
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Direct versus indirect and OEM sales; |
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Changes in customer, geographic, or product mix, including mix of configurations
within each product group; |
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Product and add-on software mix; |
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The mix of services as a percentage of revenue; |
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The mix and average selling prices of products; |
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The mix of disk content; |
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The timing of revenue recognition and revenue deferrals; |
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New product introductions and enhancements; |
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Excess inventory purchase commitments as a result of changes in demand forecasts
and possible product and software defects as we transition our products; and |
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The cost of components, manufacturing labor, quality, warranty, and freight. |
Changes in software entitlements and maintenance gross margins may result from various factors,
such as:
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The size of the installed base of products under support contracts; |
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The timing of technical support service contract renewals; |
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Demand for and the timing of delivery of upgrades; |
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The timing of our technical support service initiatives; and |
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The level of spending on our customer support infrastructure. |
Changes in service gross margins may result from various factors, such as:
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The size and timing of service contract renewals; |
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The volume and use of outside partners to deliver support services on our
behalf; and |
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Product quality and serviceability issues. |
Due to such factors, gross margins are subject to variations from period to period and are
difficult to predict.
Our cost-reduction initiatives and restructuring plans may not result in anticipated savings or
more efficient operations. Our recently-announced restructuring may disrupt our operations and
adversely affect our operations and financial results.
On February 11, 2009, in response to the worsening global economic conditions and uncertainty
about future IT spending, we announced a restructuring of our worldwide operations in an effort to
strategically align our cost structure with expected revenues, as well as to reallocate resources
into areas of our business with more growth potential.
Additionally, in December 2008, we decided to cease development and availability of our
SnapMirror® for Open Systems (SMOS) product, and as a result recorded restructuring and other
charges attributable primarily to severance and employee-related and facility closure costs, as
well as the impairment of certain acquired intangible assets.
We may not be able to successfully complete and realize the expected benefits of these
restructuring plans. Our restructuring plans may involve higher costs or a longer timetable, or
they may fail to improve our gross margins, results of operations and cash flows as we anticipate.
Our inability to realize these benefits may result in an ineffective business structure that could
negatively impact our results of operations. In addition to costs related to severance and other
employee-related costs, our restructuring plans may also subject us to litigation risks and
expenses.
In addition, our restructuring plans may have other adverse consequences, such as attrition
beyond our planned reduction in workforce, the loss of employees with valuable knowledge or
expertise, a negative impact on employee morale, or a gain in competitive advantage by our
competitors over us. The restructuring efforts could also be disruptive to our day-to-day
operations and cause our remaining employees to be less productive, which in turn may affect our
revenue and other operating results in the future. In the event that the economy recovers sooner
than we expect and results in increased IT spending, we may not have sufficient capacity to
capitalize on the related increase in demand for our products and services.
We may undertake future cost-reduction initiatives and restructuring plans that may adversely
impact our operations; and we may not realize all of the anticipated benefits of our prior or any
future restructurings.
Changes in market conditions have led, and in the future could lead, to charges related to the
discontinuance of certain of our products and asset impairments.
In response to changes in economic conditions and market demands, we may be required to
strategically realign our resources and consider cost containment measures including restructuring,
disposing of, or otherwise discontinuing certain products. Any decision to limit investment in,
dispose of, or otherwise exit products may result in the recording of charges to earnings, such as
inventory and technology-related or other intangible asset write-offs, workforce reduction costs,
charges relating to consolidation of excess facilities, cancellation penalties or claims from third
parties who were resellers or users of discontinued products, which would harm our operating
results. Our estimates with respect to the useful life or ultimate recoverability of our carrying
basis of assets, including purchased intangible assets, could change as a result of such
assessments and decisions. Additionally, we are required to perform goodwill impairment tests on
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an annual basis, and between annual tests in certain circumstances when impairment indicators
exist or if certain events or changes in circumstances have occurred. Future goodwill impairment
tests may result in charges to earnings, which could materially harm our operating results.
Our OEM relationship with IBM may not continue to generate significant revenue.
In April 2005, we entered into an OEM agreement with IBM, which enables IBM to sell IBM
branded solutions based on NetApp® unified solutions, including NearStore®
and V-Series systems, as well as associated software offerings. While this agreement is an
element of our strategy to expand our reach into more customers and countries, we do not have an
exclusive relationship with IBM, and there is no minimum commitment for any given period of time;
therefore, this relationship may not continue to contribute revenue in future years. In addition,
we have no control over the products that IBM selects to sell, or its release schedule and timing
of those products; nor do we control its pricing. In the event that sales through IBM increase, we
may experience distribution channel conflicts between our direct sales force and IBM or among our
channel partners. If we fail to minimize channel conflicts, our operating results and financial
condition could be harmed. We cannot
assure you that this OEM relationship will continue to generate significant revenue while the
agreement is in effect, or that the relationship will continue to be in effect for any specific
period of time.
If we are unable to maintain our existing relationships and develop new relationships with
major strategic partners, our revenue may be impacted negatively.
An element of our strategy to increase revenue is to strategically partner with major
third-party software and hardware vendors that integrate our products into their products and also
co-market our products with these vendors. We have significant partner relationships with database,
business application, backup management and server virtualization companies, including Microsoft,
Oracle, SAP, Symantec and VMware.. A number of these strategic partners are industry leaders that
offer us expanded access to segments of the storage market. There is intense competition for
attractive strategic partners, and even if we can establish relationships with these or other
partners, these partnerships may not generate significant revenue or may not continue to be in
effect for any specific period of time. If these relationships fail to materialize as expected, we
could suffer delays in product development or other operational difficulties.
We intend to continue to establish and maintain business relationships with technology
companies to accelerate the development and marketing of our storage solutions. To the extent that
we are unsuccessful in developing new relationships or maintaining our existing relationships, our
future revenue and operating results could be impacted negatively. In addition, the loss of a
strategic partner could have a material adverse effect on our revenues and operating results.
Disruption of or changes in our distribution model could harm our sales.
If we fail to manage distribution of our products and services properly, or if our
distributors financial condition or operations weaken, our revenue and gross margins could be
adversely affected.
We market and sell our storage solutions directly through our worldwide sales force and
indirectly through channel partners such as value-added resellers, systems integrators,
distributors, OEMs and strategic business partners, and we derive a significant portion of our
revenue from these channel partners. For the three and nine-month periods ended January 23, 2009,
revenues generated from sales through our channel partners accounted for 81.3% and 63.3% of our
revenues. In order for us to maintain or increase our revenues, we must effectively manage our
relationships with channel partners.
Several factors could result in disruption of or changes in our distribution model, which
could materially harm our revenues and gross margins, including the following:
We compete with some of our channel partners through our direct sales force, which may
lead these partners to use other suppliers who do not directly sell their own products;
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Our channel partners may demand that we absorb a greater share of the risks that their
customers may ask them to bear;
Our channel partners may have insufficient financial resources and may not be able to
withstand changes and challenges in business conditions; and
Revenue from indirect sales could suffer if our channel partners financial condition or
operations weaken.
In addition, we depend on our channel partners to comply with applicable regulatory
requirements in the jurisdictions in which they operate. Their failure to do so could have a
material adverse effect on our revenues and operating results.
The U.S. government has contributed to our revenue growth and has become an important customer for
us. Future revenue from the U.S. government is subject to shifts in government spending patterns.
A decrease in government demand for our products could materially affect our revenues. In
addition, our business could be adversely affected as a result of future examinations by the U.S.
government.
The U.S. government has become an important customer for the storage market and for us;
however, government demand is unpredictable, and there can be no assurance that we will maintain or
grow our revenue from the U.S. government. Government agencies are subject to budgetary processes
and expenditure constraints that could lead to delays or decreased capital expenditures in IT
spending. If the government or individual agencies within the government reduce or shift their
capital spending patterns, our revenues and operating results may be harmed.
In addition, selling our products to the U.S. government also subjects us to certain
regulatory requirements. The failure to comply with these requirements could subject us to fines
and other penalties, which could have a material adverse effect on our revenues and operating
results. For example, in April 2009, we entered into a settlement agreement with the United
States of America, acting through the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) and on behalf of
the General Services Administration (the GSA), under which we agreed to pay the United States
$128.0 million, plus interest, related to a dispute regarding our discount practices and compliance with the price reduction clause provisions of its GSA
contracts between August 1997 and February 2005. If we were subject to an adverse outcome of any
future examinations, or if we were suspended or debarred from contracting with the federal
government generally, or with any specific agency, or if the government otherwise ceased doing
business with us or significantly decreased the amount of business it does with us, our revenue and
operating results could be materially adversely affected.
A portion of our revenue is generated by large, recurring purchases from various customers,
resellers and distributors. A loss, cancellation or delay in purchases by these parties has and
could continue to negatively affect our revenue.
During the three-month period ended January 23, 2009, two U.S. distributors accounted for
approximately 11.5% and 12.1% of our revenues, respectively. During the nine-month period ended
January 23, 2009, the same two U.S. distributors accounted for approximately 10.8% and 10.5% of our
revenues, respectively. The loss of continued orders from any of our more significant customers,
strategic partners, distributors or resellers could cause our revenue and profitability to suffer.
Our ability to attract new customers will depend on a variety of factors, including the
cost-effectiveness, reliability, scalability, breadth and depth of our products.
We generally do not enter into binding purchase commitments with our customers for an extended
period of time, and thus we may not be able to continue to receive large, recurring orders from
these customers, resellers or distributors. For example, our reseller agreements generally do not
require minimum purchases and our customers, resellers and distributors can stop purchasing and
marketing our products at any time.
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Recent turmoil in the credit markets may further negatively impact our operations by affecting
the solvency of our customers, resellers and distributors, or the ability of our customers to
obtain credit to finance purchases of our products. If the global economy and credit markets
continue to deteriorate and our future sales decline, our financial condition and operating results
could be adversely impacted.
Because our expenses are based on our revenue forecasts, a substantial reduction or delay in
sales of our products to, or unexpected returns from, customers and resellers, or the loss of any
significant customer or reseller, could harm our business. Although our largest customers may vary
from period to period, we anticipate that our operating results for any given period will continue
to depend on large orders from significant customers. In addition, a change in the mix of our
customers could adversely affect our revenue and gross margins.
We are exposed to the credit risk of some of our customers, resellers, and distributors, as
well as credit exposures in weakened markets, which could result in material losses.
Most of our sales to customers are on an open credit basis, with typical payment terms of
30 days in the United States and, because of local customs or conditions, longer in some markets
outside the United States. We monitor individual customer payment capability in granting such open
credit arrangements, and seek to limit such open credit to amounts we believe the customers can
pay. Beyond our open credit arrangements, we also have recourse or nonrecourse customer financing
leasing arrangements with third party leasing companies through preexisting relationships with
customers. Under the terms of recourse leases, which are treated as off-balance sheet arrangements,
we remain liable for the aggregate unpaid remaining lease payments to the third party leasing
company in the event that any customers default. We expect demand for customer financing to
continue. During periods of economic downturn in the storage industry and the global economy, our
exposure to credit risks from our customers increases. In addition, our exposure to credit risks of
our customers may increase if our customers and their customers or their lease financing sources
are adversely affected by the current global economic downturn, or if there is a continuation or
worsening of the downturn. Although we have programs in place to monitor and mitigate the
associated risks, such programs may not be effective in reducing our credit risks.
In the past, there have been bankruptcies by our customers both who have open credit and who
have lease financing arrangements with us, causing us to incur bad debt charges, and, in the case
of financing arrangements, a loss of revenues. There can be no assurance that additional losses
will not occur in future periods. Any future losses could harm our business and have a material
adverse effect on our operating results and financial condition. Additionally, to the extent that
the recent turmoil in the credit markets makes it more difficult for customers to obtain open
credit or lease financing, those customers ability to purchase our product could be adversely
impacted, which in turn could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition and
operating results.
The market price for our common stock has fluctuated significantly in the past and will likely
continue to do so in the future.
The market price for our common stock has experienced substantial volatility in the past, and
several factors could cause the price to fluctuate substantially in the future. These factors
include but are not limited to:
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Fluctuations in our operating results; |
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Variations between our operating results and either the guidance we have furnished to
the public or the published expectations of securities analysts; |
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Economic developments in the storage and data management market as a whole; |
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Fluctuations in the valuation of companies perceived by investors to be comparable to
us; |
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Changes in analysts recommendations or projections; |
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Inquiries by the SEC, NASDAQ, law enforcement, or other regulatory bodies; |
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International conflicts and acts of terrorism; |
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Announcements of new products, applications, or product enhancements by us or our
competitors; |
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Changes in our relationships with our suppliers, customers, channel and strategic
partners; and |
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General market conditions, including the recent financial and credit crisis and global
economic downturn. |
In addition, the stock market has experienced volatility that has particularly affected
the market prices of the equity securities of many technology companies. Certain macroeconomic
factors such as changes in interest rates, the market climate for the technology sector, and
levels of corporate spending on IT, as well as variations in our expected operating
performance, could continue to have an impact on the trading price of our stock. As a result,
the market price of our common stock may fluctuate significantly in the future, and any broad
market decline may materially and adversely affect the
market price of our common stock.
If we are unable to develop and introduce new products and respond to technological change, if our
new products do not achieve market acceptance, if we fail to manage the transition between our new
and old products, or if we cannot provide the expected level of service and support for our new
products, our operating results could be materially and adversely affected.
Our future growth depends upon the successful development and introduction of new hardware and
software products. Due to the complexity of storage subsystems and storage security appliances and
the difficulty in gauging the engineering effort required to produce new products, such products
are subject to significant technical risks. In addition, our new products must respond to
technological changes and evolving industry standards. If we are unable, for technological or other
reasons, to develop and introduce new products in a timely manner in response to changing market
conditions or customer requirements, or if such products do not achieve market acceptance, our
operating results could be materially and adversely affected. New or additional product
introductions increase the complexities of forecasting revenues, and if not managed effectively,
may adversely affect our sales of existing products.
As new or enhanced products are introduced, we must successfully manage the transition from
older products in order to minimize disruption in customers ordering patterns, avoid excessive
levels of older product inventories, and ensure that enough supplies of new products can be
delivered to meet customers demands.
As we enter new or emerging markets, we will likely increase demands on our service and
support operations and may be exposed to additional competition. We may not be able to provide
products, service and support to effectively compete for these market opportunities.
An increase in competition and industry consolidation could materially and adversely affect our
operating results.
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The storage markets are intensely competitive and are characterized by rapidly changing
technology. In the storage market, our primary and near-line storage system products and our
associated software portfolio compete primarily with storage system products and data management
software from EMC, Hitachi Data Systems, HP, IBM, and Sun Microsystems. In addition, Dell, Inc. is
a competitor in the storage marketplace through its business arrangement with EMC, which allows
Dell to resell EMC storage hardware and software products, as well as through Dells acquisition of
EqualLogic, through which Dell offers low-priced storage solutions. In the secondary storage
market, which includes the disk-to-disk backup, compliance and business continuity segments, our
solutions compete primarily against products from EMC and Sun Microsystems. Our VTL products also
compete with traditional tape backup solutions in the broader data backup/recovery space.
Additionally, a number of small, newer companies have recently entered the storage systems and data
management software markets, the near-line and VTL storage markets and the high-performance
clustered storage markets, some of which may become significant competitors in the future.
There has been a trend toward industry consolidation in our markets for several years. We
expect this trend to continue as companies attempt to strengthen or hold their market positions in
an evolving industry and as companies are acquired or are unable to continue operations. We believe
that industry consolidation may result in stronger competitors that are better able to compete as
sole-source vendors for customers. In addition, current and potential competitors have established
or may establish cooperative relationships among themselves or with third parties. Accordingly, it
is possible that new competitors or alliances among competitors may emerge and rapidly acquire
significant market share. We may not be able to compete successfully against current or future
competitors. Competitive pressures we face could materially and adversely affect our business and
operating results.
Our future financial performance depends on growth in the storage and data management markets. If
these markets do not perform as we expect and upon which we calculate and forecast our revenues,
our operating results will be materially and adversely impacted.
All of our products address the storage and data management markets. Accordingly, our future
financial performance will depend in large part on continued growth in the storage and data
management markets and on our ability to adapt to emerging standards in these markets. The markets
for storage and data management have been adversely impacted by the current global economic
downturn and may not grow as anticipated or may continue to decline.
Additionally, emerging standards in these markets may adversely affect the UNIX®, Windows® and
the World Wide Web server markets upon which we depend. For example, we provide our open access
data retention solutions to customers within the financial services, healthcare, pharmaceutical and
government market segments, industries that are subject to various evolving governmental
regulations with respect to data access, reliability and permanence (such as Rule 17(a)(4) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) in the United States and in the other countries in
which we operate. If our products do not meet and continue to comply with these evolving
governmental regulations in this regard, customers in these market and geographical segments will
not purchase our products, and we will not be able to expand our product offerings in these market
and geographical segments at the rates which we have forecasted.
Supply chain issues, including financial problems of contract manufacturers or component
suppliers, or a shortage of adequate component supply or manufacturing capacity that increase
our costs or cause a delay in our ability to fulfill orders, could have a material adverse
impact on our business and operating results, and our failure to estimate customer demand
properly may result in excess or obsolete component supply, which could adversely affect our
gross margins.
The fact that we do not own or operate our manufacturing facilities and supply chain exposes
us to risks, including reduced control over quality assurance, production costs and product
supply, which could have a material adverse impact on the supply of our products and on our
business and operating results.
Financial problems of either contract manufacturers or component suppliers could limit supply,
increase costs, or result in accelerated payment terms. The loss of any contract manufacturer or
key supplier could
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negatively impact our ability to manufacture and sell our products. Qualifying a new contract
manufacturer and commencing volume production is expensive and time-consuming. If we are required
to change contract manufacturers, we may lose revenue and damage our customer relationships.
Disruption or termination of manufacturing capacity or component supply could delay shipments of
our products and could materially and adversely affect our operating results. Such delays could
also damage relationships with current and prospective customers and suppliers, and our competitive
position and reputation could be harmed.
A return to growth in the economy is likely to put greater pressures on us, our contract
manufacturers and our suppliers to accurately project demand and to establish optimal purchase
commitment levels. Additionally, the reservation of manufacturing capacity at our contract
manufacturers by other companies, inside or outside of our industry, or the inability by us to
appropriately cancel, reschedule, or adjust our manufacturing or components requirements based upon
business needs could result in either limitation of supply or increased costs from these
suppliers.
If we inaccurately forecast demand for our products or if there is lack of demand for our
products, we may have excess or inadequate inventory or incur cancellation charges or penalties,
which would increase our costs and have an adverse impact on our gross margins.
We rely on a limited number of suppliers for components such as disk drives, computer boards
and microprocessors utilized in the assembly of our products. In recent years, rapid industry
consolidation has led to fewer component suppliers, which has and could subject us to future
periodic supply constraints and price rigidity.
Furthermore, as a result of binding price or purchase commitments with suppliers, we may be
obligated to purchase components at prices that are higher than those available in the current
market, or in amounts greater than our needs. In the event that we become committed to purchase
components at prices in excess of the current market price when the components are actually used,
or are committed to buy components in amounts greater than our needs, our gross margins could
decrease.
Component quality is a risk and is particularly significant with respect to our suppliers of
disk drives. In order to meet product performance requirements, we must obtain disk drives of
extremely high quality and capacity.
As suppliers upgrade their components, they regularly end of life older components. As we
become aware of an end of life situation, we attempt to make purchases or purchase commitments to
cover all future requirements or find a suitable substitute component. We may not be able to obtain
a sufficient supply of components on a timely and cost effective basis. Our failure to do so may
lead to an adverse impact on our business. On the other hand, if we fail to anticipate customer
demand properly or if there is reduced demand or no demand for our products, an oversupply of end
of life components could result in excess or obsolete components that could adversely affect our
gross margins.
We intend to regularly introduce new products and product enhancements, which will require us
to rapidly achieve volume production by coordinating with our contract manufacturers and suppliers.
We may need to increase our material purchases, contract manufacturing capacity and quality
functions to meet anticipated demand. The inability of our contract manufacturers or our component
suppliers to provide us with adequate supplies of high-quality products and materials suitable for
our needs could cause a delay in our ability to fulfill orders.
Our acquisitions may not provide the anticipated benefits and may disrupt our existing
business.
As part of our strategy, we are continuously evaluating opportunities to buy other businesses
or technologies that would complement our current products, expand the breadth of our markets, or
enhance our technical capabilities. On May 20, 2009, we announced that we have entered into a
definitive agreement under which we will acquire Data Domain, Inc. (Data Domain).
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The success of this and any future acquisition is impacted by a number of factors, and may be
subject to the following risks:
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The inability to successfully integrate the operations, technologies,
products and personnel of the acquired companies; |
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The diversion of managements attention from normal daily operations of the
business; |
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The loss of key employees; and |
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Substantial transaction costs and accounting charges. |
This and any future acquisitions may also result in risks to our existing business, including:
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Dilution of our current stockholders percentage ownership to the extent we
issue new equity; |
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Assumption of additional liabilities; |
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Incurrence of additional debt or a decline in available cash; adverse effects
to our financial statements, such as the need to make large and immediate write-offs
or the incurrence of restructuring and other related expenses; |
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Liability for intellectual property infringement and other litigation claims,
which we may or may not be aware of at the time of acquisition; and |
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Creation of goodwill or other intangible assets that could result in
significant future amortization expense or impairment charges. |
In addition, failure to complete the Data Domain acquisition as planned could negatively impact our stock price.
The failure to achieve the anticipated benefits of an acquisition may also result in
impairment charges for goodwill or acquired intangibles. For example, in fiscal 2009 we announced
our decision to cease the development and availability of our SMOS product, which was originally
acquired through our acquisition of Topio, Inc. (Topio) in fiscal 2007, resulting in the
impairment of acquired intangibles related to such acquisition. Additional or realized risks of
this nature could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results
of operations.
The occurrence of any of the above risks could seriously harm our business.
We are exposed to fluctuations in the market values of our portfolio investments and in interest
rates; impairment of our investments could harm our financial results.
At January 23, 2009, we had $2.7 billion in cash, cash equivalents, available-for-sale
securities and restricted cash and investments. We invest our cash in a variety of financial
instruments, consisting principally of investments in U.S. Treasury securities, U.S. government
agency bonds, corporate bonds, corporate securities, auction rate securities, certificates of
deposit, and money market funds, including the Primary Fund. These investments are subject to
general credit, liquidity, market and interest rate risks, which have been exacerbated by unusual
events such as the financial and credit crisis, and bankruptcy filings in the United States which
have affected various sectors of the financial markets and led to global credit and liquidity
issues. These securities are generally classified as available-for-sale and, consequently, are
recorded on our Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value with unrealized gains or losses reported
as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax.
Investments in both fixed rate and floating rate interest earning instruments carry a degree
of interest rate risk. Fixed rate debt securities may have their market value adversely impacted
due to a rise in interest rates, while floating rate securities may produce less income than
expected if interest rates fall. Due in part to these factors, our future investment income may
fall short of expectations due to changes in interest rates. Currently, we do not use derivative
financial instruments in our investment portfolio. We may suffer
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losses if forced to sell securities that have experienced a decline in market value because of
changes in interest rates. Currently, we do not use financial derivatives to hedge our interest
rate exposure.
The fair value of our investments may change significantly due to events and conditions in the
credit and capital markets. These securities/issuers could be subject to review for possible
downgrade. Any downgrade in these credit ratings may result in an additional decline in the
estimated fair value of our investments. Changes in the various assumptions used to value these
securities and any increase in the markets perceived risk associated with such investments may
also result in a decline in estimated fair value. If such investments suffer market price declines,
as we experienced with some of our investments during the first nine months of fiscal 2009, we may
recognize in earnings the decline in the fair value of our investments below their cost basis when
the decline is judged to be other-than-temporary.
As a result of the bankruptcy filing of Lehman Brothers, which occurred during the first nine
months of fiscal 2009, we recorded an other-than-temporary impairment charge of $11.8 million on
our corporate bonds related to investments in Lehman Brothers securities and approximately
$9.3 million on our investments in the Primary Fund that held Lehman Brothers investments. As of
January 23, 2009, we have an investment in the Primary Fund, an AAA-rated money market fund at the
time of purchase, with a par value of $128.5 million and an estimated fair value of $119.2 million,
which suspended redemptions in September 2008 and is in the process of liquidating its portfolio of
investments. We received total distributions of $478.8 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2009
and an additional $40.3 million on February 20, 2009 from the Primary Fund. The Primary Fund
suspended redemptions in September 2008, and on December 3, 2008, it announced a plan for
liquidation and distribution of assets that includes the establishment of a special reserve to be
set aside out of its assets for pending or threatened claims, as well as anticipated costs and
expenses, including related legal and accounting fees. On February 26, 2009, the Primary Fund
announced a plan to set aside $3.5 billion of the funds remaining assets as the special reserve
which may be increased or decreased as further information becomes available. Our pro rata share of
the $3.5 billion special reserve is approximately $41.5 million. The Primary Fund plans to continue
to make periodic distributions, up to the amount of the special reserve, on a pro-rata basis. We
could realize additional losses in our holdings of the Primary Fund and may not receive all or a
portion of our remaining balance in the Primary Fund as a result of market conditions and ongoing
litigation against the fund.
If the conditions in the credit and capital markets continue to worsen, our investment
portfolio may be impacted and we could determine that more of our investments have experienced an
other-than-temporary decline in fair value, requiring further impairments, which could adversely
impact our financial position and operating results.
Funds associated with certain of our auction rate securities may not be accessible for more than
12 months and our auction rate securities may experience further other-than-temporary declines in
value, which would adversely affect our earnings.
Auction rate securities (ARS) held by us are securities with long-term nominal maturities,
which, in accordance with investment policy guidelines, had credit ratings of AAA and Aaa at time
of purchase. Interest rates for ARS are reset through a Dutch auction each month, which prior to
February 2008 had provided a liquid market for these securities.
Substantially all of our ARS are backed by pools of student loans guaranteed by the
U.S. Department of Education, and we believe the credit quality of these securities is high based
on this guarantee. However liquidity issues in the global credit markets resulted in the failure of
auctions for certain of our ARS investments, with a par value of $75.6 million at January 23, 2009.
For each failed auction, the interest rate resets to a maximum rate defined for each security, and
the ARS continue to pay interest in accordance with their terms, although the principal associated
with the ARS will not be accessible until there is a successful auction or such time as other
markets for ARS investments develop.
As of January 23, 2009, we determined there was a total decline in the fair value of our ARS
investments of approximately $6.5 million, of which we recorded temporary impairment charges of
$5.1 million, offset by unrealized gains of $0.7 million, and $2.1 million was recognized as an
other-than-temporary impairment charge. In addition, we have classified all of our auction rate
securities as long-term assets in our consolidated balance sheet of January 23, 2009 as our ability
to liquidate such securities in the
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next 12 months is uncertain. Although we currently have the ability and intent to hold these
ARS investments until liquidity returns to the market or until maturity, if the current market
conditions deteriorate further, or the anticipated recovery in market liquidity does not occur, we
may be required to record additional impairment charges in future quarters.
Our leverage and debt service obligations may adversely affect our financial condition and results
of operations.
As a result of our sale of $1.265 billion of 1.75% convertible senior notes in June 2008 (the
Notes), we have a greater amount of long-term debt than we have maintained in the past. We also
have a credit facility and various synthetic lease arrangements. In addition, subject to the
restrictions in our existing and any future financings agreements, we may incur additional debt.
Our maintenance of higher levels of indebtedness could have adverse consequences including:
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Adversely affecting our ability to satisfy our obligations; |
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Increasing the portion of our cash flows from operations may have to be dedicated to
interest and principal payments and may not be available for operations, working capital,
capital expenditures, expansion, acquisitions or general corporate or other purposes; |
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Impairing our ability to obtain additional financing in the future; |
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Limiting our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and
industry; and |
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Making us more vulnerable to downturns in our business, our industry or the economy in
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Our ability to meet our expenses and debt obligations will depend on our future performance,
which will be affected by financial, business, economic, regulatory and other factors. We will not
be able to control many of these factors, such as economic conditions and governmental regulations.
Furthermore, our operations may not generate sufficient cash flows from operations to enable us to
meet our expenses and service our debt. As a result, we may be required to repatriate funds from
our foreign subsidiaries, which could result in a significant tax liability to us. If we are unable
to generate sufficient cash flows from operations, or if we are unable to repatriate sufficient or
any funds from our foreign subsidiaries, in order to meet our expenses and debt service
obligations, we may need to utilize our existing line of credit to obtain the necessary funds, or
we may be required to raise additional funds. If we determine it is necessary to seek additional
funding for any reason, we may not be able to obtain such funding or, if funding is available,
obtain it on acceptable terms. If we fail to make a payment on our debt, we could be in default on
such debt, and this default could cause us to be in default on our other outstanding indebtedness.
We are subject to restrictive and financial covenants in our credit facility and synthetic lease
arrangements. The restrictive covenants may restrict our ability to operate our business.
Our access to undrawn amounts under our credit facility and the ongoing extension of credit
under our synthetic lease arrangements are subject to continued compliance with financial
covenants, which could be more challenging in a difficult operating environment. If we do not
comply with these restrictive and financial covenants or otherwise default under the facility or
arrangements, we may be required to repay any outstanding amounts under this credit facility or
repurchase the properties and facility which are subject to the synthetic lease arrangements. If
we lose access to these credit facility and synthetic lease arrangements, we may not be able to
obtain alternative financing on acceptable terms, which could limit our operating flexibility.
The agreements governing our credit facility and synthetic lease arrangements contain
restrictive covenants that limit our ability to operate our business, including restrictions on our
ability to:
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Incur indebtedness at the subsidiary level; |
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Grant liens; |
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Sell all or substantially all our assets: |
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Enter into certain mergers; |
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Change our business; |
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Enter into swap agreements; |
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Enter into transactions with our affiliates; and |
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Enter into certain restrictive agreements. |
As a result of these restrictive covenants, our ability to respond to changes in business and
economic conditions and to obtain additional financing, if needed, may be significantly restricted.
We may also be prevented from engaging in transactions that might otherwise be beneficial to us,
such as strategic acquisitions or joint ventures.
We are also required to comply with financial covenants under our credit facility and
synthetic lease arrangements, and our ability to comply with these financial covenants is dependent
on our future performance, which will be subject to many factors, some of which are beyond our
control, including prevailing economic conditions.
Our failure to comply with the restrictive and financial covenants could result in a default
under our credit facility and our synthetic lease arrangements, which would give the counterparties
thereto the ability to exercise certain rights, including the right to accelerate the amounts owed
thereunder and to terminate the arrangement, and could also result in a cross default with respect
to our other indebtedness. In addition, our failure to comply with these covenants and the
acceleration of amounts owed under our credit facility and synthetic lease arrangements could
result in a default under the Notes, which could permit the holders to accelerate the Notes. If all
of our debt is accelerated, we may not have sufficient funds available to repay such debt.
Future issuances of common stock and hedging activities by holders of the Notes may depress the
trading price of our common stock and the Notes.
Any new issuance of equity securities, including the issuance of shares upon conversion of the
Notes, could dilute the interests of our existing stockholders, including holders who receive
shares upon conversion of their Notes, and could substantially decrease the trading price of our
common stock and the Notes. We may issue equity securities in the future for a number of reasons,
including to finance our operations and business strategy (including in connection with
acquisitions, strategic collaborations or other transactions), to increase our capital, to adjust
our ratio of debt to equity, to satisfy our obligations upon the exercise of outstanding warrants
or options, or for other reasons.
In addition, the price of our common stock could also be affected by possible sales of our
common stock by investors who view the Notes as a more attractive means of equity participation in
our company and by hedging or arbitrage trading activity that we expect to develop involving our
common stock by holders of the Notes. The hedging or arbitrage could, in turn, affect the trading
price of the Notes, or any common stock that holders receive upon conversion of the Notes.
Conversion of our Notes will dilute the ownership interest of existing stockholders.
The conversion of some or all of our outstanding Notes will dilute the ownership interest of
existing stockholders to the extent we deliver common stock upon conversion of the Notes. Upon
conversion of a
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Note, we will satisfy our conversion obligation by delivering cash for the principal amount of
the Note and shares of common stock, if any, to the extent the conversion value exceeds the
principal amount. There would be no adjustment to the numerator in the net income per common share
computation for the cash settled portion of the Notes as that portion of the debt instrument will
always be settled in cash. The number of shares delivered upon conversion, if any, will be included
in the denominator for the computation of diluted net income per common share. Any sales in the
public market of any common stock issuable upon such conversion could adversely affect prevailing
market prices of our common stock. In addition, the existence of the Notes may encourage short
selling by market participants because the conversion of the Notes could be used to satisfy short
positions, or anticipated conversion of the Notes into shares of our common stock could depress the
price of our common stock.
The note hedges and warrant transactions that we entered into in connection with the sale of the
Notes may affect the trading price of our common stock.
In connection with the issuance of the Notes, we entered into privately negotiated convertible
note hedge transactions with certain option counterparties (the Counterparties), which are
expected to reduce the potential dilution to our common stock upon any conversion of the Notes. At
the same time, we also entered into warrant transactions with the Counterparties pursuant to which
we may issue shares of our common stock above a certain strike price. In connection with these
hedging transactions, the Counterparties may have entered into various over-the-counter derivative
transactions with respect to our common stock or purchased shares of our common stock in secondary
market transactions at or following the pricing of the Notes. Such activities may have had the
effect of increasing the price of our common stock. The Counterparties are likely to modify their
hedge positions from time to time prior to conversion or maturity of the Notes by purchasing and
selling shares of our common stock or entering into other derivative transactions. Additionally,
these transactions may expose us to counterparty credit risk for nonperformance. We manage our
exposure to counterparty credit risk through specific minimum credit standards and the
diversification of counterparties. The effect, if any, of any of these transactions and activities
on the market price of our common stock or the Notes will depend, in part, on market conditions and
cannot be ascertained at this time, but any of these activities could adversely affect the value of
our common stock. In addition, if our stock price exceeds the strike price for the warrants, there
could be additional dilution to our shareholders, which could adversely affect the value of our
common stock.
Lehman Brothers OTC Derivatives, Inc. (Lehman OTC) is the counterparty to 20% of our Note
hedges. The bankruptcy filing by Lehman OTC on October 3, 2008 constituted an event of default
under the hedge transaction that could, at our option, lead to termination under the hedge
transaction to the extent we provide notice to Lehman OTC. We have not terminated the Note hedge
transaction with Lehman OTC, and will continue to carefully monitor the developments impacting
Lehman OTC. This event of default is not expected to have an impact on our financial position or
results of operations. However, we could incur significant costs if we elect to replace this hedge
transaction originally held with Lehman OTC. If we do not elect to replace this hedge transaction,
then we would be subject to potential dilution upon conversion of the Notes if on the date of
conversion the per-share market price of our common stock exceeds the conversion price of $31.85.
The terms of the Notes, the rights of the holders of the Notes and other counterparties to Note
hedges and warrants were not affected by the bankruptcy filings of Lehman OTC.
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Our synthetic leases are off-balance sheet arrangements that could negatively affect our
financial condition and results. We have invested substantial resources in new facilities and
physical infrastructure, which will increase our fixed costs. Our operating results could be
harmed if our business does not grow proportionately to our increase in fixed costs.
We have various synthetic lease arrangements with BNP Paribas Leasing Corporation as lessor
(BBPPLC) for our headquarters office buildings and land in Sunnyvale, California. On April 1,
2009, we terminated two of the synthetic lease arrangements in an effort to manage our capital
structure in light of the current economic environment. The lease payments commitments associated
with the remaining arrangements as of the termination date totaled $141.5 million through fiscal 2013. These synthetic leases
qualify for operating lease accounting treatment under SFAS No. 13, Accounting for Leases (as
amended), and are not considered variable interest entities under FIN No. 46R Consolidation of
Variable Interest Entities (revised). Therefore, we do not include the properties or the
associated debt on our condensed consolidated balance sheet. However, if circumstances were to
change regarding our or BNPPLCs ownership of the properties, or in BNPPLCs overall portfolio, we
could be required to consolidate the entity, the leased facilities and the associated debt.
Our future minimum lease payments under these synthetic leases limit our flexibility in
planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business by restricting the funds available for use in
addressing such changes. If we are unable to grow our business and revenues proportionately to our
increase in fixed costs, our operating results will be harmed. If we elect not to purchase the
properties at the end of the lease term, we have guaranteed a minimum residual value to BNPPLC.
Therefore, if the fair value of the properties declines below that guaranteed minimum residual
value, our residual value guarantee would require us to pay the difference to BNPPLC, which could
have a material adverse effect on our cash flows, financial condition and operating results.
Reductions in headcount growth have resulted in excess capacity and vacant facilities. In
addition, we may experience changes in our operations in the future that could result in additional
excess capacity and vacant facilities. We will continue to be responsible for all carrying costs of
these facilities operating leases until such time as we can sublease these facilities or terminate
the applicable leases based on the contractual terms of the operating lease agreements, and these
costs may have an adverse effect on our business, operating results and financial condition.
Risks inherent in our international operations could have a material adverse effect on our
operating results.
We conduct a significant portion of our business outside the United States. A substantial
portion of our revenues is derived from sales outside of the U.S. During fiscal 2008 and 2007, our
international revenues accounted for 46.8% and 47.1% of our total revenues, respectively. In
addition, we have several research and development centers overseas, and a substantial portion of
our products are manufactured outside of the U.S. Accordingly, our business and our future
operating results could be materially and adversely affected by a variety of factors affecting our
international operations, some of which are beyond our control, including regulatory, political, or
economic conditions in a specific country or region, trade protection measures and other regulatory
requirements, government spending patterns, and acts of terrorism and international conflicts. In
addition, we may not be able to maintain or increase international market demand for our products.
We face exposure to adverse movements in foreign currency exchange rates as a result of our
international operations. These exposures may change over time as business practices evolve, and
they could have a material adverse impact on our financial results and cash flows. Our
international sales are denominated in U.S. dollars and in foreign currencies. An increase in the
value of the U.S. dollar relative to foreign currencies could make our products more expensive and
therefore potentially less competitive in foreign markets. Conversely, lowering our price in local
currency may result in lower U.S.-based revenue. A decrease in the value of the U.S. dollar
relative to foreign currencies could increase the cost of local operating expenses. Additionally,
we have exposures to emerging market currencies, which can have extreme currency volatility. We
utilize forward and option contracts to hedge our foreign currency exposure associated with certain
assets and liabilities as well as anticipated foreign currency cash flows. All
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balance sheet hedges are marked to market through earnings every quarter. The time-value
component of our cash flow hedges is recorded in earnings while all other gains and losses are
marked to market through other comprehensive income until forecasted transactions occur, at which
time such realized gains and losses are recognized in earnings. These hedges attempt to reduce, but
do not always entirely eliminate, the impact of currency exchange movements. Factors that could
have an impact on the effectiveness of our hedging program include the accuracy of forecasts and
the volatility of foreign currency markets as well as widening interest rate differentials and the
volatility of the foreign exchange market. There can be no assurance that such hedging strategies
will be successful and that currency exchange rate fluctuations will not have a material adverse
effect on our operating results.
Additional risks inherent in our international business activities generally include, among
others, longer accounts receivable payment cycles and difficulties in managing international
operations. Such factors could materially and adversely affect our future international sales and
consequently our operating results. Our international operations are subject to other risks,
including general import/export restrictions and the potential loss of proprietary information due
to piracy, misappropriation or laws that may be less protective of our intellectual property rights
than U.S. law.
Moreover, in many foreign countries, particularly in those with developing economies, it is
common to engage in business practices that are prohibited by regulations applicable to us, such as
the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. Although we implement policies and procedures designed to ensure
compliance with these laws, our employees, contractors and agents, as well as those companies to
which we outsource certain of our business operations, may take actions in violation of our
policies. Any such violation, even if prohibited by our policies, could subject us to fines and
other penalties, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or
results of operations.
We
also have credit exposure to our hedging counterparties.
In order
to minimize volatility in earnings associated with fluctuations in the value of foreign currency
relative to the U.S. Dollars, we utilize forward and option contracts to hedge our exposure to
foreign currencies. As a result of entering into these hedging contracts with major financial institutions,
we may be subject to counterparty nonperformance risk. Should there be a counterparty default,
we could be exposed to the net losses on the original hedge contracts or be unable to recover
anticipated net gains from the transactions.
A significant portion of our cash and cash equivalents balances is held overseas. If we are not
able to generate sufficient cash domestically in order to fund our U.S. operations and strategic
opportunities and service our debt, we may incur a significant tax liability in order to
repatriate the overseas cash balances, or we may need to raise additional capital in the future.
A portion of our earnings which is generated from our international operations is held and
invested by certain of our foreign subsidiaries. These amounts are not freely available for
dividend repatriation to the United States without triggering significant adverse tax consequences,
which could adversely affect our financial results. As a result, unless the cash generated by our
domestic operations is sufficient to fund our domestic operations, our broader corporate
initiatives such as stock repurchases, acquisitions, and other strategic opportunities, and to
service our outstanding indebtedness, we may need to raise additional funds through public or
private debt or equity financings, or we may need to expand our existing credit facility to the
extent we choose not to repatriate our overseas cash. Such additional financing may not be
available on terms favorable to us, or at all, and any new equity financings or offerings would
dilute our current stockholders ownership. Furthermore, lenders, particularly in light of the
current challenges in the credit markets, may not agree to extend us new, additional or continuing
credit. If adequate funds are not available, or are not available on acceptable terms, we may be
forced to repatriate our foreign cash and incur a significant tax expense or we may not be able to
take advantage of strategic opportunities, develop new products, respond to competitive pressures
or repay our outstanding indebtedness. In any such case, our business, operating results or
financial condition could be materially adversely affected.
Changes in our effective tax rate or adverse outcomes resulting from examination of our income tax
returns could adversely affect our results.
Our effective tax rate could be adversely affected by several factors, many of which are
outside of our control, including:
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Earnings being lower than anticipated in countries where we are taxed at lower rates as
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Material differences between forecasted and actual tax rates as a result of a shift in
the mix of pretax profits and losses by tax jurisdiction, our ability to use tax credits,
or effective tax rates by tax jurisdiction that differ from our estimates; |
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Changing tax laws or related interpretations, accounting standards, regulations, and
interpretations in multiple tax jurisdictions in which we operate, as well as the
requirements of certain tax rulings; |
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An increase in expenses not deductible for tax purposes, including certain stock-based
compensation expense, write-offs of acquired in-process research and development, and
impairment of goodwill; |
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The tax effects of purchase accounting for acquisitions and restructuring charges that
may cause fluctuations between reporting periods; |
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Changes related to our ability to ultimately realize future benefits attributed to our
deferred tax assets, including those related to other-than-temporary impairments; |
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Tax assessments resulting from income tax audits or any related tax interest or
penalties could significantly affect our income tax expense for the period in which the
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A change in our decision to indefinitely reinvest foreign earnings. |
We receive significant tax benefits from sales to our non-U.S. customers. These benefits are
contingent upon existing tax regulations in the United States and in the countries in which our
international operations are located. Future changes in domestic or international tax regulations
could adversely affect our ability to continue to realize these tax benefits. We have not provided
for United States federal and state income taxes or foreign withholding taxes that may result on
future remittances of undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries. The Obama administration
recently announced several proposals to reform United States tax rules, including proposals that
may result in a reduction or elimination of the deferral of United States income tax on our
unrepatriated earnings, potentially requiring those earnings to be taxed at the United States
federal income tax rate. Our international operations currently benefit from a tax ruling concluded
in the Netherlands, which expires in 2010. If we are unable to negotiate a similar tax ruling upon
expiration of the current ruling, our effective tax rate could increase and our operating results
could be adversely affected. Our effective tax rate could also be adversely affected by different
and evolving interpretations of existing law or regulations, which in turn would negatively impact
our operating and financial results as a whole. The price of our common stock could decline to the
extent that our financial results are materially affected by an adverse change in our effective tax
rate.
We are currently undergoing federal income tax audits in the United States and several foreign
tax jurisdictions. The rights to some of our intellectual property (IP) are owned by certain of
our foreign subsidiaries, and payments are made between U.S. and foreign tax jurisdictions relating
to the use of this IP in a qualified cost sharing arrangement. In recent years, several other
U.S. companies have had their foreign IP arrangements challenged as part of IRS examinations, which
has resulted in material proposed assessments and/or pending litigation with respect to those
companies. During fiscal 2009, we received Notices of Proposed Adjustments from the IRS in
connection with federal income tax audits conducted with respect to our fiscal 2003 and 2004 tax
years. If the ultimate determination of income taxes assessed under the current IRS audit or under
audits being conducted in any of the other tax jurisdictions in which we operate results in an
amount in excess of the tax provision we have recorded or reserved for, our operating results, cash
flows and financial condition could be adversely affected.
We may face increased risks and uncertainties related to our current or future investments in
nonmarketable securities of private companies, and these investments may not achieve our
objectives.
On occasion, we make strategic investments in nonmarketable securities of development stage
entities. As of January 23, 2009, the carrying value of our investments in nonmarketable securities
totaled $6.6 million. Investments in nonmarketable securities are inherently risky, and some of
these companies are likely to fail. Their success (or lack thereof) is dependent on product
development, market acceptance, operational efficiency and other key business success factors. In
addition, depending on these companies
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future prospects, they may not be able to raise additional funds when needed, or they may
receive lower valuations, with less favorable investment terms than in previous financings, and our
investments in them would likely become impaired. We could lose our entire investment in these
companies. For example, during the three and nine-month periods ended January 23, 2009 we
determined that our investments in nonmarketable securities of two companies had been impaired, and
we recorded impairment charges of $1.7 million and $3.7 million, respectively.
If we are unable to establish fair value for any undelivered element of a sales arrangement, all or
a portion of the revenue relating to the arrangement could be deferred to future periods.
In the course of our sales efforts, we often enter into multiple element arrangements that
include our systems and one or more of the following undelivered software-related elements:
software entitlements and maintenance, premium hardware maintenance, and storage review services.
If we are required to change the pricing of our software related elements through discounting, or
otherwise introduce variability in the pricing of such elements, we may be unable to maintain
Vendor Specific Objective Evidence of fair value of the undelivered elements of the arrangement,
and would therefore be required to delay the recognition of all or a portion of the related
arrangement. A delay in the recognition of revenue may cause fluctuations in our financial results
and may adversely affect our operating margins.
Our business could be materially and adversely affected as a result of a natural disaster,
terrorist acts or other catastrophic events.
We depend on the ability of our personnel, raw materials, equipment and products to move
reasonably unimpeded around the world. Any political, military, world health or other issue that
hinders this movement or restricts the import or export of materials could lead to significant
business disruptions. Furthermore, any strike, economic failure or other material disruption caused
by fire, floods, hurricanes, power loss, power shortages, telecommunications failures, break-ins
and similar events could also adversely affect our ability to conduct business. If such disruptions
result in cancellations of customer orders or contribute to a general decrease in economic activity
or corporate spending on information technology, or directly impact our marketing, manufacturing,
financial and logistics functions, our results of operations and financial condition could be
materially adversely affected. In addition, our headquarters are located in Northern California, an
area susceptible to earthquakes. If any significant disaster were to occur, our ability to operate
our business could be impaired.
We depend on attracting and retaining qualified technical and sales personnel. If we are unable to
attract and retain such personnel, our operating results could be materially and adversely
impacted.
Our continued success depends, in part, on our ability to identify, attract, motivate and retain
qualified technical and sales personnel. Because our future success is dependent on our ability to
continue to enhance and introduce new products, we are particularly dependent on our ability to
identify, attract, motivate and retain qualified engineers with the requisite education, background
and industry experience. Competition for qualified engineers, particularly in Silicon Valley, can
be intense. The loss of the services of a significant number of our engineers or salespeople could
be disruptive to our development efforts or business relationships and could materially and
adversely affect our operating results.
Undetected software errors, hardware errors, or failures found in new products may result in
loss of or delay in market acceptance of our products, which could increase our costs and reduce
our revenues. Product quality problems could lead to reduced revenue, gross margins and
operating results.
Our products may contain undetected software errors, hardware errors or failures when first
introduced or as new versions are released. Despite testing by us and by current and potential
customers, errors may not be found in new products until after commencement of commercial
shipments, resulting in loss of or delay in market acceptance, which could materially and adversely
affect our operating results.
If we fail to remedy a product defect, we may experience a failure of a product line,
temporary or permanent withdrawal from a product or market, damage to our reputation, inventory
costs or product
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reengineering expenses, any of which could have a material impact on our revenue, gross
margins and operating results.
In addition, we may be subject to losses that may result from or are alleged to result from defects
in our products, which could subject us to claims for damages, including consequential damages.
Based on our historical experience, we believe that the risk of exposure to product liability
claims is low. However, should we experience increased exposure to product liability claims, our
business could be adversely impacted.
We are exposed to various risks related to legal proceedings or claims and protection of
intellectual property rights, which could adversely affect our operating results.
We are a party to lawsuits in the normal course of our business, including our ongoing
litigation with Sun Microsystems. Litigation can be expensive, lengthy and disruptive to normal
business operations. Moreover, the results of complex legal proceedings are difficult to predict.
An unfavorable resolution of a particular lawsuit could have a material adverse effect on our
business, operating results, or financial condition.
If we are unable to protect our intellectual property, we may be subject to increased
competition that could materially and adversely affect our operating results. Our success depends
significantly upon our proprietary technology. We rely on a combination of copyright and trademark
laws, trade secrets, confidentiality procedures, contractual provisions, and patents to protect our
proprietary rights. We seek to protect our software, documentation and other written materials
under trade secret, copyright and patent laws, which afford only limited protection. Some of our
U.S. trademarks are registered internationally as well. We will continue to evaluate the
registration of additional trademarks as appropriate. We generally enter into confidentiality
agreements with our employees and with our resellers, strategic partners and customers. We
currently have multiple U.S. and international patent applications pending and multiple
U.S. patents issued. The pending applications may not be approved, and our existing and future
patents may be challenged. If such challenges are brought, the patents may be invalidated. We may
not be able to develop proprietary products or technologies that are patentable, or where any
issued patent will provide us with any competitive advantages or will not be challenged by third
parties. Further, the patents of others may materially and adversely affect our ability to do
business. In addition, a failure to obtain and defend our trademark registrations may impede our
marketing and branding efforts and competitive position.
Litigation may be necessary to protect our proprietary technology. Any such litigation may be
time consuming and costly. Despite our efforts to protect our proprietary rights, unauthorized
parties may attempt to copy aspects of our products or obtain and use information that we regard as
proprietary. In addition, the laws of some foreign countries do not protect proprietary rights to
as great an extent as do the laws of the United States. Our means of protecting our proprietary
rights may not be adequate or our competitors may independently develop similar technology,
duplicate our products, or design around patents issued to us or other intellectual property rights
of ours.
We are subject to intellectual property infringement claims. We may, from time to time,
receive claims that we are infringing third parties intellectual property rights. Third parties
may in the future claim infringement by us with respect to current or future products, patents,
trademarks or other proprietary rights. We expect that companies in the network storage market will
increasingly be subject to infringement claims as the number of products and competitors in our
industry segment grows and the functionality of products in different industry segments overlaps.
Any such claims could be time consuming, result in costly litigation, cause product shipment
delays, require us to redesign our products or enter into royalty or licensing agreements, any of
which could materially and adversely affect our operating results. Such royalty or licensing
agreements, if required, may not be available on terms acceptable to us or at all.
We are continually seeking ways to make our cost structure more efficient, including moving
activities from higher- to lower-cost owned locations, as well as outsourcing certain business
process
37
functions. Problems with the execution of these changes could have an adverse effect on our
business or results of operations.
We continuously seek to make our cost structure more efficient. We are focused on increasing
workforce flexibility and scalability, and improving overall competitiveness by leveraging our
global capabilities, as well as external talent and skills worldwide. For example, certain
engineering activities and projects that were formally performed in the U.S. have been moved to
lower cost international locations. The challenges involved with these initiatives include
executing business functions in accordance with local laws and other obligations while maintaining
adequate standards, controls and procedures.
In addition, we will rely on partners or third party service providers for the provision of
certain business process functions in IT and accounting, and as a result, we may incur increased
business continuity risks. For example, we may no longer be able to exercise control over some
aspects of the future development, support or maintenance of outsourced operations and processes,
including the internal controls associated with those outsourced business operations and processes,
which could adversely affect our business. If we are unable to effectively utilize or integrate and
interoperate with external resources or if our partners or third party service providers experience
business difficulties or are unable to provide business process services as anticipated, we may
need to seek alternative service providers or resume providing these business processes internally,
which could be costly and time consuming and have a material adverse effect on our operating
results.
Our business could be materially adversely affected by changes in regulations or standards
regarding energy efficiency of our products.
We continually seek ways to increase the energy efficiency of our products. Recent analyses
have estimated the amount of global carbon emissions that are due to information technology
products. As a result, governmental and non-governmental organizations have turned their attention
to development of regulations and standards to drive technological improvements and reduce such
amount of carbon emissions. There is a risk that the rush to development of these standards will
not fully address the complexity of the technology developed by the IT industry or will favor
certain technological approaches. Depending on the regulations or standards that are ultimately
adopted, compliance could adversely affect our business, financial
condition or operating results.
Our business is subject to increasingly complex corporate governance, public disclosure,
accounting and tax requirements that have increased both our costs and the risk of
noncompliance.
Because our common stock is publicly traded, we are subject to certain rules and regulations
of federal, state and financial market exchange entities charged with the protection of investors
and the oversight of companies whose securities are publicly traded. These entities, including the
Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, the SEC, and NASDAQ, have implemented requirements and
regulations and continue developing additional regulations and requirements in response to
corporate scandals and laws enacted by Congress, most notably the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Our
efforts to comply with these regulations have resulted in, and are likely to continue resulting in,
increased general and administrative expenses and diversion of management time and attention from
revenue-generating activities to compliance activities.
We completed our evaluation of our internal controls over financial reporting for the fiscal
year ended April 25, 2008 as required by Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Although
our assessment, testing and evaluation resulted in our conclusion that as of April 25, 2008, our
internal controls over financial reporting were effective, we cannot predict the outcome of our
testing in future periods. If our internal controls are ineffective in future periods, our business
and reputation could be harmed. We may incur additional expenses and commitment of managements
time in connection with further evaluations, either of which could materially increase our
operating expenses and accordingly reduce our operating results.
Because new and modified laws, regulations, and standards are subject to varying
interpretations in many cases due to their lack of specificity, their application in practice may
evolve over time as new
38
guidance is provided by regulatory and governing bodies. This evolution may result in
continuing uncertainty regarding compliance matters and additional costs necessitated by ongoing
revisions to our disclosure and governance practices.
Changes in financial accounting standards may cause adverse unexpected fluctuations and affect our
reported results of operations.
A change in accounting standards or practices or practices and varying interpretations of
existing accounting pronouncements, such as the increased use of fair value measures and the
potential requirement that U.S. registrants prepare financial statements in accordance with
International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), could have a significant effect on our reported
financial results or the way we conduct our business.
39
THE OFFER
1. Eligibility.
You are an eligible employee if you are an employee of NetApp that resides in the United
States, Australia, Austria, Peoples Republic of China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Israel,
Italy, Japan, Korea, the Netherlands, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, or the United Kingdom
and you remain employed by NetApp or a successor entity through the date on which the exchanged
options are cancelled. However, none of our executive officers or the members of our board of
directors are eligible to participate in the offer. Our directors and executive officers are
listed on Schedule A to this Offer to Exchange.
To receive a grant of RSUs, you must elect to exchange your options and remain an employee of
NetApp or a successor entity through the RSU grant date, which will be the same calendar day as the
cancellation date. If you do not remain employed by NetApp or a successor entity through the RSU
grant date, you will keep your current eligible options, and they will vest and expire in
accordance with their terms. If we do not extend the offer, the RSU grant date will be June 19,
2009. Except as provided by applicable law and/or any employment agreement between you and NetApp,
your employment with NetApp will remain at-will and can be terminated by you or NetApp at any
time, with or without cause or notice. In order to vest in your RSUs, you must remain in continued
service with NetApp through each relevant vesting date. If your service with NetApp terminates
before your RSUs vest, your unvested RSUs will be forfeited to NetApp.
2. Number of awards; expiration date.
Subject to the terms and conditions of this offer, we will accept for exchange options granted
with an exercise price greater than or equal to $22.00 per share that were granted before June 20,
2008, are held by eligible employees, are outstanding and unexercised as of the expiration date of
the offer, and are properly tendered for exchange and not validly withdrawn before the expiration
date of the offer. In order to be eligible, options must be outstanding on the expiration date of
the offer. For example, if an option expires during the offering period, that particular option is
not eligible for exchange.
For a complete listing of your outstanding options, including any eligible options you may
have, please refer to your Smith Barney Benefit Access account at
www.benefitaccess.com, which
lists your outstanding options, the grant date of your options, the exercise price of your options
and the number of shares subject to your outstanding options. Please note that not all of your
outstanding options may be eligible for exchange.
As noted above, for purposes of this offer, the term option refers to an option to purchase
one (1) share of our common stock, and the term option grant refers to a grant of one (1) or more
options. You may tender for exchange any one (1) or more of your eligible options or none at all.
However, if you choose to tender one (1) or more options received pursuant to a particular option
grant, you must exchange all outstanding options received pursuant to such grant (i.e. you
must make your election to participate on a grant-by-grant basis). For example, assume that you
have received options pursuant to three (3) separate option grants. In the first grant, you
received 1,000 options, 700 of which have been exercised and 300 of which remain outstanding. In
the second grant, you received 1,000 options, and in the third grant, you received 3,000 options.
Under this scenario, you may choose to exchange all of the eligible options received pursuant to
the three grants, all of the eligible options received pursuant to any two of the three grants, all
of the eligible options received pursuant to any one of the three grants, or none of the eligible
options. However, you may not choose to exchange less than all of the outstanding options received
pursuant to any one or more of such grants (such as an election to exchange only 150 of the
remaining 300 outstanding options received pursuant to the first grant).
40
However, the rule above will not apply to any options subject to a domestic relations order
(or comparable legal document resulting in the end of marriage) to the extent that such options are
beneficially owned by a person who is not an employee of NetApp. Any such options may not be
exchanged in the offer even if title to such options is held by an eligible employee. The options
beneficially owned by the eligible employee may be tendered in the offer if eligible, but only if
all such outstanding options received pursuant to the same grant are tendered at the same time.
For instance, if the 3,000 options received pursuant to the third grant above are subject to a
domestic relations order such that your former spouse is the beneficial owner of 1,000 of such
options and you are beneficial owner of 2,000 of such options, then you may elect to participate in
the offer and exchange all 2,000 options that you beneficially own and that were received
as part of the same option grant.
Exchange Ratios.
Subject to the terms of this offer and upon our acceptance of your properly tendered options,
your exchanged options will be cancelled, and you will be granted RSUs as follows:
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Per Share Exercise Price of Eligible Option |
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RSUs Granted for Exchanged Options |
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$22.00 $27.30
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1 RSU for every 5 exchanged options |
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$27.31 $32.49
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1 RSU for every 6 exchanged options |
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$32.50 $37.99
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1 RSU for every 7 exchanged options |
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$38.00 $46.99
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1 RSU for every 10 exchanged options |
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$47.00 and higher
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1 RSU for every 25 exchanged options |
Please note: The exchange ratios apply to each of your option grants separately.
This means that all of the options that you received pursuant to a particular option grant will be
aggregated and divided by the applicable exchange ratio. As a result, the various eligible options
you hold may be subject to different exchange ratios to the extent that you received such options
pursuant to different option grants. For the purposes of applying the exchange ratios, fractional
RSUs will be rounded down to the nearest whole RSU on a grant-by-grant basis.
If, with respect to the surrender of eligible options received pursuant to a particular option
grant, you would otherwise be entitled to receive fewer than forty (40) RSUs in the exchange, then
we will make a cash payment instead of granting RSUs. The cash payment will be equal to the
closing market price of a share of NetApps common stock on the business day immediately prior to
the expiration date multiplied by the number of RSUs that would otherwise have been granted in
exchange for such surrendered options. The cash payment, less applicable withholdings, will be
made as soon as practicable after the RSU grant date and will not be subject to any vesting
schedule.
Example 1
If you exchange 5,000 eligible options with an exercise price per share of $23.00, you will
receive 1,000 RSUs.
Example 2
If you exchange 5,000 eligible options with an exercise price per share of $28.00, you will
receive 833 RSUs.
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Example 3
If you exchange 5,000 eligible options with an exercise price per share of $35.00, you will
receive 714 RSUs.
Example 4
If you exchange 5,000 eligible options with an exercise price per share of $43.00, you will
receive 500 RSUs.
Example 5
If you exchange 5,000 eligible options with an exercise price per share of $50.00, you will
receive 200 RSUs.
Example 6
Assume you exchange 200 options with an exercise price per share of $40.00 and NetApps
stock price is $17.00 on the business day immediately prior to the expiration date. Because
you would otherwise be entitled to receive fewer than 40 RSUs in the exchange, you will
instead receive a vested cash payment of $340, less applicable tax withholding.
All RSUs will be subject to the terms of an RSU agreement between you and NetApp under the
Companys 1999 Stock Option Plan. The applicable form of RSU agreement for U.S. employees and separate versions thereof reflecting
country-specific terms for employees residing outside the U.S. are incorporated by reference as exhibits to the
Schedule TO with which this Offer to Exchange has been filed and are available on the SEC
website at www.sec.gov.
The expiration date for this offer will be 9:00 p.m., Pacific Time, on June 19, 2009 unless we
extend the offer. We may, in our discretion, extend the offer, in which event the expiration date
will refer to the latest time and date at which the extended offer expires. See Section 15 of this
Offer to Exchange for a description of our rights to extend, terminate and amend the offer.
3. Purposes of the offer.
The primary
purpose of this offer is to restore the retention and incentive benefits of our
equity awards. We believe this offer will foster retention of our valuable employees and better
align the interests of our employees and stockholders to maximize stockholder value. We issued the
currently outstanding options to attract and retain the best available personnel and to provide
additional incentives to our employees. However, our stock price, like that of many other
companies in our industry, has declined significantly in the past year because of the downturn in
the computer, storage and networking industries and other macro-economic factors. As a result, most of our employees hold options
with exercise prices significantly higher than the current market price of our common stock. These
options are commonly referred to as being underwater. The RSUs may have greater employee
retention value than the exchanged underwater options and therefore benefit NetApp in its efforts
to retain valuable employees.
In addition, the offer will have the added benefit of reducing the potential stockholder
dilution represented by the outstanding eligible options. The offer is structured to replace
underwater options with a lesser number of RSUs determined on the basis of an exchange ratio
applied to the cancelled eligible options. The exchange ratios are determined in a manner intended
to result in the issuance of new RSUs that have, in the aggregate, a fair value, for accounting
purposes, that is expected to be less than the fair value of the surrendered eligible options they
replace. As a result, the offer may allow the Company to
42
realize real incentive and retention benefits from the RSUs issued, while recognizing only
minimal incremental compensation expense due to the exchange. The actual amount of compensation
expense will depend on the exchange ratios, Black-Scholes values and vesting schedules for options
actually exchanged as part of the offer, as well as the market price of our common stock on the date of the exchange.
Except as otherwise disclosed below in this offer or in our SEC filings, we presently have no plans,
proposals, or negotiations that relate to or would result in:
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Any extraordinary transaction, such as a merger, reorganization or liquidation,
involving NetApp or any of its subsidiaries; |
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Any purchase, sale or transfer of a material amount of our assets or the assets of
any of our subsidiaries; |
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Any material change in our present dividend rate or policy, or our indebtedness or
capitalization; |
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Any change in our present board of directors or management, including, but not
limited to, any plans or proposals to change the number or term of directors or to fill
any existing board vacancies or to change any executive officers material terms of
employment; |
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Any other material change in our corporate structure or business; |
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Our common stock being delisted from the NASDAQ Global Select Market or not being
authorized for quotation in an automated quotation system operated by a national
securities association; |
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Our common stock becoming eligible for termination of registration pursuant to
Section 12(g)(4) of the Exchange Act; |
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The suspension of our obligation to file reports pursuant to Section 15(d) of the
Exchange Act; |
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The acquisition by any person of an additional amount of our securities or the
disposition of an amount of any of our securities; or |
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Any change in our certificate of incorporation or bylaws, or any actions that may
impede the acquisition of control of us by any person. |
In the ordinary course of business, from time to time, NetApp evaluates acquisition or
investment opportunities. At the present time, we are reviewing a number of opportunities. These
transactions may be announced or completed in the ordinary course of business during the pendency
of this offer, but there can be no assurance that an opportunity will be available to us or that we
will choose to take advantage of an opportunity. In addition, on May 20, 2009, we announced the
signing of a definitive agreement relating to the acquisition of Data Domain, Inc. Please see
our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on May 21, 2009 for additional information.
In the ordinary course of business, NetApp makes changes in the composition and structure of
its board of directors and/or management. NetApp expects that it will continue to make changes in
this regard.
43
Neither we nor our board of directors makes any recommendation as to whether you should accept
this offer, nor have we authorized any person to make any such recommendation. You should evaluate
carefully all of the information in this offer and consult your investment and tax advisors. You
must make your own decision about whether to participate in this offer.
4. Procedures for electing to exchange awards.
Proper election to exchange options.
Participation in this offer is voluntary. If you are an eligible employee, you will receive
on the commencement of the offer an e-mail announcing this offer and directing you to the offer
website. If you wish to participate in this offer, you must access the offer website and click on
the MAKE AN ELECTION button. You will be directed to your electronic election form that contains
the following personalized information with respect to each eligible option you hold:
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the grant date indicated for the eligible option on the applicable option agreement; |
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the current exercise price per share in effect for the eligible option; |
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the number of eligible options; and |
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the election alternatives available to you. |
You will need to check the appropriate box next to each of your eligible options to indicate
your choice of whether to exchange your eligible options in accordance with the terms of this offer
or retain your eligible options under their current terms. After completing the electronic
election form, you will have the opportunity to review the elections you have made with respect to
your eligible options. If you are satisfied with your elections you will proceed to the Agreement
to Terms of Election page. Only after you agree to the Agreement to the Terms of Election will
you be directed to the Print Confirmationpage. Please print and keep a copy of the Print
Confirmation page for your records. At this point, you will have completed the election process.
We encourage you to submit your election electronically via the offer website. If you are
unable to do so, you must complete a paper election form and return it via facsimile at (408)
716-2633 or e-mail at optexch@netapp.com (via PDF or similar imaged document file), before 9:00
p.m., Pacific Time, on June 19, 2009, unless we extend the offer. To obtain a paper election form
please send an e-mail request to optexch@netapp.com or call (408) 754-4670). You can also view and
print the election form at
http://finance-web.netapp.com/stock/stock-option-exchange_09.html.
You must complete the election process in the foregoing manner before 9:00 P.M., Pacific Time,
on June 19, 2009. If we extend the offer beyond that deadline, you must complete the process
before the extended expiration of the offer.
You may change your mind about which of your eligible options you wish to have exchanged. If
you wish to add additional eligible options to your election, you must complete and submit a new
election form before the expiration date by following the procedures described above. This new
election form must be properly completed and dated after your prior election form and must list all
eligible options you wish to exchange. Any prior election form will be disregarded. If, instead,
you wish to withdraw some or all of the eligible options you selected for exchange, you may do so
at any time before the expiration date by following the procedures described in Section 5.
Your
election to participate becomes irrevocable after 9:00 P.M.,
Pacific Time, on June 19, 2009, unless the offer is
extended past that time, in which case your
election
44
will become irrevocable after 9:00 p.m. Pacific Time on the new expiration date. The
exception to this rule is that if we have not accepted your properly tendered options by 9:00 p.m.,
Pacific Time, on July 21, 2009, you may withdraw your options at any time thereafter. You may
change your mind after you have submitted an election form and withdraw from the offer at any time
before the expiration date, as described in Section 5. You may change your mind as many times as
you wish, but you will be bound by the last properly submitted election form we receive before the
expiration date.
This is a one-time offer, and we are required to and will strictly enforce the offering
period. Elections after the offer deadline will not be honored under any circumstances. We
reserve the right to reject any eligible options tendered for exchange that we determine are not in
appropriate form or that we determine are unlawful to accept. Subject to the terms and conditions
of this offer, we will accept all properly tendered options promptly after the expiration of this
offer. (See Section 4)
We may extend this offer. If we extend this offer, we will issue a press release, e-mail or
other communication disclosing the extension no later than 6:00 a.m., Pacific Time, on the U.S.
business day immediately following the previously scheduled expiration date.
The delivery of all documents, including election forms and withdrawal forms, is at your risk.
Only responses that are complete and actually received by NetApp before the deadline will be
accepted. If your election form or withdrawal form is received by facsimile or e-mail, we intend
to confirm the receipt of your election form and/or any withdrawal form by e-mail within two (2)
U.S. business days. If you have not received an e-mail confirmation, it is your responsibility to
confirm that we have received your election form and/or any withdrawal form. Responses submitted
by any other means, including hand delivery, interoffice or U.S. mail (or other post) or Federal
Express (or similar delivery service), are not permitted.
Our receipt of your election form is not by itself an acceptance of your options for exchange.
For purposes of this offer, we will be deemed to have accepted eligible options for exchange that
are validly tendered for exchange and are not properly withdrawn as of the time when we give oral
or written notice to the option holders generally of our acceptance of options for exchange. We
may issue this notice of acceptance by press release, e-mail or other form of communication.
Options accepted for exchange will be cancelled on the cancellation date, which we presently expect
will be June 19, 2009.
Determination of validity; rejection of options tendered for exchange; waiver of defects; no
obligation to give notice of defects.
We will determine, in our discretion, all questions as to the validity, form, eligibility
(including time of receipt) and acceptance of any options. Our determination of these matters will
be final and binding on all parties. We reserve the right to reject any election form or any
options tendered for exchange that we determine are not in appropriate form or that we determine
are unlawful to accept. We will accept all properly tendered awards that are not validly
withdrawn. We also reserve the right to waive any of the conditions of the offer or any defect or
irregularity in any tender of any particular options or for any particular option holder, provided
that if we grant any such waiver, it will be granted with respect to all option holders and
tendered options. No tender of options will be deemed to have been properly made until all defects
or irregularities have been cured by the tendering option holder or waived by us. Neither we nor
any other person is obligated to give notice of any defects or irregularities in tenders, nor will
anyone incur any liability for failure to give any notice.
Our acceptance constitutes an agreement.
Your election to exchange options through the procedures described above constitutes your
acceptance of the terms and conditions of this offer. Our acceptance of your eligible options for
exchange will constitute a binding agreement between NetApp and you upon the terms and subject
to the conditions of this offer.
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5. Withdrawal rights and change of election.
You may change your election with respect to your eligible options only in accordance with the
provisions of this section.
You may change your election with respect to your eligible options at any time before, on the
expiration date, which is expected to be 9:00 p.m. Pacific Time June 19, 2009. If we extend the
offer, you may withdraw your tendered options at any time until the extended expiration date.
In addition, although we intend to accept all validly tendered options promptly after the
expiration of this offer, if we have not accepted your options by 9:00 p.m., Pacific Time, on July
21, 2009, you may withdraw your tendered options at any time thereafter.
We encourage you to submit your election electronically via the offer website. If you are
unable to do so, you must complete a paper election form and return it via facsimile at (408)
716-2633 or e-mail at optexch@netapp.com (via PDF or similar imaged document file), before 9:00
p.m., Pacific Time, on June 19, 2009, unless we extend the offer. To obtain a paper election form
please send an e-mail request to optexch@netapp.com or call (408) 754-4670. You can also view and
print the election form at
http://finance-web.netapp.com/stock/stock-option-exchange_09.html.
If you submit an election form declining the offer and you later decide that you would like to
exchange your eligible options for new options, you may elect to participate at any time by
submitting a new properly completed electronic election form (or paper election form) accepting the
offer before the expiration date, by following the procedures described in Section 5 of this Offer
to Exchange.
Neither we nor any other person is obligated to give you notice of any defects or
irregularities in any electronic election form (or paper election form), nor will anyone incur any
liability for failure to give any notice. We will determine, in our discretion, all questions as
to the form and validity, including time of receipt of the electronic election form (or paper
election form). Our determination of these matters will be final and binding.
You may change your mind as many times as you wish, but you will be bound by the last properly
submitted election and/or withdrawal form we receive before the expiration date. Any options that
you do not withdraw will be bound pursuant to your prior election form.
The delivery of all documents, including any withdrawal forms and any new election forms, is
at your risk. We intend to confirm the receipt of your withdrawal form and/or any election form
submitted by e-mail or facsimile by e-mail within two (2) U.S. business days. If you have not
received an e-mail confirmation, it is your responsibility to confirm that we have received your
withdrawal form and/or any election form by contacting optexch@netapp.com. Only responses that are
complete and actually received by NetApp electronically or by e-mail or facsimile by the deadline
will be accepted. Responses submitted by any other means, including hand delivery, interoffice or
U.S. mail (or other post) and Federal Express (or similar delivery service) are not permitted.
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6. Acceptance of options for exchange and granting of RSUs.
Upon the terms and conditions of this offer and promptly following the expiration date, we
will accept for exchange and cancel all eligible options properly tendered for exchange and not
validly withdrawn before the expiration date. Once the options are cancelled, you no longer will
have any rights with respect to such options. Subject to the terms and conditions of this offer,
if your options are properly tendered by you for exchange and accepted by us, such options will be
cancelled as of the cancellation date, which we anticipate to be June 19, 2009.
Subject to our rights to terminate the offer, as discussed in Section 15 of this Offer to
Exchange, we will accept promptly after the expiration date all properly tendered options that are
not validly withdrawn. We will give oral or written notice to the option holders generally of our
acceptance for exchange of the options. This notice may be made by press release, e-mail or other
method of communication.
We will grant the RSUs on the RSU grant date, which is the same calendar day as the
cancellation date. We expect the RSU grant date to be June 19, 2009. All RSUs will be granted
under the 1999 Stock Option Plan, and will be subject to an RSU agreement between you and NetApp.
The number of RSUs you will receive will be determined in accordance with the exercise price of
your exchanged options as described in Section 2 of this Offer to Exchange. As soon as practicable
after the expiration date, we will send you your RSU agreement. You will be issued shares of common
stock when and if your RSUs vest in accordance with the vesting schedule described in Section 9 of
this Offer to Exchange.
If, with respect to the surrender of options received pursuant to a particular option grant,
you would otherwise be entitled to receive fewer than forty (40) RSUs in the exchange, then we will
make a cash payment instead of granting RSUs. The cash payment will be equal to the closing market
price of a share of NetApps common stock on the business day immediately prior to the expiration
date multiplied by the number of RSUs that would otherwise have been granted in exchange for such
surrendered options. The cash payment, less applicable withholdings, will be made as soon as
practicable after the RSU grant date and will not be subject to any vesting schedule.
Options that we do not accept for exchange will remain outstanding until they expire by their
terms and will retain their current exercise price and current
vesting schedule. A net total of 3.5 million
shares underlying the surrendered options originally granted under the 1999 Stock Option Plan will
return to the pool of shares available for future grants under such plan. Shares returned under
all Plans other than the 1999 Stock Option Plan will be retired and not return to the pool and will
therefore not be available for future grants of equity awards.
7. Conditions of the offer.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this offer, we will not be required to accept any
options tendered for exchange, and we may terminate the offer, or postpone our acceptance and
cancellation of any options tendered for exchange, in each case, subject to Rule 13e-4(f)(5) under
the Exchange Act, if at any time on or after the date this offer begins, and before the expiration
date, any of the following events has occurred, or has been determined by us, in our reasonable
judgment, to have occurred:
|
|
|
There has been threatened in writing or instituted or is pending any action,
proceeding or litigation seeking to enjoin, make illegal or delay completion of the
offer or otherwise relating in any manner, to the offer; |
47
|
|
|
Any order, stay, judgment or decree has been issued by any court, government,
governmental authority or other regulatory or administrative authority and is in
effect, or any statute, rule, regulation, governmental order or injunction has been
proposed, enacted, enforced or deemed applicable to the offer, any of which might
restrain, prohibit or delay completion of the offer or impair the contemplated benefits
of the offer to us (see Section 3 of this Offer to Exchange for a description of the
contemplated benefits of the offer to us); |
|
|
|
|
There has occurred: |
|
|
|
any general suspension of trading in, or limitation on prices for, our
securities on any national securities exchange or in an over-the-counter market in
the United States, |
|
|
|
|
the declaration of a banking moratorium or any suspension of payments
in respect of banks in the United States, |
|
|
|
|
any limitation, whether or not mandatory, by any governmental,
regulatory or administrative agency or authority on, or any event that, in our
reasonable judgment, might affect the extension of credit to us by banks or other
lending institutions in the United States, |
|
|
|
|
in our reasonable judgment, any extraordinary or material adverse
change in U.S. financial markets generally, including, a decline of at least 10% in
either the Dow Jones Industrial Average, the Nasdaq Index or the Standard & Poors
500 Index from the date of commencement of the offer, |
|
|
|
|
the commencement, continuation, or escalation of a war or other
national or international calamity directly or indirectly involving the United
States, which reasonably could be expected to affect materially or adversely, or to
delay materially, the completion of the offer, or |
|
|
|
|
if any of the situations described above existed at the time of
commencement of the offer and that situation, in our reasonable judgment,
deteriorates materially after commencement of the offer; |
|
|
|
A tender or exchange offer, other than this offer by us, for some or all of our
shares of outstanding common stock, or a merger, acquisition or other business
combination proposal involving us, has been proposed, announced or made by another
person or entity or has been disclosed publicly or we have learned that: |
|
|
|
any person, entity or group within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) of
the Exchange Act has acquired more than 5% of our outstanding common stock, other
than a person, entity or group that had publicly disclosed such ownership with the
SEC prior to the date of commencement of the offer, |
|
|
|
|
any such person, entity or group that had publicly disclosed such
ownership prior to such date will acquire additional common stock constituting more
than 1% of our outstanding shares, or |
|
|
|
|
any new group has been formed that beneficially owns more than 5% of
our outstanding common stock that in our judgment in any such case, and regardless
of the circumstances, |
48
|
|
|
makes it inadvisable to proceed with the offer or with such acceptance for exchange
of eligible awards; |
|
|
|
There has occurred any change, development, clarification or position taken in
generally accepted accounting principles that could or would require us to record for
financial reporting purposes compensation expense against our earnings in connection
with the offer, other than as contemplated as of the commencement date of this offer
(as described in Section 12 of this Offer to Exchange); |
|
|
|
|
Any event has occurred that has resulted or is reasonably likely to result, in our
reasonable judgment, in a material adverse change in our business or financial
condition; |
|
|
|
|
Any event has occurred that has resulted or may result, in our reasonable judgment,
in a material impairment of the contemplated benefits of the offer to us (see Section 3
of this Offer to Exchange for a description of the contemplated benefits of the offer
to us); or |
|
|
|
|
Any rules or regulations by any governmental authority, the NASDAQ Global Select
Market, or other regulatory or administrative authority or any national securities
exchange have been enacted, enforced, or deemed applicable to NetApp. |
If any of the above events occur, we may:
|
|
|
Terminate the offer and all tendered eligible options will continue to remain
outstanding; |
|
|
|
|
Complete and/or extend the offer and, subject to your withdrawal rights, retain all
tendered eligible options until the extended offer expires; |
|
|
|
|
Amend the terms of the offer; or |
|
|
|
|
Waive any unsatisfied condition and, subject to any requirement to extend the period
of time during which the offer is open, complete the offer. |
The conditions to this offer are for our benefit. We may assert them in our discretion
regardless of the circumstances giving rise to them before the expiration date. We may waive any
condition, in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time before the expiration date, in
our discretion, whether or not we waive any other condition to the offer. Our failure at any time
to exercise any of these rights will not be deemed a waiver of any such rights, but will be deemed
a waiver of our ability to assert the condition that was triggered with respect to the particular
circumstances under which we failed to exercise such rights. Any determination we make concerning
the events described in this Section 7 will be final and binding upon all persons.
49
8. Price range of shares underlying the awards.
The NetApp common stock that underlies your awards is traded on the Nasdaq Global Select
Market under the symbol NTAP. The following table shows, for the periods indicated, the high and
low intraday sales price per share of our common stock as reported by the Nasdaq Global Select
Market.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
High |
|
Low |
Current Fiscal Year, to End April 24, 2009 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4th Quarter |
|
$ |
18.84 |
|
|
$ |
12.52 |
|
3rd Quarter |
|
$ |
15.69 |
|
|
$ |
10.39 |
|
2nd Quarter |
|
$ |
26.78 |
|
|
$ |
11.51 |
|
1st Quarter |
|
$ |
27.49 |
|
|
$ |
21.32 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fiscal Year Ended April 25, 2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4th Quarter |
|
$ |
23.78 |
|
|
$ |
19.49 |
|
3rd Quarter |
|
$ |
31.49 |
|
|
$ |
20.38 |
|
2nd Quarter |
|
$ |
32.04 |
|
|
$ |
22.97 |
|
1st Quarter |
|
$ |
39.05 |
|
|
$ |
28.68 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fiscal Year Ended April 27, 2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4th Quarter |
|
$ |
40.49 |
|
|
$ |
34.93 |
|
3rd Quarter |
|
$ |
41.28 |
|
|
$ |
35.54 |
|
2nd Quarter |
|
$ |
39.63 |
|
|
$ |
28.99 |
|
1st Quarter |
|
$ |
37.58 |
|
|
$ |
26.92 |
|
On
May 21, 2009, the last reported sale price of our common stock, as reported by the NASDAQ
Global Select Market, was $17.88 per share.
You should evaluate current market quotes for our common stock, among other factors, before
deciding whether or not to accept this offer.
9. Source and amount of consideration; terms of RSUs.
Consideration.
We will grant RSUs in exchange for eligible options properly tendered by you and accepted by
us for such exchange. However, if, with respect to the surrender of one or more options received
pursuant to a particular option grant, you would otherwise be entitled to receive fewer than forty
(40) RSUs in the exchange, then we will make a cash payment instead of granting RSUs. RSUs are
awards under which NetApp promises to issue common stock in the future, providing the vesting
criteria have been satisfied.
50
Subject to the terms and conditions of this offer, upon our
acceptance of your properly tendered eligible options, you will be entitled to receive RSUs based
on the exercise price of your exchanged options as described in Section 2 of this Offer to
Exchange. Fractional RSUs will be rounded down to the nearest whole RSU on a grant-by-grant basis.
If we receive and accept tendered options from eligible employees of all options eligible to
be tendered (a total of options to purchase 34,862,098 shares subject to the terms and conditions
of this offer), we will grant RSUs to purchase a total of approximately 5,036,216 shares of our
common stock, or approximately 1.5% of the total shares of our common stock outstanding as of May
18, 2009.
General terms of RSUs.
RSUs will be granted under the Companys 1999 Stock Option Plan, and subject to an RSU
agreement between you and NetApp. The applicable form of RSU agreement for U.S. employees and separate versions thereof reflecting
country-specific terms for employees residing outside the U.S. are incorporated by reference as exhibits to the
Schedule TO with which this Offer to Exchange has been filed and are available on the SEC
website at www.sec.gov.
The following description summarizes the material terms of the 1999 Stock Option Plan. Our
statements in this Offer to Exchange concerning the 1999 Stock Option Plan and the RSUs are merely
summaries and do not purport to be complete. The statements are subject to, and are qualified in
their entirety by reference to, the 1999 Stock Option Plan and the
form of RSU agreement, which are incorporated herein by reference.
Please contact your Stock Administration representative to receive a copy of the 1999 Stock
Option Plan, and the form of RSU agreement thereunder. We will promptly furnish to you copies of
these documents upon request at our expense.
1999 Stock Option Plan.
The 1999 Stock Option Plan permits the granting of options, stock appreciation rights, common
stock, performance shares and performance units. As of May 18, 2009, the maximum number of common
shares subject to options currently outstanding under the 1999 Stock Option Plan was approximately
53,436,592. As of May 18, 2009, the maximum number of shares available for future issuance under
the 1999 Stock Option Plan was 16,148,707.
Purchase price.
The purchase price, if any, of an RSU granted under the 1999 Stock Option Plan is generally
determined by the Administrator of such plan. For purposes of this offer, the purchase price of an
RSU will be the par value of our common stock, which is equal to $0.001 per share, and the par
value will be
deemed paid by your past services rendered to NetApp. As a result, you do not have to make any
cash payment to NetApp to receive your RSUs or the common stock to be issued upon vesting.
Vesting.
Each RSU represents the right to receive one share of our common stock on a specified future
date if the RSU has vested in accordance with the vesting schedules summarized in the table and
further described below, subject to your continuing to be an employee or other service provider to
NetApp through each relevant vesting date:
51
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unvested or Partially |
|
|
Exercise Price |
|
Vested Option Grant |
|
Fully Vested Option Grant |
$22.00 $27.30
|
|
4 Years
(1/4 on each
anniversary of grant
date)
|
|
2 Years
(1/2 on each anniversary
of grant date) |
$27.31 $32.49
|
|
4 Years
(1/4 on each
anniversary of grant
date)
|
|
2 Years
(1/2 on each anniversary
of grant date) |
$32.50 $37.99
|
|
4 Years
(1/4 on each
anniversary of grant
date)
|
|
2 Years
(1/2 on each anniversary
of grant date) |
$38.00 $46.99
|
|
4 Years
(1/4 on each
anniversary of grant
date)
|
|
3 Years
(1/3 on each anniversary
of grant date) |
Equal to or greater
than $47.00
|
|
4 Years
(1/4 on each
anniversary of grant
date)
|
|
3 Years
(1/3 on each anniversary
of grant date) |
|
|
|
The vesting schedule of the RSUs will depend on the extent to which the option
grants surrendered in exchange for such RSUs have vested at the time of such
exchange and, for surrendered option grants that are fully vested, the exercise
price. |
|
|
|
|
None of the RSUs will be vested as of the RSU grant date. |
|
|
|
|
No RSUs will be scheduled to vest earlier than one year from their date of
grant. |
|
|
|
|
The annual vesting date will be the anniversary of the RSU grant date. |
|
|
|
|
If the surrendered option grant is entirely unvested or partially vested, then
regardless of the exercise price of such surrendered options, the RSUs will vest as
to one-fourth of the RSUs on each of the first four anniversaries of the grant
date, so that 100% of the RSUs will be vested on the fourth anniversary of the
grant date, provided that the eligible employee remains in continued service with
the Company through each vesting date. |
|
|
|
|
If the surrendered option grant has an exercise price between $22.00 and $37.99
per share and is fully vested, then the RSUs will vest as to 50% of the RSUs on
each of the first two anniversaries of the grant date, so that 100% of the RSUs
will be vested on the second anniversary of the grant date, provided the eligible
employee remains in continued service with the Company through each vesting date. |
|
|
|
|
If the surrendered option grant has an exercise price of $38.00 per share or
greater and is fully vested, then the RSUs will vest as to one-third of the RSUs on
each of the first three anniversaries of the grant date, so that 100% of the RSUs
will be vested on the third anniversary of the grant date, provided that the
eligible employee remains an employee of the Company through each vesting date. |
|
|
|
|
We will make minor modifications to the vesting schedule of any RSUs to
eliminate fractional vesting (such that a whole number of RSUs will vest on each
vesting date); this will be done by rounding up to the nearest whole number of RSUs
that will vest on the first vesting date and rounding down on the following vesting
date. |
|
|
|
If, with respect to the surrender of options received pursuant to a particular
option grant, you would otherwise be entitled to receive fewer than forty (40) RSUs
in the exchange, then we will make a cash payment instead of granting RSUs. The
cash payment will be equal to the closing market price of a share of NetApps
common stock on the business day immediately prior to the expiration date
multiplied by the number of RSUs that would otherwise have been granted in exchange
for such surrendered options. The cash payment, less applicable withholdings, will
be made as soon as practicable after the RSU grant date and will not be subject to
any vesting schedule. |
52
Example 1 (Partially Vested Option Grant):
Assume (i) you have 500 eligible options that you received pursuant to a single option
grant, (ii) the exercise price of each such option is $25.00 per share, and (iii) the
eligible options have vested as to 50% of the underlying shares on the cancellation date
(i.e. the RSU grant date).
Assume further that on May 22, 2009, you surrender all 500 eligible options and, in
accordance with the exchange ratios listed above, you receive 100 RSUs. Subject to your
continuing to provide services to the Company through each relevant date, your 100 RSUs will
vest as to:
Vesting Schedule
0 shares as of June 19, 2009;
25 shares as of June 19, 2010;
25 shares as of June 19, 2011;
25 shares as of June 19, 2012; and
25 shares as of June 19, 2013, so that 100% of the shares underlying the RSUs
will have vested as of such date.
Example 2 (Fully Vested Option Grant): Assume (i) you have 500 eligible options that you
received pursuant to a single option grant, (ii) the exercise price of each such option is
$39.00 per share, and (iii) the eligible options have vested as to 100% of the underlying
shares on the cancellation date (i.e. the RSU grant date).
Assume further that on June 19, 2009, you surrender all 500 eligible options and, in
accordance with the exchange ratios listed above, you receive 50 RSUs. Subject to your
continuing to provide services to the Company through each relevant date, your 50 RSUs will
vest as to:
Vesting Schedule
0 shares as of June 19, 2009;
17 shares as of June 19, 2010;
17 shares as of June 19, 2011;
16 shares as of June 19, 2012, so that 100% of the shares underlying the RSUs
will have vested on such date.
Form of payout.
RSUs granted pursuant to this offer and subsequently earned by an eligible employee will be
paid out in shares of our common stock. The Company will satisfy all payroll tax withholding
obligations in the manner specified in your new RSU agreement.
Unvested RSUs.
If your service with us terminates before your RSUs vest, your RSUs will be forfeited to us
without consideration.
53
Adjustments upon certain events.
Events Occurring Before the RSU Grant Date. Although we are not anticipating any merger or
acquisition other than the proposed acquisition of Data Domain, Inc. described on our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC, May 21, 2009, if we merge or consolidate with or are acquired by another entity, prior to the expiration of the offer, you may choose to
withdraw any eligible options, which you tendered for exchange, and your eligible options will be
treated in accordance with the applicable Plan and your stock option agreement. Further, if NetApp
is acquired prior to the expiration of the offer, we reserve the right to withdraw the offer, in
which case your eligible options and your rights under them will remain intact and exercisable for
the time period set forth in your stock option agreement, and you will receive no RSUs in exchange
for them. If NetApp is acquired prior to the expiration of the offer but does not withdraw the
offer, we (or the successor entity) will notify you of any material changes to the terms of the
offer or the RSUs, including any adjustments to the purchase price and number of shares that will
be subject to the RSUs. Under such circumstances, the type of security and the number of shares
covered by your RSU award would be adjusted based on the consideration per share given to holders
of our common stock in connection with the acquisition. As a result of this adjustment, you may
receive RSUs covering more or fewer shares of the acquirors common stock than the number of shares
subject to the eligible options that you tendered for exchange or than the number you would have
received pursuant to the RSUs if no acquisition had occurred.
A transaction involving us, such as a merger or other acquisition, could have a substantial
effect on our stock price, including significantly increasing the price of our common stock.
Depending on the structure and terms of this type of transaction, award holders who elect to
participate in the offer might be deprived of the benefit of the appreciation in the price of our
common stock resulting from the merger or acquisition. This could result in a greater financial
benefit for those award holders who did not participate in this offer and retained their original
options.
Finally, if another company acquires us, that company, as part of the transaction or
otherwise, may decide to terminate some or all of our employees before the completion of this
option exchange program. Termination of your employment for this or any other reason before the
RSU grant date means that the tender of your eligible options will not be accepted, you will keep
your tendered options in accordance with their original terms, and you will not receive any RSUs or
other benefit for your tendered options.
Events Occurring After the RSU Grant Date. In the event of any recapitalization, stock
dividend, stock split, combination of shares, exchange of shares or other change affecting the
outstanding as a class without the Companys receipt of consideration, the Administrator will make
an appropriate adjustment in (i) the maximum number of shares reserved for issuance under our 1999
Plan, (ii) the number of equity awards that can be granted to any one individual equity award
holder in any calendar year, (iii) the number and kind of shares or other securities subject to any
then outstanding equity awards under the plan, and (iv) the price for each share subject to any
then outstanding equity awards under the plan.
In the event of a transaction described in the plan, such as a consolidation, merger, sale of
all or substantially all of the assets of the Company or liquidation or dissolution of the Company,
outstanding RSUs will be assumed or equivalent awards will be substituted, by the acquiring or
succeeding corporation or other entity (or an affiliate thereof), or outstanding RSUs not assumed
or substituted for will vest 100% immediately prior to such transaction unless such accelerated
vesting is precluded by the RSU agreement. The plan Administrator shall have discretion to provide
for accelerated vesting of RSUs upon a corporate transaction or upon events associated with such
transaction.
54
Transferability of RSUs.
RSUs granted in the exchange generally may not be transferred, other than by will or the laws
of descent and distribution, unless the Administrator indicates otherwise in your RSU agreement.
In the event of your death, any person who acquires the RSUs by bequest or inheritance may be
issued the shares subject to the RSUs.
Registration and sale of shares underlying RSUs.
All of NetApps shares of common stock issuable upon the vesting of the RSUs have been
registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act) on registration
statements on Form S-8 filed with the SEC. Unless you are an employee who is considered an
affiliate of NetApp for purposes of the Securities Act, you will be able to sell the shares
issuable upon the vesting of your RSUs free of any transfer restrictions under applicable U.S.
securities laws.
Federal income tax consequences.
You should refer to Section 14 of this Offer to Exchange for a discussion of the federal
income tax consequences of the RSUs and exchanged options, as well as the consequences of accepting
or rejecting this offer. If you are a taxpayer of the United States, but also are subject to the
tax laws of another non-U.S. jurisdiction, you should be aware that there might be other tax and
social insurance consequences that may apply to you. We strongly recommend that you consult with
your advisors to discuss the consequences to you of this transaction.
10. Information concerning NetApp.
Our principal executive offices are located at 495 East Java Drive, Sunnyvale, California
94089, and our telephone number is (408) 822-6000. Questions regarding this offer should be
directed to:
Legal Department
NetApp,
Inc.
495
East Java Dr.
Sunnyvale, CA 94089
NetApp is a supplier of enterprise storage and
data management software and hardware products and services. Our solutions help global enterprises meet major information technology
challenges such as managing storage growth, assuring secure and timely information access, protecting data and controlling costs by
providing innovative solutions that simplify the complexity associated with managing corporate data. We were incorporated in 1992
and shipped the worlds first networked storage appliance a year later. Since then, we have brought to market many significant innovations
and industry firsts in storage and data management.
Please see Section 17 of this Offer to Exchange
entitled, Additional information, for instructions on how you can obtain copies of our SEC
filings, including filings that contain our financial statements.
55
11. Interests of directors and executive officers; transactions and arrangements concerning the options.
A list of our directors and executive officers is attached to this Offer to Exchange as
Schedule A. Our executive officers and the members of our board of directors may not participate
in this offer. As of May 18, 2009, our executive officers and
directors (13 persons) as a group
held options unexercised and outstanding under the Plans to purchase
a total of 11,114,686 our
shares, which represented approximately 16.9% of the shares subject to all options outstanding
under the Plans as of that date.
The following table sets forth the beneficial ownership of each of our executive officers and
directors of options outstanding as of May 18, 2009. The percentages in the tables below are based
on the total number of outstanding options (i.e., whether or not eligible for exchange) to purchase
our common stock, which was 65,799,677 as of May 18, 2009.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Percentage of |
|
|
|
|
Number of |
|
Total |
|
|
|
|
Options |
|
Outstanding |
Name |
|
Position |
|
Outstanding |
|
Options |
Daniel J.
|
|
Chief Executive Officer,
|
|
|
4,305,561 |
|
|
|
6.54 |
% |
Warmenhoven
|
|
Chairman of the Board,
Director |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Thomas Georgens
|
|
President, Chief
Operating Officer,
Director
|
|
|
1,059,000 |
|
|
|
1.61 |
% |
Steven J. Gomo
|
|
Executive Vice President
of Finance and Chief
Financial Officer
|
|
|
715,000 |
|
|
|
1.09 |
% |
Thomas F. Mendoza
|
|
Vice-Chairman
|
|
|
1,859,376 |
|
|
|
2.83 |
% |
Robert F. Salmon
|
|
Executive Vice
President, Field
Operations
|
|
|
1,146,335 |
|
|
|
1.74 |
% |
Donald T. Valentine
|
|
Lead Independent Director
|
|
|
250,000 |
|
|
|
* |
|
Jeffry R. Allen
|
|
Director
|
|
|
1,034,414 |
|
|
|
1.57 |
% |
Alan L. Earhart
|
|
Director
|
|
|
110,000 |
|
|
|
* |
|
Edward Kozel
|
|
Director
|
|
|
95,000 |
|
|
|
* |
|
Mark Leslie
|
|
Director
|
|
|
130,000 |
|
|
|
* |
|
Nicholas G. Moore
|
|
Director
|
|
|
115,000 |
|
|
|
* |
|
George T. Shaheen
|
|
Director
|
|
|
130,000 |
|
|
|
* |
|
Robert T. Wall
|
|
Director
|
|
|
165,000 |
|
|
|
* |
|
Except
as set forth
below or as discussed in our Current Report
on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 21, 2009, to the best of our knowledge, neither we, nor any of
our directors or executive officers, nor any affiliates of ours, engaged in transactions involving
options to purchase our common stock, or in transactions involving our common stock, during the
sixty (60) days before and including May 22, 2009:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Date |
|
Name |
|
Transaction |
|
Shares |
|
Price |
3/22/2009
|
|
Robert Salmon
|
|
Common Stock Withheld from
Vested Restricted Stock to
Cover Tax Withholding
|
|
|
893 |
|
|
$ |
14.84 |
|
4/3/2009
|
|
Daniel Warmenhoven
|
|
Acquired Common Stock
through Option Exercise*
|
|
|
200,000 |
|
|
$ |
11.25 |
|
4/3/2009
|
|
Daniel Warmenhoven
|
|
Sold Common Stock*
|
|
|
300,000 |
|
|
$ |
16.10 |
|
4/8/2009
|
|
Daniel Warmenhoven
|
|
Acquired Common Stock
through Option Exercise*
|
|
|
200,000 |
|
|
$ |
11.25 |
|
4/8/2009
|
|
Daniel Warmenhoven
|
|
Sold Common Stock*
|
|
|
200,000 |
|
|
$ |
16.60 |
|
4/14/2009
|
|
Daniel Warmenhoven
|
|
Acquired Common Stock
through Option Exercise*
|
|
|
200,000 |
|
|
$ |
11.25 |
|
4/14/2009
|
|
Daniel Warmenhoven
|
|
Sold Common Stock*
|
|
|
300,000 |
|
|
$ |
17.10 |
|
56
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Date |
|
Name |
|
Transaction |
|
Shares |
|
Price |
4/16/2009
|
|
Daniel Warmenhoven
|
|
Acquired Common Stock
through Option Exercise*
|
|
|
350,000 |
|
|
$ |
11.25 |
|
4/16/2009
|
|
Daniel Warmenhoven
|
|
Sold Common Stock*
|
|
|
200,000 |
|
|
$ |
17.71 |
|
4/16/2009
|
|
Daniel Warmenhoven
|
|
Sold Common Stock*
|
|
|
157,816 |
|
|
$ |
18.10 |
|
4/20/2009
|
|
Daniel Warmenhoven
|
|
Sold Common Stock*
|
|
|
21,099 |
|
|
$ |
18.10 |
|
4/21/2009
|
|
Daniel Warmenhoven
|
|
Sold Common Stock*
|
|
|
71,085 |
|
|
$ |
18.10 |
|
4/23/2009
|
|
Robert Wall
|
|
Received Stock Option Grant
|
|
|
5,000 |
|
|
$ |
18.36 |
|
* This
transaction was effected pursuant to a Rule 10b5-1
trading plan adopted by Daniel Warmenhoven on March 18, 2009.
|
|
On April 15, 2009, NetApp granted options exercisable for an aggregate of 46,718 shares
to 48 employees with an exercise price of $17.44. |
|
|
|
On April 23, 2009, NetApp granted options exercisable for an aggregate of 5,000 shares
to 1 employees with an exercise price of $18.36. |
|
|
|
On May 15, 2009, NetApp granted options exercisable for an aggregate of 110,010 shares
to 92 employees with an exercise price of $17.57. |
12. Status of options acquired by us in the offer; accounting consequences of the offer.
Options
that we acquire through the offer will be cancelled, and a net total
of 3.5 million shares
underlying the surrendered options originally granted under the 1999 Stock Option Plan will return
to the pool of shares available for future grants under such plan. To the extent shares returning
to the 1999 Plan are not fully reserved for issuance upon receipt of the RSUs to be granted in
connection with the offer, the shares will be available for future awards to employees and other
eligible plan participants, respectively, without further stockholder action, except as required by
applicable law or the rules of the Nasdaq Global Select Market or any other securities quotation
system or any stock exchange on which our shares are then quoted or listed. Options granted under
any Plan other than the 1999 Stock Option Plan that we acquire
through the offer will be cancelled and will not be returned to the
pool of shares available for future grant.
On April 29, 2006, we adopted the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement
of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (Revised), or SFAS 123(R), on accounting for share-based
payments. Under SFAS 123(R), we will recognize incremental compensation expense, if any, resulting
from the RSUs granted in the exchange program. The incremental compensation cost will be measured
as the excess, if any, of the fair value of each RSUs granted to employees in exchange
for surrendered eligible options, measured as of the date the RSUs are granted, over the fair value
of the eligible options surrendered in the exchange for the new awards, measured immediately prior
to the exchange.
The exchange ratios are determined in a manner
intended to result in the issuance of new RSUs that have, in the aggregate, a fair value, for accounting purposes, that is expected to be less than the fair value of the surrendered eligible options they replace. As a result, the offer may allow the Company to realize real incentive and retention benefits from the RSUs issued,
while recognizing only minimal incremental compensation expense due to the exchange.
The actual amount of compensation expense will depend on the exchange
ratios, Black-Scholes values and vesting schedules for options actually exchanged as part of the offer, as well as the market price of our common stock on the date of the exchange. In the event that any of the RSUs are forfeited prior to their
vesting due to termination of
employment, the compensation expense for the forfeited RSUs will not be recognized.
13. Legal matters; regulatory approvals.
We are not aware of any material pending legal proceedings relating to the offer or any margin
requirements or anti-trust laws applicable to the offer. We are not aware of any regulatory
requirements that must be complied with or approvals that must be obtained in connection with the
offer. Should any additional approval or other action be required, we presently contemplate that we
will seek such approval or take such other action. We cannot assure you that any such approval or
other action, if needed, could be obtained or what the conditions imposed in connection with such
approvals would entail or whether the failure to obtain any such approval or other action would
result in adverse consequences to our business. Our obligation under the offer to accept tendered
options for exchange and to grant RSUs for tendered options is subject to the conditions described
in Section 7 of this Offer to Exchange.
If we are prohibited by applicable laws or regulations from granting RSUs on the RSU grant
date, we will not grant any RSUs. We are unaware of any such prohibition at this time, and we will
use reasonable efforts to effect the grant, but if the grant is prohibited on the RSU grant date,
we will not
57
grant any RSUs and you will not receive any other benefit for the options you tendered
and your eligible options will not be accepted for exchange.
14. Material income tax consequences.
Material U.S. federal income tax consequences.
The following is a summary of the material U.S. federal income tax consequences of the
exchange of eligible options for RSUs pursuant to the offer for those eligible employees subject to
U.S. federal income tax. This discussion is based on the United States Internal Revenue Code, its
legislative history, treasury regulations promulgated thereunder and administrative and judicial
interpretations as of the date of this offering circular, all of which are subject to change,
possibly on a retroactive basis. This summary does not discuss all of the tax consequences that
may be relevant to you in light of your particular circumstances, nor is it intended to be
applicable in all respects to all categories of option holders. We strongly recommend that you
consult with your own advisors to discuss the consequences to you of this transaction.
We recommend that you consult your tax advisor with respect to the federal, state and local
tax consequences of participating in the offer, as the tax consequences to you are dependent on
your individual tax situation.
Option holders who exchange outstanding options for RSUs generally will not be required to
recognize income for U.S. federal income tax purposes at the time of the exchange. We believe that
the exchange will be treated as a non-taxable exchange.
Restricted
Stock Units.
If you participate in the offer, you generally will not have taxable income at the time of the
exchange and the RSU grant date. However, you will recognize ordinary income as the RSUs vest and
are issued to you, at which time NetApp will also generally have a payroll tax withholding
obligation. The amount of ordinary income you recognize will equal the fair market value of the
shares on the vesting date, less the amount, if any, you paid for the shares. With regard to the
shares issued pursuant to the RSUs granted pursuant to the offer, you will not have paid any amount
for the shares as such amounts will be satisfied by your past services to NetApp. The Company will
automatically redeem a sufficient number of shares of its common stock issued when RSUs vest to
satisfy the withholding obligations, unless it determines otherwise. Any gain or loss you
recognize upon the sale or exchange of shares that you acquire through a grant of RSUs generally
will be treated as capital gain or loss and will be long-term or short-term depending upon how long
you hold the shares. You should also note that if your RSUs constitute deferred compensation
within the meaning of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code (Section 409A) and (1) the
vesting of all or a portion of your RSUs is accelerated in connection with your separation from
service with us and (2) you are a specified employee (generally, a highly compensated executive)
at that time, then the delivery of the accelerated shares may need to be delayed six (6) months to
avoid additional taxes under Section 409A.
As noted above, we recommend that you consult your own tax advisor with respect to the
federal, state, and local tax consequences of participating in the offer.
In addition, if you are a resident of more than one country, you should be aware that there
might be tax and social insurance consequences for more than one country that may apply to you. We
strongly recommend that you consult with your own advisors to discuss the consequences to you of
this transaction.
58
Stock Options.
If you participate in this offer, your eligible options will be exchanged for RSUs. So that
you are able to compare the tax consequences of the RSUs to that of your eligible options, we have
included the following summary as a description of the tax consequences generally applicable to
options under U.S. federal tax law.
Nonstatutory Stock Options.
You generally will not realize taxable income upon the grant of a nonstatutory stock option.
When you exercise a nonstatutory stock option, you generally will have ordinary income to the
extent the fair market value of the shares on the date of exercise (and any cash) you receive is
greater than the exercise price you pay. If the exercise price of a nonstatutory stock option is
paid in shares of common stock or a combination of cash and shares of common stock, the excess of
the value (on the date of exercise) of the shares of common stock purchased over the value of the
shares surrendered, less any cash paid upon exercise, generally will be ordinary income taxable to
you.
We generally will be entitled to a deduction equal to the amount of ordinary income taxable to
you if we comply with eligible reporting requirements.
Upon disposition of the shares, any gain or loss will be treated as capital gain or loss. The
capital gain or loss and will be long-term or short-term depending on whether the shares were held
for more than one year. The holding period for the shares generally will begin just after the time
you recognized income (though it could potentially begin sooner if you are taxed on the date of
vesting with respect to discount nonstatutory stock options, as described further below). The
amount of such gain or loss will be the difference between: (i) the amount realized upon the sale
or exchange of the shares, and (ii) the value of the shares at the time the ordinary income was
recognized.
If you were an employee at the time of the grant of the option, any income recognized upon
exercise of a nonstatutory stock option generally will constitute wages for which withholding will
be required.
Incentive
Stock Options.
You will not realize taxable income upon the grant of an incentive stock option. In addition,
you generally will not realize taxable income upon the exercise of an incentive stock option.
However, your alternative minimum taxable income will be increased by the amount that the aggregate
fair market value of the shares underlying the option, which is generally determined as of the date
of exercise, exceeds the aggregate exercise price of the option. Except in the case of your death
or disability, if an option is exercised more than three months after your termination of
employment, the option ceases to be treated as an incentive stock option and is subject to taxation
under the rules that apply to nonstatutory stock options. If you sell the shares of common stock
acquired upon exercise of an incentive stock option, the tax consequences of the disposition depend
upon whether the disposition is qualifying or disqualifying. The disposition of the shares issued
upon the exercise of an incentive stock option is qualifying if it is made (i) more than two years
after the incentive stock option grant date and (ii) more than one year after the incentive stock
option exercise date.
If the disposition of the shares issued upon the exercise of the incentive stock option is
qualifying, any excess of the sale price of such shares over the exercise price of the option will
be treated as long-term capital gain taxable to you at the time of the sale. Any such capital gain
will be taxed at the long-term capital gain rate in effect at the time of sale.
59
If the disposition is not qualifying, which we refer to as a disqualifying disposition, the
excess of the fair market value of the shares issued upon the exercise of the option (or, if less,
the amount realized on the disposition of the shares) over the exercise price will be taxable
income to you at the time of the disposition. Additional gain, if any, will be long-term or
short-term capital gain, depending upon whether or not the shares were sold more than one year
after the option was exercised.
Unless you engage in a disqualifying disposition, we will not be entitled to a deduction with
respect to an incentive stock option. If you engage in a disqualifying disposition, we generally
will be entitled to a deduction equal to the amount of compensation income taxable to the option
holder.
Holders
of Incentive Stock Options Who Choose Not to Participate.
Eligible employees who hold eligible options that are incentive stock options should note that
if the offer remains open for thirty (30) days or more, incentive stock options held by employees
who do not participate in this offer will be considered to have been modified as of the date this
offer commenced. The date this offer commences will then be considered a new date of grant for
purposes of determining whether the employee will receive favorable U.S. tax treatment with respect
to the incentive stock options. In order to receive favorable U.S. tax treatment with respect to
any such incentive stock option, you must not dispose of any shares acquired with respect to the
incentive stock option until the passage of more than two years from the date this offer commenced
(that is, more than two years from May 22, 2009) and more than one year after the exercise of the
option (even if you do not exchange your incentive stock options for RSUs). If these holding
periods (and all other incentive stock option requirements) are met, the excess of the sale price
of the shares issued upon the exercise of the option over the exercise price of such option will be
treated as long-term capital gain. If the offer expires as scheduled, the offer will have remained
open for less than thirty (30) calendar days.
Material Income Tax
and Other Considerations for Employees Who Reside Outside the U.S.
Attached
as Schedules
C-R to this Offer to Exchange are short summaries of the general tax consequences of the offer in countries
other than the U.S. where residents are eligible to participate in the offer. If you are subject to the tax
laws in any of these countries, please see the relevant section(s)
under Schedules C-R for information regarding
the tax consequences to you of participating in the offer. You should review the information carefully and consult
your own tax advisor regarding your personal situation before deciding whether or not to participate in the offer.
We recommend that you consult your tax advisor with respect to the federal, state, and local
tax consequences of participating in the offer. In addition, if you are a resident of more than
one country, you should be aware that there might be tax and social insurance consequences for more
than one country that may apply to you. We strongly recommend that you consult with your advisors
to discuss the consequences to you of this transaction.
15. Extension of offer; termination; amendment.
We reserve the right, in our discretion, at any time and regardless of whether or not any
event listed in Section 7 of this Offer to Exchange has occurred or is deemed by us to have
occurred, to extend the period of time during which the offer is open and delay the acceptance for
exchange of any eligible options. If we elect to extend the period of time during which this offer
is open, we will give you oral or written notice of the extension and delay, as described below.
If we extend the expiration date, we also will extend your right to withdraw tenders of eligible
options until such extended expiration date. In the case of an extension, we will issue a press
release, e-mail or other form of communication no later than 6:00 a.m., Pacific Time, on the next
U.S. business day after the previously scheduled expiration date.
We also reserve the right, in our reasonable judgment, before the expiration date to terminate
or amend the offer and to postpone our acceptance and cancellation of any options elected to be
exchanged if any of the events listed in Section 7 of this Offer to Exchange occurs, by giving oral
or written notice of
the termination or postponement to you or by making a public announcement of the termination.
Our reservation of the right to delay our acceptance and cancellation of awards elected to be
exchanged is limited by Rule 13e-4(f)(5) under the Exchange Act which requires that we must pay the
consideration offered or return the awards promptly after termination or withdrawal of a tender
offer.
60
Subject to compliance with applicable law, we further reserve the right, before the expiration
date, in our discretion, and regardless of whether any event listed in Section 7 of this Offer to
Exchange has occurred or is deemed by us to have occurred, to amend the offer in any respect,
including by decreasing or increasing the consideration offered in this offer to option holders or
by decreasing or increasing the number of options being sought in this offer. As a reminder, if a
particular option expires after commencement, but before cancellation under the offer, that
particular option is not eligible for exchange. Therefore, if we extend the offer for any reason
and if a particular award that was tendered before the originally scheduled expiration of the offer
expires after such originally scheduled expiration date but before the actual cancellation date
under the extended offer, that option would not be eligible for exchange.
The minimum period during which the offer will remain open following material changes in the
terms of the offer or in the information concerning the offer, other than a change in the
consideration being offered by us or a change in amount of existing options sought, will depend on
the facts and circumstances of such change, including the relative materiality of the terms or
information changes. If we modify the number of eligible options being sought in this offer or the
consideration being offered by us for the eligible options in this offer, the offer will remain
open for at least ten (10) U.S. business days from the date of notice of such modification. If any
term of the offer is amended in a manner that we determine constitutes a material change adversely
affecting any holder of eligible options, we promptly will disclose the amendments in a manner
reasonably calculated to inform holders of eligible options of such amendment, and we will extend
the offers period so that at least five (5) U.S. business days, or such longer period as may be
required by the tender offer rules, remain after such change.
For purposes of the offer, a business day means any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or a
U.S. federal holiday and consists of the time period from 12:01 a.m. through 12:00 midnight,
Eastern Time.
16. Fees and expenses.
We will not pay any fees or commissions to any broker, dealer or other person for soliciting
options to be exchanged through this offer.
17. Additional information.
This Offer to Exchange is part of a Tender Offer Statement on Schedule TO that we have filed
with the SEC. This Offer to Exchange does not contain all of the information contained in the
Schedule TO and the exhibits to the Schedule TO. We recommend that you review the Schedule TO,
including its exhibits, and the following materials that we have filed with the SEC before making a
decision on whether to elect to exchange your awards:
|
1. |
|
Our definitive proxy statement on Schedule 14A for our 2008 annual meeting of
stockholders, filed with the SEC on July 14, 2008; |
|
|
2. |
|
Our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for our fiscal quarter ended January 23,
2009, filed with the SEC on March 2, 2009; |
|
|
3. |
|
Our annual report on Form 10-K for our fiscal year ended April 25, 2008, filed
with the SEC on June 24, 2008; |
|
|
4. |
|
The information contained in our current reports on
Form 8-K filed with (but not furnished to) the
SEC; and |
61
|
5. |
|
The Registrants Registration Statement No. 000-27130 on Form 8-A filed with
the SEC on November 1, 1995, in which there is described the terms, rights and
provisions applicable to our common stock. |
These filings, our other annual, quarterly, and current reports, our proxy statements, and our
other SEC filings may be examined, and copies may be obtained, at the SECs public reference room
at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. You may obtain information on the operation of the
public reference room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. Our SEC filings also are available to
the public on the SECs Internet site at http://www.sec.gov.
Each person to whom a copy of this Offer to Exchange is delivered may obtain a copy of any or
all of the documents to which we have referred you, other than exhibits to such documents, unless
such exhibits are specifically incorporated by reference into such documents, at no cost, by
writing to us at NetApp, Inc., 495 East Java Drive, Sunnyvale, California, 94089, Attention: Legal
Department.
As you read the documents listed above, you may find some inconsistencies in information from
one document to another. If you find inconsistencies between the documents, or between a document
and this Offer to Exchange, you should rely on the statements made in the most recent document.
The information contained in this Offer to Exchange about us should be read together with the
information contained in the documents to which we have referred you, in making your decision as to
whether or not to participate in this offer.
18. Financial statements.
The financial information, including financial statements and the notes thereto, included in
our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended April 25, 2008, filed with the SEC on June
24, 2008, Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended January 29, 2009, filed with
the SEC on March 2, 2009, and our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with (but not furnished to) the
SEC on May 20, 2009, are incorporated herein by reference. Attached as Schedule B to this Offer
to Exchange is a summary of certain financial information contained in the above-referenced
reports. Please see Section 17 of this Offer to Exchange for instructions on how you can obtain
copies of our SEC filings, including filings that contain the financial statements referenced
above.
Book Value
We
had a book value per share of $4.60 on January 23, 2009.
62
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
The following table sets forth our ratio of earnings to fixed charges for the periods
specified:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nine Months Ended |
|
Fiscal Year Ended |
|
Fiscal Year Ended |
|
|
January 23, 2009 |
|
April 25, 2008 |
|
April 27, 2007 |
Ratio of Earnings
to Fixed Charges |
|
|
1.3 |
|
|
|
20.8 |
|
|
|
19.3 |
|
The ratio of earnings to fixed charges is computed by dividing earnings by fixed charges. For
the purposes of computing the ratio of earnings to fixed charges, earnings consist of income before
provision for income taxes plus fixed charges. Fixed charges consist of interest expense,
amortization of debt discount and issuance costs on all indebtedness, and the estimated portion of
rental expense deemed by NetApp to be representative of the interest factor of rental payments
under operating leases.
19. Miscellaneous.
We are not aware of any
jurisdiction in which the offer is made where the offer is not in
compliance with applicable law. If we become aware of any jurisdiction where the making of the
offer is not in compliance with any valid applicable law, we will make a good faith effort to
comply with such law. If, after such good faith effort, we cannot comply with such law, the offer
will not be made to, nor will awards be accepted from, the award holders residing in such
jurisdiction.
We have not authorized any person to make any recommendation on our behalf as to whether you
should elect to exchange your options through the offer. You should rely only on the information
in this document or documents to which we have referred you. We have not authorized anyone to give
you any information or to make any representations in connection with the offer other than the
information and representations contained in this Offer to Exchange and in the related offer
documents. If anyone makes any recommendation or representation to you or gives you any
information, you must not rely upon that recommendation, representation, or information as having
been authorized by us.
NetApp, Inc.
May 22, 2009
63
SCHEDULE A
INFORMATION CONCERNING THE EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
AND DIRECTORS OF NETAPP
The directors and executive officers of NetApp are set forth in the following table:
|
|
|
Name |
|
Position and Offices Held |
Daniel J. Warmenhoven
|
|
Chief Executive Officer, Chairman of the Board,
Director |
Thomas Georgens
|
|
President, Chief Operating Officer, Director |
Steven J. Gomo
|
|
Executive Vice President of Finance and Chief
Financial Officer |
Thomas F. Mendoza
|
|
Vice-Chairman |
Robert F. Salmon
|
|
Executive Vice President, Field Operations |
Donald T. Valentine
|
|
Lead Independent Director |
Jeffry R. Allen
|
|
Director |
Alan L. Earhart
|
|
Director |
Edward Kozel
|
|
Director |
Mark Leslie
|
|
Director |
Nicholas G. Moore
|
|
Director |
George T. Shaheen
|
|
Director |
Robert T. Wall
|
|
Director |
The address of each executive officer and director is:
c/o NetApp, Inc.
495 East Java Drive
Sunnyvale, California 94089
Our executive officers and members of our board of directors are not eligible to participate
in this offer.
A-1
SCHEDULE B
SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF NETAPP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET INFORMATION
(In thousands, except per share amounts unaudited)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
January 23, 2009 |
|
April 25, 2008 |
|
April 27, 2007 |
|
|
|
Current Assets |
|
$ |
3,162,012 |
|
|
$ |
2,067,433 |
|
|
$ |
2,240,803 |
|
Non-Current Assets |
|
|
2,027,728 |
|
|
|
2,003,555 |
|
|
|
1,417,675 |
|
Total Assets |
|
|
5,189,740 |
|
|
|
4,070,988 |
|
|
|
3,658,478 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current Liabilities |
|
|
1,562,978 |
|
|
|
1,414,102 |
|
|
|
1,187,547 |
|
Non-Current Liabilities |
|
|
2,099,369 |
|
|
|
956,547 |
|
|
|
481,910 |
|
Total Liabilities |
|
|
3,662,347 |
|
|
|
2,370,649 |
|
|
|
1,669,457 |
|
Total Stockholders
Equity |
|
|
1,527,393 |
|
|
|
1,700,339 |
|
|
|
1,989,021 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME INFORMATION |
(In thousands, except per share amounts unaudited) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nine Months Ended |
|
Year Ended |
|
|
January 23, 2009 |
|
January 25, 2008 |
|
April 25, 2008 |
|
April 27, 2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
Total revenues |
|
$ |
2,526,750 |
|
|
$ |
2,365,436 |
|
|
$ |
3,303,167 |
|
|
$ |
2,804,282 |
|
Gross margin |
|
|
1,456,020 |
|
|
|
1,440,504 |
|
|
|
2,013,376 |
|
|
|
1,704,500 |
|
Income from Operations |
|
|
13,247 |
|
|
|
210,393 |
|
|
|
313,600 |
|
|
|
301,242 |
|
Income Before Income Taxes |
|
|
9,143 |
|
|
|
267,615 |
|
|
|
382,699 |
|
|
|
359,728 |
|
Net Income |
|
|
11,461 |
|
|
|
219,918 |
|
|
|
309,738 |
|
|
|
297,735 |
|
Net Income per Share: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic |
|
|
0.03 |
|
|
|
0.62 |
|
|
|
0.88 |
|
|
|
0.80 |
|
Diluted |
|
|
0.03 |
|
|
|
0.60 |
|
|
|
0.86 |
|
|
|
0.77 |
|
Shares Used in Net Income
per Share Calculations: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic |
|
|
330,067 |
|
|
|
354,799 |
|
|
|
351,676 |
|
|
|
371,204 |
|
Diluted |
|
|
335,070 |
|
|
|
365,290 |
|
|
|
361,090 |
|
|
|
388,454 |
|
B-1
SCHEDULE C
GUIDE TO TAX & LEGAL ISSUES IN AUSTRALIA
The following is a general summary of the material tax consequences of the voluntary
cancellation of eligible options in exchange for the grant of restricted stock units for eligible
employees subject to tax in Australia. This summary is based on the law in effect in Australia as
of April 2009. This summary is general in nature and does not discuss all of the tax consequences
that may be relevant to you in light of your particular circumstances, nor is it intended to be
applicable in all respects to all categories of eligible employees. Please note that tax laws
change frequently and occasionally on a retroactive basis. As a result, the information contained
in this summary may be out of date at the time the restricted stock units are granted, the
restricted stock units vest or you sell shares acquired upon vesting of the restricted stock units.
This summary also includes other country-specific requirements that may affect your
participation in the offer.
If you are a citizen or resident of more than one country, or are considered a resident of
more than one country for local law purposes, the information contained in this summary may not be
applicable to you. Accordingly, you are strongly advised to seek appropriate professional advice as
to how the tax or other laws in your country apply to your specific situation.
Tax Information
Option Exchange
The voluntary relinquishment of the existing stock options in exchange for a grant of new
restricted stock units will give rise to a taxable amount. This occurs because the cancellation of
the existing stock options will constitute a disposal of the options in exchange for the restricted
stock units immediately after cancellation of the existing options.
The following taxation summary assumes that you did not make the election to be taxed up-front
on the discount arising on the grant of the existing options and that the existing options were
qualifying rights issued under an employee share scheme for tax purposes. If you elected to be
taxed on receipt of the existing options, you should contact your personal tax advisor regarding
the resulting tax consequences.
In addition, the taxation treatment of the cancellation of your existing options in exchange
for restricted stock units will depend on whether this transaction is considered to be an arms
length transaction for tax purposes. The following taxation summary assumes that the option
exchange is an arms length transaction. However, if the tax authorities take the view that this
is not the case, different taxation consequences may result. You should contact your personal tax
advisor prior to participating in this Offer to Exchange.
Relinquishment of Existing Options
If you accept the offer to relinquish your existing options for a grant of restricted stock
units immediately after cancellation of your existing options, you will recognize a disposition of
your existing options at the time of their cancellation, which gives rise to a taxable event. The
existing options will be disposed of in consideration for the issue of the restricted stock units.
C-1
You will likely be taxed in the income year of the cancellation on the market value of the
restricted stock units issued as consideration for your existing options. This result will occur
unless you made the election to be taxed in the income year the existing options were granted. If
you made the election to be taxed at grant, you may have a capital gain or loss on the disposal of
the existing options. Again, you should contact your personal tax advisor if you made this
election.
Cash Payments
If you receive cash payments in exchange for your stock options, such disposal of your options
in exchange for a cash payment may give rise to a taxable gain. The taxable gain will equal the
cash received and will be taxed as ordinary income tax.
Grant of Restricted Stock Units
The restricted stock units granted in exchange for your existing stock options should not be
regarded as having been acquired under an employee share scheme for tax purposes. This is because
in order to constitute an employee share scheme, you must have paid less than the market value of
the restricted stock units at the time of acquisition. As the restricted stock units may not be
issued to you at a discount, the employee share scheme provisions likely do not apply.
On the basis that the restricted stock unit was acquired by you under an arms length
transaction, the cost base of the restricted stock unit will be equal to the amount included as
income in the year of cancellation.
Vesting of Restricted Stock Units
Upon the vesting of your restricted stock units, shares of common stock will be issued to you.
The vesting of the restricted stock unit should not give rise to a taxable capital gain.
Sale of Shares
You may also be subject to capital gains tax when you subsequently sell the shares issued to
you upon vesting of the restricted stock units. For capital gains tax purposes, the taxable gain
will broadly equal the difference between the disposal consideration received for the shares, less
the cost base of the shares.
Depending on the nature of your ownership, if you have held the shares for 12 months or more
since the vesting date of the restricted stock units, you may qualify for a 50% capital gains tax
discount. Please see your financial adviser if you need further information.
Withholding and Reporting
Your employer is not required to withhold income tax when the restricted stock units are
granted or vest, nor when the shares are sold. It is your responsibility to report on your tax
return and pay any tax liability and any Medicare levy in relation to the restricted stock units
and any shares issued to you at vesting. It is also your responsibility to report and pay any tax
liability resulting from the sale of shares.
Other Information
Securities Law Information
If you acquire shares of stock pursuant to your award and you offer your shares for sale to a
person or entity resident in Australia, your offer may be subject to disclosure requirements under
C-2
Australian law. You should obtain legal advice on your disclosure obligations prior to making any
such offer.
C-3
SCHEDULE D
GUIDE TO TAX & LEGAL ISSUES IN AUSTRIA
The following is a general summary of the material tax consequences of the voluntary
cancellation of eligible options in exchange for the grant of restricted stock units for eligible
employees subject to tax in Austria. This summary is based on the law in effect in Austria as of
April 2009. This summary is general in nature and does not discuss all of the tax consequences that
may be relevant to you in light of your particular circumstances, nor is it intended to be
applicable in all respects to all categories of eligible employees. Please note that tax laws
change frequently and occasionally on a retroactive basis. As a result, the information contained
in this summary may be out of date at the time the restricted stock units are granted, the
restricted stock units vest or you sell shares acquired upon vesting of the restricted stock units.
This summary also includes other country-specific requirements that may affect your
participation in the offer.
If you are a citizen or resident of more than one country, or are considered a resident of
more than one country for local law purposes, the information contained in this summary may not be
applicable to you. Accordingly, you are strongly advised to seek appropriate professional advice as
to how the tax or other laws in your country apply to your specific situation.
Tax Information
Option Exchange
You likely will not be subject to tax as a result of the exchange of eligible options for the
grant of restricted stock units.
Grant of Restricted Stock Units
You will not be subject to tax when the restricted stock units are granted to you.
Cash Payments
If you receive cash payments in exchange for your stock options, you will be subject to income
tax and social insurance contributions (to the extent you have not already exceeded the applicable
contribution ceiling).
Vesting of Restricted Stock Units
You will be subject to income tax and social insurance contributions (to the extent you have
not already exceeded the applicable contribution ceiling) when the restricted stock units vest and
shares are issued to you. You will be taxed on the fair market value of the shares issued to you on
the date of vesting.
A tax exemption up to 620 or a flat 6% tax rate may be available if the restricted stock
units can be characterized as a non-recurring additional payment to you. Your total additional
payments, including income derived from restricted stock units, will be tax exempt up to 620.
If 1/6 of your total annual regular income is less than 2,000, any additional income up to
2,000 is tax exempt. If your total additional payments, including income derived from
restricted stock units, exceed 620, the excess will
D-1
be subject to 6% flat income tax up to 1/6 of your total annual regular income (assuming that
1/6 of your total annual regular income exceeds 2,000).
For example, if you receive annual regular income of 60,000, 1/6 of this income would be
10,000. Generally, any additional payment in one calendar year up to 10,000 would be taxed
at a flat 6%. However, any additional payments from the same employer, up to 620, are tax
exempt. As 10,000 is more than 2,000, no further tax exemption is available for your
additional payments. Therefore, any additional payments from the same employer above 620, up to
10,000, are taxed at a flat 6% rate. If you receive additional payments exceeding 10,000,
any excess amount will be taxed at the regular income tax rates. Please note that this preferential
tax regime may not be applicable to the income derived from restricted stock units if you have
already used the exemptions for the 13th and 14th monthly salary regularly paid in Austria, if
applicable.
Sale of Shares
If you sell the shares acquired upon vesting of your restricted stock units within twelve (12)
months of the date of vesting, you will be subject to tax on the gain, provided the total gain from
the sale of the shares (and the sale of other moveable property) within one (1) year after their
acquisition and from the sale of real estate within ten (10) (and in certain cases fifteen (15))
years after its acquisition exceeds 440 in any given calendar year. The gain is calculated as
the difference between the sale price and the fair market value of the shares on the date of
vesting. If you hold the shares at least twelve (12) months, you will not be subject to tax when
you subsequently sell the shares.
Withholding and Reporting
Under current laws, withholding and reporting for income tax and social insurance
contributions (subject to the applicable contribution ceiling) are required when you vest in the
restricted stock units, except to the extent that the exemptions for income tax (which also apply
to social insurance contributions) apply. If required to do so, your employer will report and
withhold on your taxable earnings at vesting to the Austrian tax authorities accordingly. NetApp
may redeem a sufficient number of shares of common stock issued when restricted stock units vest to
satisfy the tax and social insurance contribution withholding obligation. Alternatively, it may
withhold from your salary or from the proceeds of the sale of the shares. You are responsible for
reporting any income resulting from the sale of shares and the receipt of any dividends and paying
all corresponding taxes.
Other Information
Exchange Control Information
If you hold shares outside Austria (even if you hold them outside of Austria with an Austrian
bank), a reporting duty to the Austrian National Bank applies. The reporting date is as of December
31 of each year, and the report must be filed on or before March 31 of the following year. An
exemption applies if the value of the securities as of any given quarter does not exceed
30,000,000, or as of December 31 does not exceed 5,000,000. The report should be filed at
the following postal address: Österreichische Nationalbank, Büro für Devisenstatistik, Postfach 61,
1011 Wien. The forms can be obtained at the Austrian National Bank:
Österreichische Nationalbank
Otto-Wagner-Platz 3,
1090 Wien
D-2
Tel: +43 1 404 20-0
Fax: +43 1 404 20-94 00
When shares are sold, there may be exchange control obligations if the cash received is held
outside Austria. A separate reporting requirement applies to an employees non-Austrian cash
accounts. If the transaction volume of all the employees cash accounts abroad exceeds
3,000,000, the movements and the balance of all accounts must be reported monthly, as of the
last day of the month, on or before the 15th day of the following month with the form Meldungen
SI-Forderungen und/oder SI-Verpflichtungen. If the transaction value of all cash accounts abroad
is less than 3 million, no ongoing reporting requirements apply.
D-3
SCHEDULE E
GUIDE TO TAX & LEGAL ISSUES IN THE PEOPLES REPUBLIC OF CHINA
The following is a general summary of the material tax consequences of the voluntary
cancellation of eligible options in exchange for the grant of restricted stock units for eligible
employees subject to tax in the Peoples Republic of China (the PRC). This summary is based on
the tax laws in effect in the PRC as of April 2009. This summary is general in nature and does not
discuss all of the tax consequences that may be relevant to you in light of your particular
circumstances, nor is it intended to be applicable in all respects to all categories of eligible
employees. Please note that tax laws change frequently and occasionally on a retroactive basis. As
a result, the information contained in this summary may be out of date at the time the restricted
stock units are granted, the restricted stock units vest or you sell shares acquired upon vesting
of the restricted stock units.
This summary may also include other country-specific requirements that may affect your
participation in the offer.
If you are a citizen or resident of more than one country, or are considered a resident of
more than one country for local law purposes, the information contained in this summary may not be
applicable to you. Accordingly, you are strongly advised to seek appropriate professional advice as
to how the tax or other laws in your country apply to your specific situation.
Tax Information
Option Exchange
You will likely not be subject to tax as a result of the exchange of eligible options for the
grant of restricted stock units.
Grant of Restricted Stock Units
You will not be subject to tax when restricted stock units are granted to you.
Cash Payments
If you receive cash payments in exchange for your stock options, you will be subject to income
tax and you may be subject to social insurance contributions (to the extent you have not already
reached the applicable contribution ceiling) when you receive cash payments in exchange for the
stock options. You will be taxed on the amount of the cash payments as employment income or a
separate bonus.
Vesting of Restricted Stock Units and Sale of Shares
Due to regulatory issues in China, you may be required to immediately sell all of the shares
issued to you at vesting.
You will be subject to income tax and you may be subject to social insurance contributions (to
the extent you have not already reached the applicable contribution ceiling) when the restricted
stock units vest and shares are sold. You will be taxed on the fair market value of the shares at
vesting as
E-1
employment income or a separate bonus. If there is any difference between the fair market
value of the shares when they are issued to you and the sale price, you will recognize a capital
gain or loss on this amount. If you recognize a capital gain, you will be subject to capital gains
tax on this amount.
Withholding and Reporting
Your employer will withhold and report income tax (and social insurance contributions, if
applicable) at the vesting of the restricted stock units. Nevertheless, you will be responsible for
paying any difference between the actual tax liability and the amount withheld (if any). It is your
responsibility to report and pay any capital gains tax resulting from the sale of the shares.
Other Information
Exchange Control
As noted above, you will be required to immediately sell the shares issued to you at vesting.
Exchange control requirements apply when the shares are sold and the proceeds must be repatriated
to the PRC. You should consult your personal tax and/or legal advisor(s) regarding the requirements
for repatriating any proceeds from the sale of shares to the PRC.
E-2
SCHEDULE F
GUIDE TO TAX & LEGAL ISSUES IN FRANCE
The following is a general summary of the material tax consequences of the voluntary
cancellation of eligible options in exchange for the grant of restricted stock units for eligible
employees subject to tax in France. This summary is based on the tax laws in effect in France as of
April 2009. This summary is general in nature and does not discuss all of the tax consequences that
may be relevant to you in light of your particular circumstances, nor is it intended to be
applicable in all respects to all categories of eligible employees. Please note that tax laws
change frequently and occasionally on a retroactive basis. As a result, the information contained
in this summary may be out of date at the time the restricted stock units are granted, the
restricted stock units vest or you sell shares acquired upon vesting of the restricted stock units.
This summary may also include other country-specific requirements that may affect your
participation in the offer.
If you are a citizen or resident of more than one country, or are considered a resident of
more than one country for local law purposes, the information contained in this summary may not be
applicable to you. Accordingly, you are strongly advised to seek appropriate professional advice as
to how the tax or other laws in your country apply to your specific situation.
Tax Information
Option Exchange
You will likely not be subject to tax as a result of the exchange of eligible options for the
grant of restricted stock units.
Grant of Restricted Stock Units
You will not be subject to tax when restricted stock units are granted to you.
Cash Payments
If you receive cash payments in exchange for your stock options, you will be subject to income
tax and social security contributions when you receive cash payments in exchange for the stock
options.
Vesting of Restricted Stock Units
You will be subject to income tax and social security contributions when the restricted stock
units vest and shares are issued to you. You will be taxed on the fair market value of the shares
issued to you.
Wealth Tax
Shares acquired upon vesting of the restricted stock units are included in your personal
estate and must be declared to the tax authorities if the total value of your taxable personal
estate (including your household) exceeds a certain amount (790,000 for 2009), as valued on
January 1.
F-1
Sale of Shares
When you subsequently sell any shares acquired at vesting, you will be subject to capital
gains tax at the rate presently equal to 30.1% if the total proceeds from the sale of securities
(for you and your household) during a calendar year exceeds a certain amount (25,730 for 2009),
in which case you will be subject to tax on the entire capital gain (i.e., the difference between
the sales proceeds and the fair market value of the shares at vesting). If the sales proceeds are
less than the fair market value of the shares of vesting, you will realize a capital loss. Provided
the 25,730 threshold is exceeded, this capital loss can be offset against capital gain of the
same nature realized by you and your household during the same year or during the ten following
years. This capital loss cannot be offset against other types of income.
Withholding and Reporting
Your employer will withhold any income tax and social security contributions that are legally
required at the vesting of the restricted stock units. Your employer will also report the income
recognized at vesting on your pay-slip for the month in which the restricted stock units vest. It
is your responsibility to pay any tax resulting from the vesting of the restricted stock units and
to report and pay any tax resulting from the sale of shares.
You must declare all foreign bank and brokerage accounts (including the accounts that were
opened and closed during the tax year) when you file your annual income tax return.
Other Information
Exchange Control
The value of any cash or securities imported to France without the use of a financial
institution must be reported to the customs and excise authorities when the value of such cash or
securities exceeds a certain amount ( 10,000 for 2009 for transfers outside the European
Union).
F-2
SCHEDULE G
GUIDE TO TAX & LEGAL ISSUES IN GERMANY
The following is a general summary of the material tax consequences of the voluntary
cancellation of eligible options in exchange for the grant of restricted stock units for eligible
employees subject to tax in Germany. This summary is based on the tax laws in effect in Germany as
of April 2009. This summary is general in nature and does not discuss all of the tax consequences
that may be relevant to you in light of your particular circumstances, nor is it intended to be
applicable in all respects to all categories of eligible employees. Please note that tax laws
change frequently and occasionally on a retroactive basis. As a result, the information contained
in this summary may be out of date at the time the restricted stock units are granted, the
restricted stock units vest or you sell shares acquired upon vesting of the restricted stock units.
This summary may also include other country-specific requirements that may affect your
participation in the offer.
If you are a citizen or resident of more than one country, or are considered a resident of
more than one country for local law purposes, the information contained in this summary may not be
applicable to you. Accordingly, you are strongly advised to seek appropriate professional advice as
to how the tax or other laws in your country apply to your specific situation.
Tax Information
Option Exchange
You will likely not be subject to tax as a result of the exchange of eligible options for the
grant of restricted stock units.
Grant of Restricted Stock Units
You will not be subject to tax when restricted stock units are granted to you.
Cash Payments
If you receive cash payments in exchange for your stock options, such cash payments are
treated as salary. Your employer will withhold and report tax and social insurance contributions
(if applicable) at date of such cash payment.
Vesting of Restricted Stock Units
You will be subject to income tax and social insurance contributions (to the extent you have
not already reached the applicable contribution ceilings) when the restricted stock units vest and
shares are issued to you.
Sale of Shares
If you sell shares that were acquired on or after January 1, 2009, you will be subject to
capital gains at a flat rate of 25% (plus a 5.5% solidarity surcharge and church tax, if
applicable), provided you do not own 1% or more of NetApps stated capital (and have not owned 1%
or more at any time in the
G-1
last five years) and the shares are not held as business assets. The taxable gain will be the
difference between the sale price and the fair market value of the shares at vesting.
Withholding and Reporting
Your employer will withhold and report tax and social insurance contributions (if applicable)
at the vesting of the restricted stock units. It is your responsibility to report and pay any tax
resulting from the sale of shares.
Other Information
Exchange Control
For statistical purposes, the German Federal Bank requires that you file reports for any of
the following occurrences: (i) cross-border transactions in excess of 12,500; and (ii) any
receivables on monetary claims against a person or entity residing outside of Germany in excess of
5,000,000.
G-2
SCHEDULE H
GUIDE TO TAX & LEGAL ISSUES IN HONG KONG
The following is a general summary of the material tax consequences of the voluntary
cancellation of eligible options in exchange for the grant of restricted stock units for eligible
employees subject to tax in Hong Kong. This summary is based on the tax laws in effect in Hong Kong
as of April 2009. This summary is general in nature and does not discuss all of the tax
consequences that may be relevant to you in light of your particular circumstances, nor is it
intended to be applicable in all respects to all categories of eligible employees. Please note that
tax laws change frequently and occasionally on a retroactive basis. As a result, the information
contained in this summary may be out of date at the time the restricted stock units are granted,
the restricted stock units vest or you sell shares acquired upon vesting of the restricted stock
units.
This summary may also include other country-specific requirements that may affect your
participation in the offer.
If you are a citizen or resident of more than one country or are considered a resident of more
than one country for local law purposes, the information contained in this summary may not be
applicable to you. Accordingly, you are strongly advised to seek appropriate professional advice as
to how the tax or other laws in your country apply to your specific situation.
WARNING: The contents of this Offer to Exchange have not been reviewed by any regulatory
authority in Hong Kong. You are advised to exercise caution in relation to the offer. If you are in
any doubt about any of the contents of this Offer to Exchange, you should obtain independent
professional advice.
Tax Information
Option Exchange
You will likely not be subject to tax as a result of the exchange of eligible options for the
grant of restricted stock units.
Grant of Restricted Stock Units
You will not be subject to tax when the restricted stock units are granted to you.
Cash Payments
You will likely be subject to tax on any cash payments received as a result of the exchange.
The cash payments will be treated as regular employment income and subject to Hong Kong salaries
tax and Mandatory Provident Fund (social insurance) contributions.
Vesting of Restricted Stock Units
You will be subject to income tax when your restricted stock units vest and shares are issued
to you. The taxable amount will be the fair market value of the shares on the date of vesting.
H-1
You will not be subject to Mandatory Provident Fund (social insurance) contributions when your
restricted stock units vest.
Please note that if you leave Hong Kong permanently and subsequently vest in your restricted
stock units, any income is still considered Hong Kong source employment income and subject to tax
in Hong Kong. You can elect to settle your tax liability prior to leaving Hong Kong, thereby
removing any continuing filing obligations. In such case, you will be taxed on the notional
income based on the assumption that all your vested and unvested restricted stock units at the time
of permanent departure were vested within seven days before the date of submission of your tax
return for the year in which you permanently depart Hong Kong. If the value of the shares increases
so that the actual gain at vesting is greater than on the date of departure, there will be no
additional tax. If the value of the shares decreases so that the actual gain on exercise is less
than on the date of departure or not all of your restricted stock units eventually become vested,
you cannot request a refund of any tax overpayment unless the tax assessment is objected to within
the statutory time allowed for objection.
Sale of Shares
When you subsequently sell any shares acquired at vesting, you will not be subject to capital
gains tax.
Withholding and Reporting
In general, your employer is not required to withhold income tax from salary and benefits
paid/provided to you. (however, there are special rules applying to employees who will depart or
have departed from Hong Kong.)
Both you and your employer will have the following tax reporting obligations:
On Option Exchange
You and your employer should disclose details of the exchange to the tax authority on the
respective tax returns for the year in which the exchange took place.
On Grant of Restricted Stock Units
Your employer is required to disclose grant details on the employers return in the year of
grant. You are not required to report grant information on your tax return.
Cash Payments
Both you and your employer are required to report such payments on the tax returns in the year
of receipt. The Hong Kong Inland Revenue Department (IRD) will issue you with a tax assessment
and you are required to pay the tax due to the IRD directly.
Vesting of Restricted Stock Units
Both you and your employer are required to include the fair market value of vested restricted
stock units as income on the respective tax returns in the year of vesting. The IRD will issue you
with a tax assessment and you are required to pay the tax due to the IRD directly.
H-2
Cessation and/or Post-Departure
If there are any restricted stock units vested to you after cessation of employment and/or
departure, your employer has to submit an amended employers return or a written notification to
the tax authority to report your additional income. You also have an obligation to inform the tax
authority if such an event has taken place and pay any tax due. The only exception is if you have
elected for deem vesting prior to leaving Hong Kong.
H-3
SCHEDULE I
GUIDE TO TAX & LEGAL ISSUES IN INDIA
The following is a general summary of the material tax consequences of the voluntary
cancellation of eligible options in exchange for the grant of restricted stock units for eligible
employees subject to tax in India. This summary is based on the tax laws in effect in India as of
April 2009. This summary is general in nature and does not discuss all of the tax consequences that
may be relevant to you in light of your particular circumstances, nor is it intended to be
applicable in all respects to all categories of eligible employees. Please note that tax laws
change frequently and occasionally on a retroactive basis. As a result, the information contained
in this summary may be out of date at the time the restricted stock units are granted, the
restricted stock units vest or you sell shares acquired upon vesting of the restricted stock units.
This summary may also include other country-specific requirements that may affect your
participation in the offer.
If you are a citizen or resident of more than one country or are considered a resident of more
than one country for local law purposes, or if you are not considered an Indian resident, the
information contained in this summary may not be applicable to you. Accordingly, you are strongly
advised to seek appropriate professional advice as to how the tax or other laws in your country
apply to your specific situation.
Tax Information
Option Exchange
You likely will not be subject to tax as a result of the exchange of eligible options for the
grant of restricted stock units. However, it is important to note that since the fringe benefit tax
(FBT) regime is a recent development, the treatment of option exchanges is not clear. The tax
authorities may assert that the cancellation of vested options results in extinguishment of a
right, giving rise to a capital gains tax event. In the event of such an assertion, the capital
gains tax rate could be levied at the rate of 22.66% for vested options held for more than three
years; otherwise, the gain would be subject to tax at your marginal tax rate (maximum rate being
33.99%).
Grant of Restricted Stock Units
You likely will not be subject to tax when the restricted stock units are granted to you.
However, although the grant of restricted stock units is not taxable per se, in the case of a grant
of restricted stock units in lieu of cancellation of vested options, the tax authorities may assert
that such grant may give rise to a capital gains tax event, as discussed in the Option Exchange
section above.
Cash Payments
If you receive cash payments in exchange for your stock options, you may be subject to income
tax, in which case tax could be levied at your marginal income tax rate (maximum rate being
33.99%). Your employer may withhold such taxes at the time of making the cash payments to you.
I-1
Vesting of Restricted Stock Units
You will not be subject to income tax or social insurance contributions when the restricted
stock units vest and shares are issued to you. However, the shares issued at vesting of the
restricted stock units will be characterized as a fringe benefit and the fair market value of the
shares at vesting is taxable under the FBT regime. The fair market value of the shares is
determined as required under Indian tax laws which may be different from how the fair market value
of the shares is determined under the plan.
However, if the tax authorities levied FBT on the cancellation of the vested options, then the
fair market value of such options on the date of cancellation may be considered as the exercise
price, eligible for deduction for purposes of computing FBT at the time of cancellation of the
options. This would be applicable only where FBT has been levied on the vested options at the time
of cancellation due to a deemed exercise.
Sale of Shares
When you subsequently sell any shares acquired at vesting, you will be subject to capital
gains tax on any gain you realize. The taxable gain will be the difference between the sale price
and the amount previously subject to FBT (i.e., the fair market value of the shares at vesting, as
determined under Indian tax laws).
If you hold the shares for more than 12 months, you will be taxed at the more favorable
long-term capital gains tax rate, which is 22.66%. If you hold the shares for 12 months or less,
you will be taxed at the short-term capital gains tax rate (which is the same as your marginal
income tax rate, the maximum rate being 33.99%).
Withholding and Reporting
Your employer will report and pay the applicable FBT to the Indian tax authorities through its
FBT returns. Your employer may also be responsible for withholding appropriate tax on any cash
payments made due to cancellation of options.
It is your responsibility to file a tax return with the tax authorities and disclose any
capital gains realized upon sale of the shares. You must pay advance tax on any capital gains in
the year in which the gains are realized. The amount and the due date of the advance tax depends on
the date of sale of your shares in the relevant year.
Other Information
Exchange Control
You must repatriate to India the proceeds of any shares sold and convert the proceeds to local
currency within the stipulated period of time (i.e., 90 days). You must also obtain evidence of the
repatriation of funds in the form of a foreign inward remittance certificate from the bank where
you deposited the foreign currency in case the Reserve Bank of India or your employer requests
proof of repatriation.
I-2
SCHEDULE J
GUIDE TO TAX & LEGAL ISSUES IN ISRAEL
The following is a general summary of the material tax consequences of the voluntary
cancellation of eligible options in exchange for the grant of restricted stock units for eligible
employees subject to tax in Israel. This summary is based on the tax laws in effect in Israel as of
April 2009. This summary is general in nature and does not discuss all of the tax consequences that
may be relevant to you in light of your particular circumstances, nor is it intended to be
applicable in all respects to all categories of eligible employees. Please note that tax laws
change frequently and occasionally on a retroactive basis. As a result, the information contained
in this summary may be out of date at the time the restricted stock units are granted, the
restricted stock units vest or you sell shares acquired upon vesting of the restricted stock units.
This summary may also include other country-specific requirements that may affect your
participation in the offer.
If you are a citizen or resident of more than one country, or are considered a resident of
more than one country for local law purposes, the information contained in this summary may not be
applicable to you. Accordingly, you are strongly advised to seek appropriate professional advice as
to how the tax or other laws in your country apply to your specific situation.
Tax Information
Option Exchange and Grant of Restricted Stock Units
Under general tax principles in Israel, the exchange of vested options is considered a taxable
event, and accordingly you will be subject to income tax and social insurance contributions (to the
extent you have not already reached the applicable contribution ceiling) as a result of the
exchange of eligible vested options for the grant of restricted stock units. However, NetApp has
applied for a tax ruling from the Israeli Tax Authorities (ITA) that may confirm that there will
be no immediate tax event as a result of the exchange of your eligible vested options for
restricted stock units and will thus not trigger any immediate tax liability. The tax event will
take place only when you have realized a gain from your restricted stock units as defined in
Section 102 of the Israel Income Tax Ordinance (New Version), 1961 (ITO), i.e., once you have
sold the shares issued pursuant to the restricted stock units or requested that the shares be
transferred by the trustee appointed to hold them in trust according to the provisions of Section
102 of the ITO.
You should consult with your personal tax advisor regarding the potential tax consequences of
the offer to exchange before making any decision to participate in the exchange.
If Favorable Tax Ruling is Not Granted
If, in the tax ruling that NetApp is seeking from the ITA, the ITA does not confirm that the
exchange is not taxable and you are subject to tax upon the exchange of your eligible vested
options, then if you subsequently forfeit the restricted stock units received in the exchange
before they vest, you will not be entitled to a refund of the amount on which you paid tax at the
time of the exchange.
Note : The information below assumes that the restricted stock units have been granted under
the capital gains route of Section 102 of the ITO, pursuant to which the restricted stock units
and any shares acquired upon vesting of your restricted stock units will be held in trust by a
trustee designated by
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NetApp for the requisite lock-up period. Under the capital gains route, the lock-up period is
24 months from the grant date , i.e., the date of the exchange.
Grant of Restricted Stock Units
You will not be subject to income tax or social insurance contributions (national insurance
and health tax) when the restricted stock units are granted to you.
Cash Payments
If you receive cash payments in exchange for your stock options, any cash payments made will
be taxed as ordinary employment income at progressive rates.
Vesting
You will not be subject to income tax or social insurance contributions when your restricted
stock units vest and shares are issued to the trustee.
Exit Tax
If you cease to be a resident of Israel, the taxation of your assets (including any restricted
stock units and/or shares) may be affected.
Please consult your personal tax advisor regarding the tax treatment of your restricted stock
units and/or shares if you cease to be a resident of Israel.
Sale of Shares
Provided that you do not sell or have the shares transferred from the trustee before the
expiration of the requisite 24 month lock-up period and have otherwise complied with the
requirements of the capital gains route, the gain from the sale of shares will be taxed as follows:
(a) On the date of sale, you will be subject to income tax at your progressive rate and social
insurance contributions on the fair market value of the shares subject to the restricted stock
units at the date of grant less any expenses incurred in connection with the sale, but not more
than the actual gain derived upon sale. For this purpose, the fair market value of the shares on
the date of grant is deemed to be the average price of NetApp stock over the 30 trading days
preceding the date of grant.
(b) In addition, if the sale price (i.e., the consideration received for the shares on the
date of sale or their fair market value if the taxable event is a result of the transfer of the
shares out of the custody of the trustee) of the shares is greater than the fair market value of
the shares at grant (determined as described above under (a)), you will realize a capital gain. The
capital gain will be taxed at a flat rate of 25%.
If you sell the shares or have the shares transferred to you from the trustee before the
expiration of the requisite 24-month lock-up period, you will be subject to income tax at your
progressive rate and social insurance contributions on the sale price of the shares or the fair
market value of the shares when they are transferred to you, as applicable.
Withholding and Reporting
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The trustee will report the grant of restricted stock units, as well as the sale of the shares
(or the transfer of the shares, if the shares are transferred to you prior to sale) to the ITA. The
trustee will also withhold any applicable income tax and social insurance contributions when you
sell the shares (or when the shares are transferred to you, unless you have otherwise settled your
tax liability with the ITA and the trustee has received in advance a written acknowledgment
thereof).
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SCHEDULE K
GUIDE TO TAX & LEGAL ISSUES IN ITALY
The following is a general summary of the material tax consequences of the voluntary
cancellation of eligible options in exchange for the grant of restricted stock units for eligible
employees subject to tax in Italy. This summary is based on the tax laws in effect in Italy as of
April 2009. This summary is general in nature and does not discuss all of the tax consequences that
may be relevant to you in light of your particular circumstances, nor is it intended to be
applicable in all respects to all categories of eligible employees. Please note that tax laws
change frequently and occasionally on a retroactive basis. As a result, the information contained
in this summary may be out of date at the time the restricted stock units are granted, the
restricted stock units vest or you sell shares acquired upon vesting of the restricted stock units.
This summary may also include other country-specific requirements that may affect your
participation in the offer.
If you are a citizen or resident of more than one country, or are considered a resident of
more than one country for local law purposes, the information contained in this summary may not be
applicable to you. Accordingly, you are strongly advised to seek appropriate professional advice as
to how the tax or other laws in your country apply to your specific situation.
Tax Information
Option Exchange
You will not be subject to tax as a result of the exchange of eligible options for the grant
of restricted stock units.
Grant of Restricted Stock Units
You will not be subject to tax when restricted stock units are granted to you.
Cash Payments
If you receive cash payments in exchange for your stock options, the cash you receive will be
subject to tax and social insurance contributions, as income from employment, at the time of the
payment.
Vesting of Restricted Stock Units
You will be subject to income tax and social insurance contributions when the restricted stock
units vest and shares are issued to you. You will be taxed on the fair market value of the shares
issued to you. Please note that, for Italian tax purposes, the fair market value of shares
negotiated in a regulated market is the average of the closing prices of the shares on the
aforesaid market over the thirty days prior to the date of the issue.
You should note that the decree-law 25th of June 2008, n. 112 introduced an exemption from
social insurance contributions for the employment income arising from the issue of shares made
starting from the 25th June 2008 on the basis of stock option plans. Therefore, before
you decide to participate in
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the offer, you should carefully consider the difference between the social insurance treatment
of options and restricted stock units in Italy.
Sale of Shares
When you subsequently sell any shares acquired at vesting, you will be subject to capital
gains tax on any gain you realize. The taxable gain will be the difference between the sale price
and the fair market value of the shares as above indicated at vesting.
The capital gain will be taxed at a rate of 12.5% provided the shares are a non-qualified
shareholding. For this purpose, a shareholding will be a non-qualified shareholding if the shares
represent 2% or less of the voting rights and 5% or less of the outstanding shares of NetApp, which
is highly likely to be the case with your shares. In calculating your capital gain, you may
subtract certain capital losses and any expenses incurred to produce the gain, except interest. If
losses exceed gains, the difference can be carried forward for the next four years.
Provided the shares are a non-qualified shareholding, you may also elect to be taxed under one
of the following two alternative tax regimes. To be eligible for either of these methods, you must
deposit the shares with a broker authorized by the Italian Ministry of Finance.
Administered Saving Regime
Under the administered saving regime, you deposit the shares with an authorized broker, but
you retain the right to make investment decisions. The capital gain is calculated using the same
method and rate described above. Under this method, the broker pays the tax at the time of the
transaction, so that the capital gain is not included in your annual tax return. Losses from the
sale of the shares may be subtracted from the gains realized starting from the date of the sale
and, where losses exceed gains, the difference can be carried forward for the next four years.
Managed Savings Regime
Under the managed savings regime, you deposit the shares with an authorized broker and leave
the administration and investment decisions to the broker. In this case, capital gains tax is
levied not on the gain actually realized through the sale of the shares but on the difference
between the value of the investment portfolio at the end of the year and the value of the portfolio
at the beginning of the year, subject to some adjustment. The broker pays the tax at the end of the
year and, as under the administered saving regime, the capital gain is not included in your annual
tax return.
Withholding and Reporting
Your employer will withhold and report social insurance contributions, as well income tax, at
the vesting of the restricted stock units. It is your responsibility to report and pay any tax
resulting from the sale of shares, except that you will opt either for the administered saving
regime or the managed saving regime.
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Other Information
Exchange Control
You are required to report the following on your annual tax return: (1) transfers of cash or
shares to or from Italy exceeding 10,000 performed through brokers non-resident in Italy, (2) the
amount of foreign investments held at the end of the calendar year exceeding 10,000 through which
a foreign income taxable in Italy can be obtained, and (3) the amount of any transfers taking place
to and from Italy, as well as abroad, with regard to your foreign investments. Under certain
circumstances, you are exempt from these fulfillments if the foreign securities you hold are
administered or managed by a broker resident in Italy and the income deriving from such securities
is perceived through the same brokers.
K-3
SCHEDULE L
GUIDE TO TAX & LEGAL ISSUES IN JAPAN
The following is a general summary of the material tax consequences of the voluntary
cancellation of eligible options in exchange for the grant of restricted stock units for eligible
employees subject to tax in Japan. This summary is based on the tax laws in effect in Japan as of
April 2009. This summary is general in nature and does not discuss all of the tax consequences that
may be relevant to you in light of your particular circumstances, nor is it intended to be
applicable in all respects to all categories of eligible employees. Please note that tax laws
change frequently and occasionally on a retroactive basis. As a result, the information contained
in this summary may be out of date at the time the restricted stock units are granted, the
restricted stock units vest or you sell shares acquired upon vesting of the restricted stock units.
This summary may also include other country-specific requirements that may affect your
participation in the offer.
If you are a citizen or resident of more than one country, or are considered a resident of
more than one country for local law purposes, the information contained in this summary may not be
applicable to you. Accordingly, you are strongly advised to seek appropriate professional advice as
to how the tax or other laws in your country apply to your specific situation.
Tax Information
Option Exchange
You will likely not be subject to tax as a result of the exchange of eligible options for the
grant of restricted stock units. Please note, however, that the Japanese tax treatment of an option
exchange for restricted stock units is uncertain because there are no specific tax provisions
related to such an exchange. Therefore, we recommend that you consult with your personal tax
advisor regarding the potential tax consequences of the offer.
Grant of Restricted Stock Units
Although the tax treatment of restricted stock units is uncertain in Japan, under the current
practice of the tax authorities, you will likely not be subject to tax when the restricted stock
units are granted to you.
Cash Payments
If you receive cash payments in exchange for your stock options, you likely will be subject to
income tax when cash is paid out to you. This income will likely be characterized as remuneration
income.
Vesting of Restricted Stock Units
You likely will be subject to income tax when the restricted stock units vest and shares are
issued to you. You will be taxed on the fair market value of the shares issued to you. This income
will likely be characterized as remuneration income.
L-1
Sale of Shares
When you subsequently sell any shares acquired at vesting, you will be subject to capital
gains tax on any gain you realize. The taxable gain will be the difference between the sale price
and the fair market value of the shares at vesting. Generally, you will be subject to capital gains
tax at a flat rate of 20%. However, you may be eligible for a reduced tax rate if certain
conditions are met. Please consult with your personal tax advisor to find out if you are eligible
for a reduced rate.
Withholding and Reporting
Your employer will not withhold or report tax at the vesting of the restricted stock units. It
is your responsibility to report and pay any tax resulting from the cash payment, the vesting of
the restricted stock units and the sale of shares.
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SCHEDULE M
GUIDE TO TAX & LEGAL ISSUES IN KOREA
The following is a general summary of the material tax consequences of the voluntary
cancellation of eligible options in exchange for the grant of restricted stock units for eligible
employees subject to tax in Korea. This summary is based on the tax laws in effect in Korea as of
April 2009. This summary is general in nature and does not discuss all of the tax consequences that
may be relevant to you in light of your particular circumstances, nor is it intended to be
applicable in all respects to all categories of eligible employees. Please note that tax laws
change frequently and occasionally on a retroactive basis. As a result, the information contained
in this summary may be out of date at the time the restricted stock units are granted, the
restricted stock units vest or you sell shares acquired upon vesting of the restricted stock units.
This summary also includes other country-specific requirements that may affect your
participation in the offer.
If you are a citizen or resident of more than one country, or are considered a resident of
more than one country for local law purposes, the information contained in this summary may not be
applicable to you. Accordingly, you are strongly advised to seek appropriate professional advice as
to how the tax or other laws in your country apply to your specific situation.
Tax Information
Option Exchange
You will likely not be subject to tax as a result of the exchange of eligible options for the
grant of restricted stock units.
Grant of Restricted Stock Units
You will not be subject to tax when restricted stock units are granted to you.
Cash Payments
If you receive cash payments in exchange for your stock options, you will be subject to income
tax and social insurance contributions (to the extent you have not exceeded the applicable
contribution ceilings) on the cash payment upon receipt of the cash payment.
Vesting of Restricted Stock Units
You will be subject to income tax and social insurance contributions (to the extent you have
not exceeded the applicable contribution ceilings) when the restricted stock units vest and shares
are issued to you. You will be taxed on the fair market value of the shares issued to you.
Sale of Shares
When you subsequently sell any shares acquired at vesting, you will be subject to capital
gains tax on any gain you realize, unless the gain you realize from the sale of shares in that year
is less than the exempt amount (which is currently KRW2,500,00 per year per type of asset sold).
Thus, any gain you
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realize on stock assets that exceeds KRW2,500,000 will be subject to capital gains tax and, in
this case, the taxable gain will be the difference between the sale price and the fair market value
of the shares at vesting. You will not be subject to the securities transaction tax when you sell
the shares.
Withholding and Reporting
Since your employer will not directly bear the cost of the restricted stock units, your
employer will not withhold or report income tax at the vesting of the restricted stock units nor
withhold social insurance contributions (if applicable).
It is your responsibility to report and pay any tax resulting from the vesting of the
restricted stock units and the sale of shares. You must file a tax return with the National Tax
Service and pay any applicable tax by May 31 of the year following the year in which the taxable
event occurs. Alternatively, you may join a taxpayers association whereby you routinely report
your overseas income, in which case you will be eligible for a 10% tax deduction.
Other Information
Exchange Control
Exchange control laws require Korean residents who realize US$500,000 or more from the sale of
shares to repatriate the proceeds to Korea within 18 months of the sale.
M-2
SCHEDULE N
GUIDE TO TAX & LEGAL ISSUES IN THE NETHERLANDS
The following is a general summary of the material tax consequences of the voluntary
cancellation of eligible options in exchange for the grant of restricted stock units for eligible
employees subject to tax in the Netherlands. This summary is based on the tax laws in effect in the
Netherlands as of April 2009. This summary is general in nature and does not discuss all of the tax
consequences that may be relevant to you in light of your particular circumstances, nor is it
intended to be applicable in all respects to all categories of eligible employees. Please note that
tax laws change frequently and occasionally on a retroactive basis. As a result, the information
contained in this summary may be out of date at the time the restricted stock units are granted,
the restricted stock units vest or you sell shares acquired upon vesting of the restricted stock
units.
This summary may also include other country-specific requirements that may affect your
participation in the offer.
If you are a citizen or resident of more than one country, or are considered a resident of
more than one country for local law purposes, the information contained in this summary may not be
applicable to you. Accordingly, you are strongly advised to seek appropriate professional advice as
to how the tax or other laws in your country apply to your specific situation.
Tax Information
Option Exchange and Grant of Restricted Stock Units
Under general tax principles in the Netherlands, you will likely be subject to income tax and
social insurance contributions (to the extent you have not already reached the applicable
contribution ceilings) upon the exchange of eligible unvested and vested options for the grant of
restricted stock units. However, NetApp has applied for a tax ruling from the Dutch tax
authorities that may confirm that the exchange of your eligible unvested and vested options for
restricted stock units will not be considered a taxable event and will not trigger any immediate
tax liability.
Upon Exchange if Favorable Tax Ruling is Not Granted
If, in the tax ruling that NetApp is seeking from the Dutch tax authorities, the Dutch tax
authorities do not confirm that the exchange is not taxable and you are subject to tax upon the
exchange of your eligible (un)vested options, you will be taxed on the value of the new restricted
stock units granted to you. For the purpose of determining the value of the restricted stock units,
we will use standard valuation techniques with which the Dutch tax authorities may or may not
agree. If your options vested for the first time prior to January 1, 2005 and were subject to
taxation upon vesting of the options, the position can be taken that you will not be subject to
taxation upon the exchange of options (i.e. the Dutch tax authorities may take a different view).
Please note that, if you terminate your service before the restricted stock units received in
the exchange vest and, therefore, the restricted stock units are forfeited, you may not be entitled
to a refund of the amount on which you paid tax at the time of the exchange.
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Cash Payments
If you receive cash payments in exchange for your stock options, you will recognize ordinary
income for Dutch income tax purposes on the date the cash payments are made to them, subject to
applicable wage tax withholding.
You should consult with your personal tax advisor regarding the potential tax consequences of
the offer to exchange before making any decision to participate in the exchange.
Note: The information below assumes that the Dutch tax authorities do not confirm that the
exchange is not taxable and you are subject to tax upon the exchange of your eligible vested
options.
Vesting of Restricted Stock Units
You will be subject to income tax and social insurance contributions (to the extent you have
not already reached the applicable contribution ceilings) when the restricted stock units vest and
shares are issued to you. You will be taxed on the fair market value of the shares issued to you,
less the value on which you paid tax at the time of the exchange.
Sale of Shares
When you subsequently sell any shares acquired at vesting, you will not be subject to capital
gains tax, provided you hold less than a 5% interest in NetApp as a private investment.
Investment Tax
For personal income tax purposes the shares will form part of an employees net wealth (Box
3). Net wealth generates an annual notional income of 4% which is taxed at 30% (effective rate of
1.2%). An exemption is available on the first 20,661 (for 2009) of the average value of the assets
held during the relevant calendar year.
Withholding and Reporting
Your employer will withhold and report income tax and social insurance contributions (if
applicable) at the time of the exchange (if applicable) and at the vesting of the restricted stock
units. It is your responsibility to report and pay any investment tax resulting from any shares
acquired at vesting of the restricted stock units.
Other Information
Securities Notice
You should be aware of the Dutch insider trading rules which may impact the sale of shares
acquired at vesting of the restricted stock units. In particular, you may be prohibited from
effecting certain share transactions if you have insider information about NetApp. If you are
uncertain whether the insider trading rules apply to you, you should consult with your personal
legal advisor.
N-2
SCHEDULE O
GUIDE TO TAX & LEGAL ISSUES IN SINGAPORE
The following is a general summary of the material tax consequences of the voluntary
cancellation of eligible options in exchange for the grant of restricted stock units for eligible
employees subject to tax in Singapore. This summary is based on the tax laws in effect in Singapore
as of April 2009. This summary is general in nature and does not discuss all of the tax
consequences that may be relevant to you in light of your particular circumstances, nor is it
intended to be applicable in all respects to all categories of eligible employees. Please note that
tax laws change frequently and occasionally on a retroactive basis. As a result, the information
contained in this summary may be out of date at the time the restricted stock units are granted,
the restricted stock units vest or you sell shares acquired upon vesting of the restricted stock
units.
This summary may also include other country-specific requirements that may affect your
participation in the offer.
If you are a citizen or resident of more than one country, or are considered a resident of
more than one country for local law purposes, the information contained in this summary may not be
applicable to you. Accordingly, you are strongly advised to seek appropriate professional advice as
to how the tax or other laws in your country apply to your specific situation.
Tax Information
Option Exchange
The Singapore income tax position on whether the exchange constitutes a taxable event is
uncertain. We are seeking a ruling from the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) to
clarify that you will not be subject to tax as a result of the exchange of eligible options for the
grant of restricted stock units.
If we are unable to obtain a positive ruling from the IRAS confirming that the exchange does
not constitute a taxable event or if IRAS should take the view that the exchange constitutes a
taxable event, then the taxable amount is the open market value of the shares you are entitled to
acquire under the surrendered options at the time of the exchange, less any amount paid for the
shares. Please note that, if you terminate your service before the restricted stock units received
in the exchange vest, you may not be entitled to a refund of the amount on which you paid tax at
the time of the exchange.
Grant of the Restricted Stock Units
As mentioned above, we are seeking a ruling from IRAS to clarify that you will not be subject
to tax when restricted stock units are granted to you.
Cash Payments
If you receive cash payments in exchange for your stock options, you will be viewed as having
released the eligible options and this constitutes a taxable event. We are seeking a ruling from
the IRAS to clarify that you will be taxed on the cash received for the surrender of the eligible
options. Based on the existing tax legislation, the taxable amount in the case of such a release
is the open market value of
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the shares you are entitled to acquire under the surrendered options at the time of the
exchange, less any amount paid for the shares. As such, if we are unable to obtain a positive
ruling from IRAS confirming that the taxable amount is the cash received by you in consideration of
your release of the eligible options, then the taxable amount shall be the open market value of the
shares you are entitled to acquire under the surrendered options at the time of the exchange, less
any amount paid for the shares.
Vesting of Restricted Stock Units
You will be subject to income tax when your restricted stock units vest. The taxable amount
will be the price of the shares in the open market on the date of vesting, less any amount paid for
the shares. You will be subject to tax if you were employed in Singapore when the restricted stock
units were granted to you, regardless of where you are located when your restricted stock units
vest.
You will not be subject to Central Provident Fund (CPF) contributions when your restricted
stock units vest and the shares are issued to you.
Sale of Shares
When you subsequently sell any shares acquired at vesting, you will not be subject to capital
gains tax unless you are engaged in the business of buying and selling securities.
Withholding and Reporting
Your employer is not required to withhold or report income tax when the restricted stock units
vest and shares are issued to you. Your employer will prepare and give you a report (either in Form
IR8A or in another format) of your salary information, including the amount of the gain at vesting,
which you must file with your annual income tax return to the IRAS. You are responsible for paying
any tax resulting from the vesting of restricted stock units once the IRAS reviews your income tax
return and assesses the tax.
However, if you are neither a Singapore citizen nor a Singapore permanent resident, or if you
are a Singapore permanent resident who intends to leave Singapore permanently, different rules will
apply to you and you are advised to consult with your personal tax advisor.
Other Information
Securities Information
This Offer of Exchange has not been lodged or registered as a prospectus with the Monetary
Authority of Singapore. Accordingly, this Offer of Exchange and any other document or material in
connection with the offer or sale, or invitation for subscription or purchase, of restricted sock
units may not be circulated or distributed, nor may the restricted stock units be offered or sold,
or be made the subject of an invitation for subscription or purchase, whether directly or
indirectly, to persons in Singapore other than (i) to a qualifying person under Section 273(1)(f)
of the Securities and Futures Act, Chapter 289 of Singapore (the Act) or (ii) otherwise pursuant
to, and in accordance with the conditions of, any other applicable provision of the Act.
O-2
SCHEDULE P
GUIDE TO TAX & LEGAL ISSUES IN SPAIN
The following is a general summary of the material tax consequences of the voluntary
cancellation of eligible options in exchange for the grant of restricted stock units for eligible
employees subject to tax in Spain. This summary is based on the law in effect in Spain as of April
2009. This summary is general in nature and does not discuss all of the tax consequences that may
be relevant to you in light of your particular circumstances, nor is it intended to be applicable
in all respects to all categories of eligible employees. Please note that tax laws change
frequently and occasionally on a retroactive basis. As a result, the information contained in this
summary may be out of date at the time the restricted stock units are granted, the restricted stock
units vest or you sell shares acquired upon vesting of the restricted stock units.
This summary also includes other country-specific requirements that may affect your
participation in the offer.
If you are a citizen or resident of more than one country, or are considered a resident of
more than one country for local law purposes, the information contained in this summary may not be
applicable to you. Accordingly, you are strongly advised to seek appropriate professional advice as
to how the tax or other laws in your country apply to your specific situation.
Tax Information
Option Exchange
Because the stock options were not transferable and the restricted stock units are not
transferable during the vesting period, you likely will not be subject to tax as a result of the
exchange of eligible options for the grant of restricted stock units.
Grant of Restricted Stock Units
You will not be subject to tax when the restricted stock units are granted to you.
Cash Payments
If you receive cash payments in exchange for your stock options, the cash receipt will be
considered ordinary income subject to income tax (including withholding tax) and social security
contributions in Spain.
Vesting of Restricted Stock Units
You will be subject to income tax when the restricted stock units vest and shares are issued
to you. You will be taxed on the fair market value of the shares issued to you on the date of
vesting. This amount will likely be considered compensation in-kind subject to payment on account.
Please note that, under certain circumstances, income generated during a period of two (2)
years or more may be subject to certain reductions for tax purposes. Please confer with your tax
advisor to determine if this reduction is available to you.
P-1
Notwithstanding the above, because the restricted stock units are settled in shares, you may
be entitled to a tax exemption on the first 12,000 of the income recognized when the shares are
issued to you, in any twelve (12) month period, provided the following conditions are met: (i) you
hold the shares acquired upon vesting for at least three (3) years; (ii) you and your close
relatives do not own more than 5% of the capital of NetApp or one of its affiliates; and (iii) the
grant of restricted stock units is part of the general compensation policy of NetApp.
If you sell your shares prior to the expiration of the three (3) year period, taxable income
will arise at the moment of sale, and it will be your responsibility to file a supplemental tax
return for the tax year in which the shares were issued to you. Please confer with your tax advisor
to determine if this exemption is available to you.
Social insurance contributions will also be due on the taxable amount for which the exemption
above does not apply, unless the applicable contribution ceiling has already been met.
Sale of Shares
When you subsequently sell the shares acquired upon vesting, you will be subject to tax on any
gain you realize. The taxable gain will be calculated as the difference between the sale price and
the acquisition cost. The acquisition cost will include any amount considered for personal income
tax purposes as compensation in-kind. Thus, if you included all the shares received upon vesting as
compensation in-kind, you would include this amount as your acquisition cost. If a portion of the
taxable amount was excluded at vesting due to the exemption described above, you probably would
still have to include the exempted amount in your acquisition cost. You should consult your tax
advisor at the time of sale to determine the appropriate acquisition cost.
Any capital gain derived as a consequence of the sale of the shares will be taxable at an 18%
flat rate.
Withholding and Reporting
The taxable amount at vesting likely will be considered compensation in-kind and assuming that
the 12,000 exemption is applicable, the excess from such amount will be subject to a payment on
account obligation. The payment on account obligation will be charged to you. You will be entitled
to deduct the payment on account and obtain a tax credit from your income tax obligation.
In addition, the employer will withhold social insurance contributions from the taxable amount
at vesting, unless you have already exceeded the applicable contribution ceiling.
The Company may redeem a sufficient number of shares of common stock issued when restricted
stock units vest to satisfy the payment on account and social insurance withholding obligation.
Alternatively, it may withhold from your salary or from the proceeds of the sale of the shares.
Other Information
Exchange Control Information
You must comply with exchange control regulations in Spain. The shares received upon vesting
must be declared, for statistical purposes, by filing a form with the Spanish Dirección General de
Comercio e Inversiones (the DGCI) of the Ministerio de Economía . Among other circumstances, if
the shares received amount to, at least, 1.5 million, a filing to the Registro de Inversiones is
also required.
P-2
If you receive the shares through a Spanish financial institution (i.e., a broker operating in
Spain), that institution will automatically make the declaration to the DGCI on your behalf.
Otherwise, you must make the declaration by filing the appropriate form with the DGCI.
When receiving foreign currency payments derived from the ownership of NetApp shares (i.e.,
from the sale of shares or receipt of dividends), you must inform the financial institution
receiving the payment of the basis upon which such payment is made. You will need to provide the
institution with the following information: (i) your name, address, and fiscal identification
number; (ii) the name and corporate domicile of NetApp; (iii) the amount of the payment; (iv) the
currency used; (v) the country of origin of the payment received; (vi) the reason for the payment;
and (vii) any additional information that may be required.
P-3
SCHEDULE Q
GUIDE TO TAX & LEGAL ISSUES IN SWEDEN
The following is a general summary of the material tax consequences of the voluntary
cancellation of eligible options in exchange for the grant of restricted stock units for eligible
employees subject to tax in Sweden. This summary is based on the law in effect in Sweden as of
April 2009. This summary is general in nature and does not discuss all of the tax consequences that
may be relevant to you in light of your particular circumstances, nor is it intended to be
applicable in all respects to all categories of eligible employees. Please note that tax laws
change frequently and occasionally on a retroactive basis. As a result, the information contained
in this summary may be out of date at the time the restricted stock units are granted, the
restricted stock units vest or you sell shares acquired upon vesting of the restricted stock units.
This summary also includes other country-specific requirements that may affect your
participation in the offer.
If you are a citizen or resident of more than one country, or are considered a resident of
more than one country for local law purposes, the information contained in this summary may not be
applicable to you. Accordingly, you are strongly advised to seek appropriate professional advice as
to how the tax or other laws in your country apply to your specific situation.
Tax Information
Option Exchange
You will not be subject to tax as a result of the voluntary exchange of existing options for
the grant of restricted stock units.
Grant of Restricted Stock Units
You will not be subject to tax when the restricted stock units are granted to you.
Cash Payments
If you receive cash payments in exchange for your stock options, you will be subject to income
tax when you receive cash payments in exchange for the stock options. Additionally, your employer
will be required to pay social insurance contributions.
Vesting of Restricted Stock Units
You will be subject to income tax when the restricted stock units vest and shares are issued
to you. You will be taxed on the fair market value of the shares paid to you on the date of
vesting. This amount is considered regular salary and is taxed progressively. Additionally, the
taxable amount will be subject to social insurance contributions payable by your employer.
Sale of Shares
If you acquire shares upon vesting, when the shares are sold, any capital gain is taxed at a
flat rate of 30%. The gain is calculated as the difference between the sale proceeds and the fair
market value of the
Q-1
shares at vesting. As an alternative, you may choose to be taxed on 80% of the sale proceeds,
provided NetApp shares are listed on an exchange (e.g., Nasdaq Global Select Market).
If the sale results in a capital loss, that loss is deductible against certain types of
capital gains during the same year. A tax deduction corresponding to a percentage of the loss is
allowed to the extent the loss cannot be offset against capital gains in the same year.
Withholding and Reporting
Your employer is required to report and withhold employment income tax at vesting. In
addition, your employer is required to pay social insurance contributions on the taxable income at
vesting. The Company may redeem a sufficient number of shares of common stock issued when
restricted stock units vest to satisfy the tax and social insurance contribution withholding
obligation. Alternatively, it may withhold from your salary or from the proceeds of the sale of the
shares.
You must report the taxable income in your annual income tax return (Sw. självdeklaration). It
is also your responsibility to report and pay any taxes resulting from the sale of your shares or
receipt of any dividends. You are advised to explicitly describe the background of how you received
your restricted stock units and that they replaced existing stock options in order for the tax
agency to accurately assess any taxable benefit.
Q-2
SCHEDULE R
GUIDE TO TAX & LEGAL ISSUES IN SWITZERLAND
The following is a general summary of the material tax consequences of the voluntary
cancellation of eligible options in exchange for the grant of restricted stock units for eligible
employees subject to tax in Switzerland. This summary is based on the tax laws in effect in
Switzerland as of April 2009. This summary is general in nature and does not discuss all of the tax
consequences that may be relevant to you in light of your particular circumstances, nor is it
intended to be applicable in all respects to all categories of eligible employees. Please note that
tax laws change frequently and occasionally on a retroactive basis. As a result, the information
contained in this summary may be out of date at the time the restricted stock units are granted,
the restricted stock units vest or you sell shares acquired upon vesting of the restricted stock
units.
This summary may also include other country-specific requirements that may affect your
participation in the offer.
If you are a citizen or resident of more than one country, or are considered a resident of
more than one country for local law purposes, the information contained in this summary may not be
applicable to you. Accordingly, you are strongly advised to seek appropriate professional advice as
to how the tax or other laws in your country apply to your specific situation.
Tax Information
Option Exchange
You will likely not be subject to tax as a result of the exchange of eligible options for the
grant of restricted stock units.
Grant of Restricted Stock Units
You will not be subject to tax when restricted stock units are granted to you.
Cash Payments
If you receive cash payments in exchange for your stock options, the cash payments will most
likely be subject to income tax (including federal, cantonal and municipal tax) and social security
contributions.
Vesting of Restricted Stock Units
You will be subject to income tax (including federal, cantonal and municipal tax) and social
security contributions when the restricted stock units vest. You will be taxed on the fair market
value of the shares issued to you on the date of vesting.
If you move from your canton of residence before the restricted stock units vest, you may be
subject to a pro-rated exit tax depending on the applicable cantonal tax legislation and the
practice of the tax authorities. If you have already been subject to income tax and social security
contributions upon grant or vesting of your stock options, you will most likely not get any refund
or credit for taxes and social security contributions paid upon cancellation of your stock options
in exchange for the grant of
R-1
restricted stock units. There is, therefore, a risk of paying income tax and social security
contributions twice, once for the stock options and once upon vesting of the restricted stock
units. Please consult your personal tax advisor regarding any exit tax that may apply if you are
moving from your canton of residence.
Net Wealth
Any shares issued to you upon vesting of your restricted stock units will become part of your
net wealth, which is subject to the net wealth tax levied at the cantonal and municipal levels.
Sale of Shares
When you subsequently sell any shares acquired at vesting, you will not be subject for income
tax purposes to capital gains tax provided the shares are held as private assets and provided you
do not qualify as professional securities dealer for income tax purposes.
Withholding and Reporting
If you are subject to ordinary tax assessment (i.e., if you are a Swiss national or a foreign
employee holding a C residence permit), your employer is not required to withhold income tax at
vesting, but is required to withhold social security contributions on the fair market value of the
shares issued to you. Your employer will report the grant and vesting of the restricted stock units
on the annual certificate of salary (Lohnausweis) and on an annex to the annual certificate
(so-called Beiblatt zum Lohnausweis) which are both issued to you as of the end of the calendar
year during which the restricted stock units are granted and vest. You are responsible for
attaching the certificate of salary to your income and wealth tax return and for paying any tax
resulting from the restricted stock units. In addition, you must declare the restricted stock units
and any shares acquired at vesting in the statement on bank accounts and securities
(Wertschriftenverzeichnis) that you are required to file with your income and wealth tax return.
If you are subject to income taxation at source (i.e., if you are a foreign employee holding a
B permit or a cross-border employee), your employer is required to withhold and report salary
withholding tax and social security contributions on the fair market value of the shares issued to
you at vesting. Depending on the amount of your annual income in Switzerland, you may be required
to file a tax return and pay additional tax (or receive a refund) when the tax administration
computes the exact amount of tax due.
R-2
SCHEDULE S
GUIDE TO TAX & LEGAL ISSUES IN THE UNITED KINGDOM
The following is a general summary of the material tax consequences of the voluntary
cancellation of eligible options in exchange for the grant of restricted stock units for eligible
employees subject to tax in the United Kingdom (the U.K.). This summary is based on the tax laws
in effect in the U.K. as of April 2009. This summary is general in nature and does not discuss all
of the tax consequences that may be relevant to you in light of your particular circumstances, nor
is it intended to be applicable in all respects to all categories of eligible employees. Please
note that tax laws change frequently and occasionally on a retroactive basis. As a result, the
information contained in this summary may be out of date at the time the restricted stock units are
granted, the restricted stock units vest or you sell shares acquired upon vesting of the restricted
stock units.
This summary may also include other country-specific requirements that may affect your
participation in the offer.
If you are a citizen or resident of more than one country or are considered a resident of more
than one country for local law purposes, or if you are not treated as resident and ordinarily
resident in the U.K., the information contained in this summary may not be applicable to you.
Accordingly, you are strongly advised to seek appropriate professional advice as to how the tax or
other laws in your country apply to your specific situation.
Tax Information
Option Exchange
You will likely not be subject to tax as a result of the exchange of eligible options for the
grant of restricted stock units.
Grant of Restricted Stock Units
You will not be subject to tax when restricted stock units are granted to you.
Cash Payments
If you receive cash payments in exchange for your stock options, the cash payment will be
subject to income tax and employee National Insurance contributions (NICs) which will be deducted
by your employer.
Vesting of Restricted Stock Units
You will be subject to income tax and employee NICs when the restricted stock units vest and
shares are issued to you. You will be taxed on the fair market value of the shares issued to you.
Sale of Shares
When you subsequently sell any shares acquired at vesting, you will be subject to capital
gains tax if your total capital gain exceeds the annual exemption amount (£10,100 for the tax year
April 6, 2009
S-1
to April 5, 2010), in which case you will be subject to tax at a flat rate of 18% on the
difference between the sale price and the fair market value of the shares at vesting.
Please note that, as of April 6, 2008, taper relief was abolished and capital gains tax is
payable as described herein.
Withholding and Reporting
Your employer is required to calculate income tax and NICs and pay these amounts to Her
Majestys Revenue & Customs (HMRC) when you receive either a cash payment in exchange for your
options or shares upon vesting of your restricted stock units. Your employer will withhold any
applicable income tax and NICs under the Pay As You Earn system or by any other means set forth in
your option agreement or restricted stock unit agreement as applicable.
Your employer is also required to report the grant and vesting of the restricted stock units,
the acquisition of shares and the tax withheld on its annual tax returns filed with HMRC.
In addition to your employers reporting obligations, it is your responsibility to report any
income resulting from the vesting of the restricted stock units and the sale of shares on your
annual tax return. It is also your responsibility to pay any tax resulting from the sale of shares.
S-2
exv99wxayx1yxby
Exhibit (a)(1)(B)
FORM OF EMAIL ANNOUNCEMENT OF OFFER TO EXCHANGE
Date: May 22, 2009
Subject: Stock Option Exchange Program
To: [Eligible Option holder]
We are pleased to announce that today, NetApp officially launched the stock option exchange program
(offer or option exchange). The offer will remain open until June 19, 2009 at 9:00 p.m., U.S.
Pacific Time. The Offer is voluntary, and you may take advantage of the offer to exchange your
options for new RSUs, if your options meet the following conditions (eligible options):
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The option was granted prior to June 20, 2008 with an
exercise price per share equal to or greater
than $22.00. |
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The option remains outstanding and unexercised on the expiration date of the offer,
scheduled to be June 19, 2009. |
In addition, for your options to be exchanged for new RSUs, you must be employed by NetApp (or a
subsidiary of NetApp) throughout the exchange period in order to participate in the option
exchange.
We have set up a website dedicated to the option exchange at
https://netapp-exchange.equitybenefits.com. The offer website contains detailed
information regarding the offer, a list of your eligible options, and an on-line election process.
The specifics of the offer are described in the Offer to Exchange filed with the SEC on Schedule TO
and the related exhibits, which are available on the offer website. We urge you to read the Offer
to Exchange and the related exhibits carefully.
The offer website can be accessed both inside and outside of NetApp. In order to log into the
offer website, you must enter your NetApp user name and a temporary password. Your temporary
password is [PASSWORD]. Once logged in, you will be required to change your password before you
can access secure data.
If you have questions, or are not able to access the offer website, you can obtain copies of the
offer materials and Election Form by contacting optexch@netapp.com.
KEY DATES TO REMEMBER
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The commencement date of the offer is May 22, 2009. |
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The offer expires at 9:00 p.m., U.S. Pacific Time, on June 19, 2009. |
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The eligible options that have been exchanged will be cancelled on June 19, 2009, the
date of the expiration of the offer. |
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The Restricted Stock Units will be granted on June 19, 2009, the same date as the
expiration of the offer. |
exv99wxayx1yxcy
Exhibit (a)(1)(C)
NETAPP, INC.
OFFER TO EXCHANGE CERTAIN OUTSTANDING OPTIONS
FOR RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS
ELECTION FORM
Before signing this Election Form, please make sure you read and understand the documents that
make up this offer, including: (1) the Offer to Exchange Certain Outstanding Options for Restricted
Stock Units (referred to as the Offer to Exchange); (2) Announcement of the Offer to Exchange,
dated May 22, 2009; (3) this Election Form; and (4) the Withdrawal Form. The offer is subject to
the terms of these documents as they may be amended. The offer provides eligible employees who
hold Eligible Options (as defined in the Offer to Exchange) the opportunity to exchange these
options for new restricted stock units (RSUs) as set forth in Section 2 of the Offer to Exchange.
This offer expires at 9:00 p.m., U.S. Pacific Time, on June 19, 2009, unless the offer is
extended. PLEASE FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS ATTACHED TO THIS FORM.
If you participate in this offer, you may exchange your Eligible Options granted with an
exercise price greater than or equal to $22.00, a grant date prior to June 20, 2008, and that
remain outstanding and unexercised as of the expiration date of the Offer to Exchange. In
accordance with the terms outlined in the offer documents, the number of RSUs you receive will be
based on the exercise price of your exchanged options as described in Section 2 of the Offer to
Exchange. Each RSU that you receive in the exchange will vest in accordance with the schedule
described in Section 9 of the Offer to Exchange. Except as provided in the Offer to Exchange,
vesting on any date is subject to your continued service with NetApp through each relevant vesting
date. You will lose your rights to all exchanged options that are cancelled under the offer.
BY PARTICIPATING, YOU AGREE TO ALL TERMS OF THE OFFER AS SET FORTH IN THE OFFER DOCUMENTS.
If you would like to participate in this offer, please indicate your election by checking one
of the boxes below and completing and signing this Election Form. Please be sure to follow the
instructions, which are attached.
To participate in the offer to exchange some or all of your Eligible Options, you must sign,
date and deliver the completed and attached Election Form via facsimile or e-mail (via PDF or
similar imaged document file) by 9:00 p.m., U.S. Pacific Time, on June 19, 2009, unless the offer
is extended, to:
NetApp Exchange Team
E-mail: optexch@netapp.com
Fax: (408) 716-2633
Alternatively, you may complete and submit your election via the offer website at
https://netapp-exchange.equitybenefits.com by 9:00 p.m., U.S. Pacific Time, on June 19,
2009, unless the offer is extended.
Only responses that are complete, signed and actually received by the deadline will be
accepted. Responses must be submitted through the offer website, by facsimile or by e-mail.
Responses submitted by any other means, including hand delivery, interoffice mail or U.S. mail (or
other post) or Federal Express (or similar delivery service), are not permitted.
If you wish to participate in the offer, please check the appropriate box:
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Yes, I wish to participate in the offer as to ALL of my Eligible Options. All of my
Eligible Options will be cancelled irrevocably on June 19, 2009. |
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Yes, I wish to participate in the offer as to my Eligible Options listed below (please list): |
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Option Grant Number |
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My Eligible Options that are specifically listed above will be cancelled irrevocably
on
June 19, 2009.
I understand that this Election Form will replace any Election Form I previously submitted.
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Employee Name (Please print)
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Date and Time
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RETURN TO NETAPP VIA FACSIMILE AT (408) 716-2633 OR E-MAIL AT
OPTEXCH@NETAPP.COM NO LATER THAN
9:00 P.M., U.S. PACIFIC TIME, ON JUNE 19, 2009.
-2-
NETAPP, INC.
OFFER TO EXCHANGE CERTAIN OUTSTANDING OPTIONS
FOR RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS
INSTRUCTIONS TO THE ELECTION FORM
FORMING PART OF THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE OFFER
1. Delivery of Election Form.
A properly completed election must be received (i) via the offer website, or (ii) via
facsimile or e-mail (via PDF or similar imaged document file), on or before 9:00 p.m., U.S. Pacific
Time, on June 19, 2009 (referred to as the expiration date), unless the offer is extended.
Electing through the offer website
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Login to offer website at https://netapp-exchange.equitybenefits.com |
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Enter your NetApp user name and temporary password. Your temporary password
was sent via email on or about May 22, 2009. You will be required to create a new
password prior to accessing secure data. |
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Select Make an Election |
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Read the documents provided on the Election Information screen for complete
information on the Offer to Exchange. Select Make an Election |
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Select Yes or No under Elect to Exchange Eligible Options to indicate
your election to tender for exchange your eligible options. Select Next |
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Review your elections and, if correct, select Proceed to Confirmation |
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Read the Agreement to Terms of Election and select I Agree |
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Print Election Confirmation by selecting Print Confirmation |
Electing through facsimile or e-mail
If you choose not to utilize the offer website acceptance process, you may submit your
election by sending your acceptance by facsimile or e-mail by using the fax number or e-mail
address as provided below. You do not need to submit an election by facsimile or e-mail if you
accept the offer via the offer website. To send your election by facsimile or e-mail, you must do
the following on or before 9:00 p.m., U.S. Pacific Time, on the expiration date, currently expected
to be June 19, 2009:
1. Properly complete and sign the attached Election Form.
2. Deliver the completed and signed Election Form via facsimile or e-mail (via PDF or similar
imaged document file) to:
NetApp Exchange Team
E-mail: optexch@netapp.com
Fax: (408) 716-2633
If NetApp extends the offer, the completed Election Form must be received by NetApp by the
date and time of the extended expiration of the offer.
The delivery of all required documents, including Election Forms, is at your risk. Delivery
will be deemed made only when actually received by NetApp. In all cases, you should allow
sufficient time to ensure timely delivery.
-3-
If
your Election Form is submitted by facsimile or email, we intend to confirm the receipt of
your Election Form by e-mail within two (2) U.S. business
days. If you have not received such an e-mail confirmation, it is your responsibility to ensure
that your Election Form has been received by June 19, 2009. Confirmation statements for
submissions through the offer website may be obtained by clicking on the Print Confirmation
button after submitting your election or withdrawal. You should print and save a copy of the
confirmation for your records. Only responses that are complete and actually received by the
deadline will be accepted. Responses must be submitted by electing through the offer website,
facsimile or e-mail. Responses submitted by any other means, including interoffice mail or U.S.
mail (or other post) or Federal Express (or similar delivery service), are not permitted.
Our receipt of your Election Form is not by itself an acceptance of your Eligible Options for
exchange. For purposes of the offer, we will be deemed to have accepted options for exchange that
are validly tendered and not properly withdrawn as of when we give oral or written notice to the
option holders generally of our acceptance for exchange of such options, which notice may be made
by press release, e-mail or other method of communication.
Our acceptance constitutes an agreement.
Your election to exchange options constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions of
this offer. Our acceptance of your option for exchange will constitute a binding agreement between
NetApp and you upon the terms and subject to the conditions of this offer.
NetApp will not accept any alternative, conditional or contingent tenders. Although we intend
to send you an e-mail confirmation of receipt of this Election Form, by signing this Election Form,
you waive any right to receive any notice of the receipt of the tender of your options, except as
provided for in the Offer to Exchange. Any confirmation of receipt sent to you merely will be a
notification that we have received your Election Form and does not mean that your options have been
cancelled. Your exchanged options will be cancelled following the expiration of the offer but on
the same U.S. calendar day as the expiration of the offer. This offer is currently scheduled to
expire on June 19, 2009.
2. Withdrawal and Additional Tenders.
Tenders of Eligible Options made through the offer may be withdrawn at any time before
9:00 p.m., U.S. Pacific Time, on June 19, 2009. If NetApp extends the offer beyond that time, you
may withdraw your tendered options at any time until the extended expiration of the offer. In
addition, although NetApp currently intends to accept your validly tendered options promptly after
the expiration of the offer, if we have not accepted your options by 9:00 p.m., U.S. Pacific Time,
on July 21, 2009, you may withdraw your tendered options at any time thereafter.
To withdraw some or all of your tendered options you must deliver a properly completed
Withdrawal Form, via the offer website or by facsimile or e-mail (via PDF or similar imaged
document file), while you still have the right to withdraw the tendered options to:
NetApp Exchange Team
E-mail: optexch@netapp.com
Fax: (408) 716-2633
-4-
You may not rescind any withdrawal and any Eligible Options withdrawn will be deemed not
properly tendered for purposes of the offer, unless you properly re-elect to exchange those options
before the expiration date.
To re-elect to exchange some or all of your withdrawn options or to elect to exchange
additional Eligible Options, you must submit a new Election Form, via the offer website or by
facsimile or e-mail (via PDF or similar imaged document file), to:
NetApp Exchange Team
E-mail: optexch@netapp.com
Fax: (408) 716-2633
Your new Election Form must be submitted by the expiration date in accordance with the
procedures described in these instructions. Because any prior Election Form will be disregarded,
your new Election Form must list all Eligible Options you wish to exchange, not just those
you wish to add. Your new Election Form must include the required information regarding all of the
options you want to exchange and must be properly completed and dated after the date of your
original Election Form and any Withdrawal Form you have submitted. Upon the receipt of such a new,
properly completed and dated Election Form, any previously submitted Election Form or Withdrawal
Form will be disregarded and will be considered replaced in full by the new Election Form. You
will be bound by the last properly submitted Election Form and/or Withdrawal Form we receive by the
expiration date.
3. Tenders.
If you intend to tender options through the offer, you must tender all of your shares subject
to each eligible option grant, except as noted herein. However, you may pick and choose which of
your eligible option grants you wish to exchange. If you have exercised a portion of an eligible
option grant, your election will apply to the portion that remains outstanding and unexercised.
If an eligible option grant is subject to a domestic relations order (or comparable legal
document as the result of the end of a marriage), only the portion beneficially owned by you may be
tendered in the offer; such portion must be tendered for all remaining outstanding shares.
4. Signatures on this Election Form.
If this Election Form is signed by the holder of the Eligible Options, the signature must
correspond with the name as written on the face of the option agreement or agreements to which the
options are subject without alteration, enlargement or any change whatsoever. If your name has
been legally changed since your option agreement was signed, you may be asked to submit proof of
the legal name change.
If this Election Form is signed by a trustee, executor, administrator, guardian,
attorney-in-fact, officer of a corporation or other person acting in a fiduciary or representative
capacity, that person should so indicate when signing, and proper evidence satisfactory to NetApp
of the authority of that person to act in that capacity must be submitted with this Election Form.
Elections submitted via the offer website: Entering your username and password and
submitting the election via the offer website is the equivalent of signing your name on a paper
form and has the same legal effect as your written signature.
-5-
5. Other Information on this Election Form.
If you are submitting the Election Form by facsimile or e-mail, in addition to signing this
Election Form, you must print your name and indicate the date and time at which you signed. You
also must include a current e-mail address.
6. Requests for Assistance or Additional Copies.
You should direct questions about this offer and requests for additional copies of the Offer
to Exchange and the other offer documents to the NetApp Exchange Team at optexch@netapp.com.
7. Irregularities.
We will determine, in our discretion, all questions as to the form of documents and the
validity, form, eligibility, including time of receipt, and acceptance of any options. Our
determination of these matters will be final and binding on all parties. We reserve the right to
reject any Election Form or any options elected to be exchanged that we determine are not in
appropriate form or that we determine are unlawful to accept. We will accept all properly tendered
options that are not validly withdrawn. We also reserve the right to waive any of the conditions
of the offer or any defect or irregularity in any tender of any particular options or for any
particular option holder, provided that if we grant any such waiver, it will be granted with
respect to all option holders and tendered options. No tender of options will be deemed to have
been properly made until all defects or irregularities have been cured by the tendering option
holder or waived by us. Neither we nor any other person is obligated to give notice of any defects
or irregularities in tenders, nor will anyone incur any liability for failure to give any notice.
This is a one-time offer, and we will strictly enforce the election period, subject only to an
extension that we may grant in our discretion.
Important: The Election Form together with all other required documents must be
received before 9:00 p.m. U.S. Pacific Time on June 19, 2009 (unless the offer is extended) via the
offer website, facsimile or e-mail (via PDF or similar imaged document file) by:
NetApp Exchange Team
E-mail: optexch@netapp.com
Fax: (408) 716-2633
8. Additional Documents to Read.
You should be sure to read the Offer to Exchange, all documents referenced therein, and the
Frequently-Asked-Questions (FAQS), before deciding to participate in the offer.
9. Important Tax Information.
If you are a U.S. taxpayer, please refer to Section 14 of the Offer to Exchange, which
contains important tax information. If you are subject to tax in a country other than the U.S.,
please refer to Schedules C R of the Offer to Exchange for important tax information. We also
recommend that you consult with your personal tax advisors before making any decisions regarding
participation in, or withdrawal from, the offer.
10. Data Privacy.
To administer this offer, we must collect, use and transfer certain information regarding you
and your Eligible Options, including, but not limited to, your name, home address and telephone
number, date of birth, social insurance number or other identification number, salary, nationality,
job title, any shares of stock or directorships held in NetApp or its subsidiaries, and details of
all options or any other entitlement to shares of stock awarded, canceled, exercised, vested,
unvested or outstanding in your favor. Further, we may have to
-6-
pass that information on to third parties who are assisting with the offer. By submitting an
Election Form or a Withdrawal Form, you explicitly and unambiguously agree to such collection, use
and transfer, in electronic or other form, of your personal data by us and the third parties
assisting us with the offer, for the exclusive purpose of implementing, administering, and managing
your participation in this offer. By submitting an Election Form or a Withdrawal Form, you also
acknowledge and agree that:
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the parties receiving this data may be located outside of your country, and the
recipients country may have different data privacy laws and protections than your
country; |
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the data will be held only as long as necessary to implement, administer and
manage the program; |
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you can request from us a list with the names and addresses of any potential
recipients; |
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you can request additional information about how the data is stored and
processed; and |
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you can request that the data be amended if it is incorrect. |
If you are an option holder in certain foreign jurisdictions, you can withdraw your consent to
the collection, use and transfer of your data by contacting us. However, if you withdraw your
consent, it may affect your ability to participate in this offer. Please contact us if you have
any questions.
-7-
exv99wxayx1yxdy
Exhibit (a)(1)(D)
COMPLETE AND RETURN THIS FORM ONLY IF YOU HAVE
CHANGED YOUR MIND AND YOU DO NOT WANT TO EXCHANGE
SOME OR ALL OF YOUR ELIGIBLE OPTIONS
NETAPP, INC.
OFFER TO EXCHANGE CERTAIN OUTSTANDING OPTIONS
FOR RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS
WITHDRAWAL FORM
By now, you have received (1) a copy of the Offer to Exchange Certain Outstanding Options for
Restricted Stock Units (the Offer to Exchange); (2) the Announcement of the Offer to Exchange,
dated May 22, 2009; (3) an Election Form; and (4) this Withdrawal Form. You completed and
submitted an election, in which you elected to ACCEPT NetApps offer to exchange some or all of
your Eligible Options (as defined in the Offer to Exchange). You should submit this form only if
you now wish to change that election and REJECT NetApps offer to exchange some or all of your
Eligible Options.
To withdraw your election to exchange some or all of your Eligible Options, you must sign,
date and deliver the completed and attached Withdrawal Form via facsimile or e-mail (via PDF or
similar imaged document file) by 9:00 p.m., U.S. Pacific Time, on June 19, 2009 (unless we extend
the offer), to:
NetApp Exchange Team
E-mail: optexch@netapp.com
Fax: (408) 716-2633
Alternatively, you may complete and submit your withdrawal via the offer website at
https://netapp-exchange.equitybenefits.com by 9:00 p.m., U.S. Pacific Time, on June 19,
2009 (unless we extend the offer).
You should note that if you withdraw your acceptance of the offer with respect to some or all
of your Eligible Options, you will not receive any restricted stock units pursuant to the offer in
replacement for the withdrawn options. You will keep all of the options that you withdraw. These
options will continue to be governed by the option plan under which they were granted, and by the
existing option agreements between you and NetApp.
You may change this withdrawal, and again elect to exchange some or all of your Eligible
Options by submitting a new election to NetApp by 9:00 p.m., U.S. Pacific Time, on June 19, 2009
(unless we extend the offer).
Please check the appropriate box:
o I wish to withdraw my election to exchange and instead REJECT the Offer to Exchange all of my
options. I do not wish to exchange any options.
OR
o I wish to withdraw my election to exchange options as to my Eligible Options listed below
(please list). Any options previously elected to be exchanged by me in my most recent election but
not withdrawn below will remain elected for exchange in the offer. I do not wish to exchange these
listed options:
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Please sign this Withdrawal Form and print your name exactly as it appears on the Election
Form you previously submitted.
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Employee Name (Please print)
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Date and Time
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RETURN TO NETAPP VIA FACSIMILE AT (408) 716-2633 OR E-MAIL AT
OPTEXCH@NETAPP.COM NO LATER THAN
9:00 P.M., U.S. PACIFIC TIME, ON JUNE 19, 2009.
-2-
NETAPP, INC.
OFFER TO EXCHANGE CERTAIN OUTSTANDING OPTIONS
FOR RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS
WITHDRAWAL INSTRUCTIONS
FORMING PART OF THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE OFFER
1. Delivery of the Withdrawal.
A properly completed withdrawal must be received via the offer website or by facsimile or
e-mail (via PDF or similar imaged document file), on or before 9:00 p.m., U.S. Pacific Time, on
June 19, 2009 (referred to as the expiration date), unless we extend the offer.
Withdrawal through the offer website:
If you choose to utilize the offer website rather than submit your withdrawal by sending your
Withdrawal Form by facsimile or e-mail, you must do the following before the expiration date:
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Login to offer website at https://netapp-exchange.equitybenefits.com |
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Enter your NetApp user name and temporary password. Your temporary password
was sent via email on or about May 22, 2009. You will be required to create a new
password prior to accessing secure data. |
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Select Make an Election |
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Read the documents provided on Election Information screen for complete
information on the Offer to Exchange. Select Make an Election |
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Select Yes or No under Elect to Exchange Eligible Options to indicate
your election to tender for exchange your eligible options. Select Next |
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Review your elections and, if correct, select Proceed to Confirmation |
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Read the Agreement to Terms of Election and select I Agree |
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Print Election Confirmation by selecting Print Confirmation |
Withdrawal via Facsimile or E-mail:
If you choose not to utilize the offer website, you may submit your withdrawal by sending your
Withdrawal Form by facsimile or e-mail by using the fax number or e-mail address as provided below.
You do not need to submit your withdrawal by facsimile or e-mail if you already have done so via
the offer website. To send your withdrawal by facsimile or e-mail, you must do the following
before the expiration date:
1. Properly complete and sign the attached Withdrawal Form.
2. Deliver the completed and attached Withdrawal Form via facsimile or e-mail (via PDF or
similar imaged document file) to:
NetApp Exchange Team
E-mail: optexch@netapp.com
Fax: (408) 716-2633
If NetApp extends the offer, the properly completed withdrawal must be received by NetApp by
the date and time of the extended expiration of the offer.
-3-
The delivery of all required documents, including Withdrawal Forms, is at your risk. Delivery
will be deemed made only when actually received by NetApp. In all cases, you should allow
sufficient time to ensure timely delivery.
If
your Withdrawal Form is submitted by facsimile or email, we intend to confirm
the receipt of your Withdrawal Form by e-mail within two (2) U.S.
business days. If you have not received such an e-mail confirmation, it is your responsibility to
ensure that your Withdrawal Form has been received by June 19, 2009. Confirmation statements for
submissions through the offer website may be obtained by clicking on the Print Confirmation
button after submitting your election or withdrawal. You should print and save a copy of the
confirmation for your records. Only responses that are complete and actually received by the
deadline will be accepted. Responses must be submitted by electing through the offer website,
facsimile or e-mail. Responses submitted by any other means, including interoffice mail or U.S.
mail (or other post) or Federal Express (or similar delivery service), are not permitted.
Although by submitting a Withdrawal Form you have withdrawn some or all of your previously
tendered options from the offer, you may change your mind and re-elect to exchange some or all of
the withdrawn Eligible Options until the expiration of the offer. You should note that you may not
rescind any withdrawal and any Eligible Options withdrawn will not be deemed properly tendered for
purposes of the offer, unless you properly re-elect to exchange those options before the expiration
date. Tenders to re-elect to exchange Eligible Options may be made at any time before the
expiration date. If NetApp extends the offer beyond that time, you may re-tender your Eligible
Options at any time until the extended expiration date of the offer.
To re-elect to tender the withdrawn Eligible Options, you must either submit an election via
the offer website or deliver an Election Form with the required information via facsimile or e-mail
(via PDF or similar imaged document file), after the date of the last withdrawal but before
9:00 p.m., U.S. Pacific Time, on June 19, 2009 (unless we extend the offer), to:
NetApp Exchange Team
E-mail: optexch@netapp.com
Fax: (408) 716-2633
Your options will not be deemed properly tendered, or exchanged, for purposes of the offer
unless the withdrawn options are properly re-tendered for exchange before the expiration date by
delivery of a new election following the procedures described in the instructions to the election.
This new election must be received by us after your original election and any withdrawal you have
submitted. Upon the receipt of such a new, properly completed election, any previously submitted
elections and/or withdrawals will be disregarded and will be considered replaced in full by the new
election. Because any prior election will be disregarded, your new election must indicate
all Eligible Options you wish to exchange, not just those you wish to add. You will be
bound by the last properly submitted election and/or withdrawal received by us prior to the
expiration date.
Although it is our intent to send you an e-mail confirmation of receipt of this withdrawal, if
you submit your withdrawal via facsimile or e-mail, or provide a confirmation on the offer website
if you submit your withdrawal via the offer website, by completing and submitting this withdrawal,
you waive any right to receive any notice of the withdrawal of the tender of your Eligible Options.
2. Signatures on this Withdrawal.
If the withdrawal is being submitted via facsimile or e-mail, it must be signed by the holder
of the Eligible Options and the signature must correspond with the name as written on the face of
the option agreement or agreements to which the options are subject without alteration, enlargement
or any change whatsoever. If this withdrawal is signed by a trustee, executor, administrator,
guardian, attorney-in-fact, officer of a corporation or other person acting in a fiduciary or
representative capacity, that person should so
-4-
indicate when signing, and proper evidence satisfactory to NetApp of the authority of that
person so to act must be submitted with this withdrawal.
Withdrawals by a trustee, executor, administrator, guardian, attorney-in-fact, officer of a
corporation or other person acting in a fiduciary or representative capacity may not be submitted
via the offer website.
Withdrawals submitted via the offer website: Entering your username and password and
submitting the withdrawal via the offer website is the equivalent of signing your name on a paper
form and has the same legal effect as your written signature.
3. Other Information on this Withdrawal.
If you are submitting the withdrawal via facsimile or e-mail, in addition to signing the
Withdrawal Form, you must print your name and indicate the date and time at which you signed. You
must also include a current e-mail address.
4. Requests for Assistance or Additional Copies.
You should direct questions about this offer and requests for additional copies of the Offer
to Exchange and the other offer documents to the NetApp Exchange Team at optexch@netapp.com.
5. Irregularities.
We will determine, in our discretion, all questions as to the form of documents and the
validity, form, eligibility, including time of receipt, and acceptance of any Withdrawal Forms.
Our determination of these matters will be given the maximum deference permitted by law. However,
you have all rights accorded to you under applicable law to challenge such determination in a court
of competent jurisdiction. Only a court of competent jurisdiction can make a determination that
will be final and binding upon the parties. We reserve the right to reject any withdrawals that we
determine are not in appropriate form or that we determine are unlawful to accept. We also reserve
the right to waive any of the conditions of the offer or any defect or irregularity in any
Withdrawal Form or for any particular option holder, provided that if we grant any such waiver, it
will be granted with respect to all option holders and tendered options. No withdrawal of options
will be deemed to have been properly made until all defects or irregularities have been cured by
the withdrawing option holder or waived by us. Neither we nor any other person is obligated to
give notice of any defects or irregularities in tenders, nor will anyone incur any liability for
failure to give any notice. This is a one-time offer, and we will strictly enforce the election
period, subject only to an extension that we may grant in our discretion.
Important: The withdrawal must be received by NetApp via the offer website, facsimile
or e-mail, on or before the expiration date.
6. Additional Documents to Read.
You should be sure to read the Offer to Exchange, all documents referenced therein, and the
Frequently-Asked-Questions (FAQs), before deciding to participate in the offer.
7. Important Tax Information.
If you are a U.S. taxpayer, please refer to Section 14 of the Offer to Exchange, which
contains important tax information. If you are subject to tax in a country other than the U.S.,
please refer to Schedules C R of the Offer to Exchange for important tax information. We also
recommend that you consult with your personal tax advisors before making any decisions regarding
participation in, or withdrawal from, the offer.
-5-
8. Data Privacy.
To administer this offer, we must collect, use and transfer certain information regarding you
and your Eligible Options, including, but not limited to, your name, home address and telephone
number, date of birth, social insurance number or other identification number, salary, nationality,
job title, any shares of stock or directorships held in NetApp or its subsidiaries, details of all
options or any other entitlement to shares of stock awarded, canceled, exercised, vested, unvested
or outstanding in your favor. Further, we may have to pass that information on to third parties who
are assisting with the offer. By submitting an Election Form or a Withdrawal Form, you explicitly
and unambiguously agree to such collection, use and transfer, in electronic or other form, of your
personal data by us and the third parties assisting us with the offer, for the exclusive purpose of
implementing, administering, and managing your participation in this offer. By submitting an
Election Form or a Withdrawal Form, you also acknowledge and agree that:
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the parties receiving this data may be located outside of your country, and the
recipients country may have different data privacy laws and protections than your
country; |
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the data will be held only as long as necessary to implement, administer and
manage the program; |
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you can request from us a list with the names and addresses of any potential
recipients; |
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you can request additional information about how the data is stored and
processed; and |
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you can request that the data be amended if it is incorrect. |
If you are an option holder in certain foreign jurisdictions, you can withdraw your consent to
the collection, use and transfer of your data by contacting us. However, if you withdraw your
consent, it may affect your ability to participate in this offer. Please contact us if you have
any questions.
-6-
exv99wxayx1yxey
Exhibit (a)(1)(E)
Confirmation E-mail/Letter to Employees who Elect to Participate in the Exchange Program
Subject: Confirmation of Election to Participate in Option Exchange Program
Dear [Employee Name],
NetApp has received your Election Form dated [DATE], by which you elected to have some or all of
your outstanding options cancelled in exchange for Restricted Stock Units (RSUs), as follows:
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Elect to |
Original
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Option
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Exercise
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Options
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Exchange
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Grant
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If you change your mind, you may withdraw your election by submitting a new election through the
offer website at https://netapp-exchange.equitybenefits.com and electing No to retain
your eligible options rather than Yes to exchange your eligible options. You also may withdraw
your election by submitting a properly signed and completed Withdrawal Form by facsimile or e-mail
(via PDF or similar imaged document file) by 9:00 p.m., U.S. Pacific Time, on June 19, 2009, to:
Name: NetApp Exchange Team
Fax: (408) 716-2633
Email: optexch@netapp.com
Only responses that are complete and actually received by NetApp via the offer website, facsimile
or e-mail by the deadline will be accepted. Responses submitted by any other means, including hand
delivery, interoffice mail or U.S. mail (or other post) or express mail, are not permitted. If you
have questions, please direct them to optexch@netapp.com.
Please note that our receipt of your Election Form is not by itself an acceptance of the options
for exchange. For purposes of the offer, NetApp will be deemed to have accepted options for
exchange that are validly tendered and not properly withdrawn when NetApp gives oral or written
notice to the option holders generally of its acceptance for exchange of such options, which notice
may be made by press release, e-mail or other method of communication. NetApps formal acceptance
of the properly tendered options is expected to take place shortly after the end of the offer
period.
This notice does not constitute the Offer to Exchange. The full terms of the offer are described
in (1) the Offer to Exchange; (2) the Election Form; and (3) the Withdrawal Form. You may access
these documents on the NetApp intranet at
http://finance-web.netapp.com/stock/stock-option-exchange_09.html or through the U.S.
Securities and Exchange Commissions website at www.sec.gov.
Confirmation E-mail/Letter to Employees who Decline Participation in the Exchange Program
Subject: Confirmation of Election to Not Participate in Option Exchange Program
Dear [Employee Name],
NetApp has received your Election Form dated [ ], by which you rejected NetApps offer to
exchange some or all of your eligible outstanding options for Restricted Stock Units (RSUs), as
follows:
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If you change your mind and decide you would like to participate in the offer , you may submit a
new election through the offer website at https://netapp-exchange.equitybenefits.com and
elect Yes to exchange your eligible options rather than No to retain your eligible options.
You also may make an election by submitting a properly signed and completed Election Form by
facsimile or e-mail (via PDF or similar imaged document file) by 9:00 p.m., U.S. Pacific Time, on
June 19, 2009, to:
Name: NetApp Exchange Team
Fax: (408) 716-2633
Email: optexch@netapp.com
Only responses that are complete and actually received by the Company via the offer website,
facsimile or e-mail by the deadline will be accepted. Responses submitted by any other means,
including hand delivery, interoffice mail or U.S. mail (or other post) or express mail, are not
permitted. If you have questions, please direct them to optexch@netapp.com.
This notice does not constitute the Offer to Exchange. The full terms of the offer are described
in (1) the Offer to Exchange; (2) the Election Form; and (3) the Withdrawal Form. You may access
these documents on the NetApp intranet at
http://finance-web.netapp.com/stock/stock-option-exchange_09.html or through the U.S.
Securities and Exchange Commissions website at www.sec.gov.
exv99wxayx1yxfy
Exhibit (a)(1)(F)
Form of Reminder E-mail Dates may change if expiration date of offer is extended
May 28, 2009 One Week After Commencement and weekly thereafter
Subject: Reminder: Deadline to Participate in Option Exchange Offer is June 19, 2009
We have completed the [ ] week of the option exchange program (offer or option exchange).
The offer will expire at 9:00 p.m., U.S. Pacific Time, on June 19, 2009.
If you would like to participate in this offer, you must submit your election via the offer
website, facsimile or e-mail (PDF or similar imaged document file) on or before 9:00 p.m., U.S.
Pacific Time, on June 19, 2009:
Website: https://netapp-exchange.equitybenefits.com
Fax: (408) 716-2633
Email: optexch@netapp.com
If you do not have your password for the offer website, go to
https://netapp-exchange.equitybenefits.com, and click the link at If you have misplaced or
did not receive your temporary password.
If you cannot access the website, or would prefer to submit a paper election form, please contact
us at optexch@netapp.com to request a copy of the Election Form.
You must submit your election by the deadline indicated above. We cannot accept late submissions,
and we, therefore, urge you to respond early to avoid any last-minute problems. We will only accept
elections submitted via the offer website, facsimile or e-mail. Documents submitted via hand
delivery, interoffice mail or U.S. mail (or other post) or Federal Express (or similar delivery
service), are not permitted. If you have questions, please direct them to
optexch@netapp.com.
This notice does not constitute the Offer to Exchange. The full terms of the offer are described
in (1) the Offer to Exchange; (2) the Election Form; and (3) the Withdrawal Form. You may access
these documents on the NetApp intranet at
http://finance-web.netapp.com/stock/stock-option-exchange_09.html or through the U.S.
Securities and Exchange Commissions website at www.sec.gov.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
June 18, 2009 Day before the Last Day (Offer Expiration Date)
Subject: Final Reminder: Deadline to Participate in Option Exchange Offer is June 19, 2009
Tomorrow, June 19, 2009, is the last day to elect to participate in the stock option exchange
program (offer or option exchange). The offer will expire at 9:00 p.m., U.S. Pacific Time,
tomorrow, June 19, 2009.
If you would like to participate in this offer, you must submit your election via the offer
website, facsimile or e-mail (PDF or similar imaged document file) on or before 9:00 p.m., U.S.
Pacific Time, tomorrow, June 19, 2009 :
Website: https://netapp-exchange.equitybenefits.com
Fax: (408) 716-2633
Email: optexch@netapp.com
If you do not have your password for the offer website, go to
https://netapp-exchange.equitybenefits.com, and click the link at If you have misplaced or
did not receive your temporary password.
If you cannot access the website, or would prefer to submit a paper election form, please contact
us at optexch@netapp.com to request a copy of the Election Form.
Only elections that are actually received by NetApp by the deadline will be accepted. Elections
submitted by any other means, including hand delivery, interoffice mail or U.S. mail (or other
post) or Federal Express (or similar delivery service), are not permitted. If you have questions,
please contact us at optexch@netapp.com.
This notice does not constitute the Offer to Exchange. The full terms of the offer are described
in (1) the Offer to Exchange; (2) the Election Form; and (3) the Withdrawal Form. You may access
these documents on the NetApp intranet at
http://finance-web.netapp.com/stock/stock-option-exchange_09.html or through the U.S.
Securities and Exchange Commissions website at www.sec.gov.
-2-
exv99wxayx1yxgy
Exhibit (a)(1)(G)
Need Help? EMAILaptjexchUnetapp .cam NetApp GO 1-jWv. laMor Wei came to the NetApp Stock
Option Exchange Website Please enteryaur User Name and temporary password, Your User Name is the
same 35 your NstApp User Namethe user name you use to lag into yo lj r N etAp p system s.
Youshouldh ave rec eived a tern p a ra ry p a s swo rd vi a em a i I fra m aptsach@n Etapp.com on
or about Friday, May 22. 2009. You will be prompted to create a new password. The new password must
include: Between 8 and 14 characters Bath upperand lower case letters At least L numeric character
ar 1 special character If you have misplaced undid not receive yaur temporary password, clickhere
UserName: Pa s s wo rd: |
Need Help? EMAIL: optexch@netapp. com NetApp Go further, faster To change your password, enter
your User Name, Old Password, New Password, Re-enter New Password and Click on the Update button.
Passwords must be at least eight characters long, but not longer than 14 characters, They must
contain both upper and lower case letters, and must contain at least one numeric character and one
special character. Password Changed Successfully Enter User Name: [demouser Enter Old Password:
Enter New Password: Re-enter New Password: Jg Click Here to Continue |
£ HOME EIHAIL CONTACT JS LOGOUT | NetApp | H Need Help? EMAIL: optexcn@netapp.com NetApp Go
(urttief, faster Welcome to the NetApp Stock Option Exchange Website We are pleased to announce the
NetApp, Inc. Offer to Exchange Certain Outstanding Options for Restricted Stock Units officially
launched on Friday, May 22, 2009 and will remain open until 9:00 pm Pacific Daylight Time on
Friday, June 19, 2009, unless the Offer is extended. By this Offer, NetApp is giving eligible
employees the opportunity to exchange some or all of their outstanding options with an exercise
price greater than or equal to $22.00 per share that were granted before June 20, 2008 for new
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). Complete terms and conditions of the NetApp Exchange Offer are set
forth in the NetApp, Inc. Offer to Exchange Certain Outstanding Options for Restricted Stock Units
and related documents (Offer Documents). You should read the Offer Documents carefully before
deciding whether or not to participate in the Offer. If there is any discrepancy between the
information in this website and the Offer Documents, the Offer Documents will govern. You should
rely only on the information contained in the Offer Documents. |
E MAIL CONTACT US LOGOUT Need Help? EMAIL:optexch@netapp.com NetApp Go further, faster ELECTION
INFORMATION Click on the links below to view detailed information about the Stock Option Exchange
Offer. OFFER TO EXCHANGE CERTAIN OUTSTANDING OPTIONS FOR RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS (FAQ) |
Need Help? EMASLoetsxch netspe. com NetApp Go FucClw, fas Mr ELECTION FORM Offer to Exchange
Certain Outstanding Options for Restricted Stock Units Dated Friday May 22, 2009 This Offer expires
at 9:00 pm Pacific Daylight Time on Friday June 13. 2003. unless the Offer is extended Name:
Generic User Select Yes or No under tlte Elect to Exchange Eligible Options column to
indicate your decision to tender for exchange your Eligible Options. By selecting Yes, you are
indicating your decision to tender for exchange your Eligible Options for new Flestricted Stock
Units{R5Us> By selecting No, you are indicating your decision NOT to tender for exchange your
Eligible Options for new RSUs. If you select No, such Eligible Options will not be tendered for
exchange and will remain outstanding under the terms and conditions as set forth in the relevant
agreement related to such option grant. U nder the terms of this Offer, we may settle surrendered
options for cash instead of RSUs if an Eligible Option would otherwise be exchanged for fewer than
forty [4fy RSUs. The cash payment would be in an amount equal to the closing market price of a
share of NetApp stock on the business day prior to the expiration date of this Offer, multiplied by
the number of RSUs that would otherwise be granted in the exchange, as indicated in the New RSU
Shares column. Exercise Outstanding I Hew I Elect to Price Options Option Exchange New RSU
Exchange Grant Option per Eligiblefor Vested Unvested Expiration for RSUs RSU Vesting Eligible Date
Number Share Exchange Options Options Date or Cash Shares Term Options? |
Option Exchange Breakeven Calculator At What Stock Price Does the Value of My Eligible Option = the
Value of the New RSUs? Step 1: Enter Exercise Price of Eligible Option Step 2: Enter Number of
Shares in Eligible Option Press to Calculate Breakeven Exchange Ratio based on Option Price Entered
in Step 1 New RSU Shares Breakeven The breakeven price is the price at which the value of the
options exchanged is equal to the value of the RSUs received. Any price greater than the breakeven
price would result in the options being more valuable than the RSUs received after the exchange.
What is the Value of My Eligible Options and New RSUs at Other Stock Prices? Step 3: Enter
Hypothetical Stock Price to Calculate Values Press to Calculate Values Value of Eligible Option
Shares at Price Entered in Step 3 Value of New RSU Shares at Price Entered in Step 3 The breakeven
calculation does not consider the value associated with the vesting status of the eligible
option. The breakeven price will be slightly lower than reflected in the calculation if fractional
shares are rounded down. |
Need Help? EMAILoptsxchljtnetBpp .com NetApp (JefMUwr.faWW ELECTION REVIEW You have made the
fallowing elections with respect to your Eligible Options: Exercise Outstanding New Elect to Fri:;
Options Option Ex : New RSU Exchange Grant Option per Eligiblefor Vested Unvested Expiration for
RSUs RSU Vesting Eligible Date Number Share Exchange Options Options Date or Cash Snares Term
Options? Is this information carrect?IfVesr clickProceed to Confirmation! If Nor click fteturn
to Previous Screen |
Need Help? EMAILopt&xth&netscp. aim NetApp AGREEMENT TO TERMS OF ELECTION Offer to E jtcha
nge C erta i n Outsta ndi ng Options for Restri cted Stock U nits Commenced Friday May 22,2009 By
this Offer, NetApp is giv ing eligible employees the opportunity to exchange some or all of their
outstanding options with an exercise price greater than or equal to $22.00 per share that were
granted before June 20, 200B, whether vested or unvested, for new Restricted Stock U nits fRSUsTi
We will grant the RSUs following the expiration of the Offer on the same calendar day on which we
cancel the options surrendered in the exchange {the RSU grant date~J. We expect the RSU grant date
to be Friday J une 19. 2003. The RSUs will be granted under the terms of NetApps 1399 Stock Option
Plan. The vesting schedule of the RSUs will depend on the extent to which the options surrendered
in exchange for such RSUs have vested at the time of such exchange and. for surrendered options
that are fully vested, the exercise price. Vesting of the RSUs is conditioned jpon your continued
serv ice with us through each applicable vesting date. U nder the terms of the Offer, we may settle
surrendered options for cash instead of RSUs if an eligible option would otherwise be exchanged for
fewer than forty {40} RSUs. The cash payment would be in an amount equal to the closing market
price of a share of NetApp stock on the business day prior to the RSU grant date, multiplied by the
number of RSUs that would otherwise be granted in the exchange. By selecting! Agree, you are
agreeing to the terms of the Offer to Exchange Certain Outstanding Options for Restricted Stock
commenced Friday May 22. 2009. To rev iew the Offer Documents, click the link below. OFFER TO
EXCHANGE CERTAIN OUTSTANDING OPTIONS FOR RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS A Confirmation Statement detailing
your elections will be sent to the email address listed below. If you do not receive a confirmation
email within two business days, contact us at -aptgxsr ffir stepp. ponr to confirm that we have
received your election. Name Generic User Email Address webdev@sos-team.com |
Need Help? NetApp E LECTION COW FIRM ATI ON PRINT THIS PAGE* Name: Generic User Date/Time:
5000009 5:52:19 PH PT Your election has been recorded as follows; E:: = rcise Outstanding New Elect
to Price Options Option Exchange New RSU Exchange Grant Option per Eligiblefor Vested Unvested
Expiration for RSUs RSU Vesting Eligible Date Number Share Exchange Options Options Date or Cash
Shares Term Options? 300S 3QL5 PRINT THIS PAGE by clicking the Print Confimiatioi button below.
We strongly recommend that you print this page and save a copy for your records. This will serve as
your Election Confirmation Statement in the event our system does not register your election or
prov kfc you with an email Election Confirmation Statement If you do not receive a confirmation
email within two business days after your submission, please forward a copy of your printed
Election Confirmation Statement v ia email to optstsh fer-stapp . |
Have you printed the Confirmation Page? If you have not, select NO and then Yes on the
next screen. Then, print this page by either pressing CTRL+P on the keyboard or select the Print
option from your browsers File Menu. Yes | No | H DHf IL HCONlMTIi -L060UT Need Help? EMAILoptext
- - ton Contact Us p NetApp Go lurn w, tastnr Pleasedirect questions an the Option Exchange Program
to: Phone: (403) 754-4570 Email; gptEnchLainEtapp.cam |
exv99wxayx1yxhy
Exhibit (a)(1)(H)
Form of Email to All Eligible Employees Regarding Stock Option Exchange Program
Subject: Stock Option Exchange Program
As Dan announced on Wednesday, NetApps stock option exchange program begins today. This program
will allow eligible employees to exchange certain eligible outstanding options with exercise prices
equal to or greater than $22.00 per share and that were granted before June 20, 2008, for new
restricted stock units.
The program began today and is scheduled to end at 9:00 p.m. (Pacific Time), on Friday, June 19,
2009. The option exchange program is subject to terms and conditions contained in the offer to
exchange and related option exchange materials (the offer documents) attached to this email and
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission today. The offer documents can also be found on
the intranet site we established for the option exchange program at
http://finance-web.corp.netapp.com/stock/stock-option-exchange_09.html or through the
Securities and Exchange Commissions website at www.sec.gov. Before deciding whether to
participate in the program, we encourage you to review all of the offer documents.
Should you have any questions about the exchange program, please contact
optexch@netapp.com.
This notice does not constitute the offer to exchange. The full terms of the offer are described
in the documents attached to this email, including the Offer to Exchange Certain Outstanding
Options for Restricted Stock Units, the Election Form and the Withdrawal Form. We strongly
encourage you to make your elections via the offer website; however, if you would prefer to submit
a paper election, please complete and submit the attached forms via e-mail or fax, in the manner
described in the attached forms.
exv99wxdyx1y
Exhibit (d)(1)
NETAPP, INC.
PERFORMANCE UNIT AGREEMENT
NetApp, Inc. (the Company) hereby grants you, (the Participant), an award of performance units
(Performance Units) under the NetApp, Inc. 1999 Stock Option Plan (the Plan). Subject to the
provisions of Appendix A (attached) and of the Plan, the principal features of this award are as
follows:
Participant:
«FIRST_NAME» «MIDDLE_NAME» «LAST_NAME»
«ADDRESS_LINE_1»
«ADDRESS_LINE_2»
«CITY», «STATE» «ZIP_CODE»
«COUNTRY»
Grant Date: «GRANT_DATE»
Grant Number: «NUM»
Number of Performance Units: «SHARES»
Vesting Commencement Date: «VEST_BASE_DATE»
Vesting of Performance Units: The Performance Units will vest according to the following
schedule:
Twenty-five percent (25%) of the Performance Units will vest on the first annual anniversary of the
Vesting Commencement Date, and on the next three annual anniversary dates thereafter, subject to
Participants continuous Service through each such date.
Unless otherwise defined herein or in Appendix A, capitalized terms herein or in Appendix A will
have the defined meanings ascribed to them in the Plan.
Participant acknowledges and agrees that by clicking the ACCEPT button on the Companys on-line
grant agreement (OLGA) response page, it will act as Participants electronic signature to the
Performance Unit Agreement (the Agreement) and will result in a contract between Participant and
the Company with respect to this award of Performance Units. Participant agrees and acknowledges
that Participants electronic signature indicates Participants agreement and understanding that
this award of Performance Units is subject to all of the terms and conditions contained in Appendix
A and the Plan. For example, important additional information on vesting and forfeiture of the
Performance Units is contained in Paragraphs 3 through 5 of Appendix A. PLEASE BE SURE TO READ ALL
OF APPENDIX A, WHICH CONTAINS THE SPECIFIC TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THIS AGREEMENT.
Participant should retain a copy of Participants electronically signed Agreement; Participant may
obtain a paper copy at any time and at the Companys expense by requesting one from Stock
Administration at stockadmin@netapp.com. If Participant would prefer not to electronically sign
this Agreement, Participant may accept this Agreement by signing a paper copy of the Agreement and
delivering it to Stock Administration at 495 E. Java Drive, Sunnyvale, CA 94089. A copy of the
Plan is available upon request made to Stock Administration.
APPENDIX A
TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF PERFORMANCE UNITS
Grant # «NUM»
1. Grant. The Company hereby grants to the Participant under the
Plan an award of Performance Units, subject to all of the terms and conditions in this Agreement
and the Plan.
2. Companys Obligation to Pay. Each Performance Unit represents the right to receive
a share of Common Stock on the date it becomes vested. Unless and until the Performance Units will
have vested in the manner set forth in paragraphs 3 and 4, the Participant will have no right to
payment of any such Performance Units. Prior to actual payment of any vested Performance Units,
such Performance Units will represent an unsecured obligation of the Company, payable (if at all)
only from the general assets of the Company.
3. Vesting Schedule. Subject to paragraph 4, the Performance Units awarded by this
Agreement will vest in the Participant according to the vesting schedule set forth on the attached
Performance Unit Agreement, subject to the Participants continuous Service through each such date.
4. Forfeiture upon Termination of Continuous Service. Notwithstanding any contrary
provision of this Agreement, if the Participants continuous Service terminates for any or no
reason, the then-unvested Performance Units awarded by this Agreement will thereupon be forfeited
at no cost to the Company and the Participant will have no further rights thereunder.
5. Payment after Vesting. Any Performance Units that vest in accordance with
paragraph 3 will be paid to the Participant (or in the event of the Participants death, to his or
her estate) in whole shares of Common Stock, provided that to the extent determined appropriate by
the Company, any federal, state and local withholding taxes with respect to such Performance Units
will be paid by reducing the number of shares actually paid to the Participant (see Section 7).
Subject to the provisions of Section 5(b), vested Performance Units will be paid in whole shares of
Common Stock as soon as practicable after vesting, but in each such case no later than the date
that is two-and-one-half (2 1/2) months from the later of (i) the end of the Companys tax year that
includes the vesting date, or (ii) the end of Participants tax year that includes the vesting
date.
(b) Notwithstanding anything in the Plan or this Agreement to the contrary, if the vesting of
the balance, or some lesser portion of the balance, of the Performance Units is accelerated in
connection with Participants termination of continuous Service (provided that such termination is
a separation from service within the meaning of Section 409A, as determined by the Company),
other than due to death, and if (x) Participant is a specified employee within the meaning of
Section 409A at the time of such termination of continuous Service and (y) the payment of such
accelerated Performance Units will result in the imposition of additional tax under Section 409A if
paid to Participant on or within the six (6) month period following Participants termination of
continuous Service, then the payment of such accelerated Performance Units will not be made until
the date six (6) months and one (1) day following the date of Participants termination of
continuous Service, unless Participant dies following his or her termination, in which case, the
Performance Units will be paid in shares of Common Stock in accordance with Section 6 as soon as
practicable following his or her death. It is the intent of this Agreement to comply with the
requirements of Section 409A so that none
of the Performance Units provided under this Agreement or shares of Common Stock issuable
thereunder will be subject to the additional tax imposed under Section 409A, and any ambiguities
herein will be interpreted to so comply. For purposes of this Agreement, Section 409A means
Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and any proposed, temporary or final
Treasury Regulations and Internal Revenue Service guidance thereunder, as each may be amended from
time to time.
6. Payments after Death. Any distribution or delivery to be made to the Participant under
this Agreement will, if the Participant is then deceased, be made to the Participants designated
beneficiary, or if no beneficiary survives the Participant, administrator or executor of the
Participants estate. Any such transferee must furnish the Company with (a) written notice of his
or her status as transferee, and (b) evidence satisfactory to the Company to establish the validity
of the transfer and compliance with any laws or regulations pertaining to said transfer.
7. Withholding of Taxes. Notwithstanding any contrary provision of this Agreement, no
Shares of Common Stock will be issued to the Participant, unless and until satisfactory
arrangements (as determined by the Plan Administrator) will have been made by the Participant with
respect to the payment of income (including federal, state, foreign and local taxes), employment,
social insurance, payroll tax, payment on account and other taxes which the Company determines must
be withheld with respect to such Shares so issuable (the Withholding Taxes). Participant
acknowledges that the ultimate liability for all Withholding Taxes legally due by the Participant
is and remains the Participants responsibility and that the Company and/or the Participants
actual employer (the Employer) (i) make no representations or undertakings regarding the
treatment of any Withholding Taxes in connection with any aspect of the Performance Units,
including the grant of the Performance Units, the vesting of Performance Units, the settlement of
the Performance Units in shares of Common Stock or the receipt of an equivalent cash payment, the
subsequent sale of any shares of Common Stock acquired at vesting and the receipt of any dividends;
and (ii) do not commit to structure the terms of the grant or any aspect of the Performance Units
to reduce or eliminate the Participants liability for Withholding Taxes.
To satisfy the Withholding Taxes, the Company may withhold otherwise deliverable shares of
Common Stock upon vesting of Performance Units, according to the vesting schedule, having a Fair
Market Value equal to the minimum amount required to be withheld for the payment of the Withholding
Taxes pursuant to such procedures as the Plan Administrator may specify from time to time. The
Company will not retain fractional shares of Common Stock to satisfy any portion of the Withholding
Taxes. If the Plan Administrator determines that the withholding of whole shares of Common Stock
results in an over-withholding to meet the minimum tax withholding requirements, a reimbursement
will be made to the Participant as soon as administratively possible.
If the Company does not withhold in shares of Common Stock as described above, prior to the
issuance of shares of Common Stock upon vesting of Performance Units or the receipt of an
equivalent cash payment, the Participant shall pay, or make adequate arrangements satisfactory to
the Company or to the Employer (in their sole discretion) to satisfy all withholding and payment on
account obligations of the Company and/or the Employer. In this regard, the Participant authorizes
the Company or the Employer to withhold all applicable Withholding Taxes legally payable by the
Participant from the
Participants wages or other cash compensation payable to the Participant by the Company or
the Employer or from any equivalent cash payment received upon vesting of the Performance Units.
Alternatively, or in addition, if permissible under local law, the Participant may instruct and
authorize the Plan Administrator to pay Withholding Taxes, in whole or in part, by one of the
additional following alternatives:
(a) the Participant providing irrevocable instructions to a Company-designated broker to
deliver cash to the Company (or the Employer) from the Participants previously established account
with such broker equal to the Withholding Taxes; or
(b) the Participant providing irrevocable instructions to a Company-designated broker to sell
a sufficient number of shares of Common Stock otherwise deliverable to the Participant having a
Fair Market Value equal to the Withholding Taxes, provided that such sale does not violate Company
policy or Applicable Laws.
If the Participant fails to make satisfactory arrangements for the payment of the Withholding
Taxes hereunder at the time any applicable Performance Units otherwise are scheduled to vest
pursuant to Section 3, the Participant will permanently forfeit such Performance Units and any
shares of Common Stock otherwise deliverable with respect thereto, and the Performance Units will
be returned to the Company at no cost to the Company.
8. Rights as Stockholder. Neither the Participant nor any person claiming under or
through the Participant will have any of the rights or privileges of a stockholder of the Company
in respect of any shares of Common Stock deliverable hereunder unless and until certificates
representing such shares will have been issued, recorded on the records of the Company or its
transfer agents or registrars, and delivered to the Participant.
9. No Effect on Service. The Participants service with the Company and its
Subsidiaries is on an at-will basis only. Accordingly, the terms of the Participants service with
the Company and its Subsidiaries will be determined from time to time by the Company or the
Subsidiary employing or retaining the Participant (as the case may be), and the Company or the
Subsidiary, as applicable, will have the right, which is hereby expressly reserved, to terminate or
change the terms of the employment or service of the Participant at any time for any reason
whatsoever, with or without good cause.
10. Address for Notices. Any notice to be given to the Company under the terms of
this Agreement will be addressed to the Company at 495 East Java Drive, Sunnyvale, CA 94089, Attn:
Stock Administration, or at such other address as the Company may hereafter designate in writing.
11. Grant is Not Transferable. Except to the limited extent provided in paragraph 6,
this grant and the rights and privileges conferred hereby will not be transferred, assigned,
pledged or hypothecated in any way (whether by operation of law or otherwise) and will not be
subject to sale under execution, attachment or similar process. Upon any attempt to transfer,
assign, pledge, hypothecate or otherwise dispose of this grant, or any right or privilege conferred
hereby, or upon any attempted sale under any execution, attachment or similar process, this grant
and the rights and privileges conferred hereby immediately will become null and void.
12. Leave of Absence. The following provisions shall apply upon Participants
commencement of an authorized leave of absence:
(a) If the leave of absence is protected by any statute such that re-employment upon
expiration of such protected leave is guaranteed, the Performance Units awarded by this Agreement
that are scheduled to vest shall be modified as follows:
(i) The vesting schedule in effect under this Agreement shall continue for a period of up to
twelve (12) weeks from the first day of the authorized leave. If Participant does not resume
active Employee status within such twelve (12)-week period, then no Service credit shall be given
for the balance of the leave of absence, unless applicable laws governing such statutory leave
would require a longer vesting continuance period, in which case vesting shall continue as provided
in this Agreement for such period required by such statute.
(b) If the leave of absence is not protected by statute such that re-employment upon
expiration of such leave is not guaranteed by statute, the Performance Units awarded by this
Agreement that are scheduled to vest shall be modified as follows:
(i) The vesting schedule in effect under this Agreement shall be frozen as of the first day of
the authorized leave.
(ii) Should Participant resume active Employee status within sixty (60) days after the start
date of the authorized leave, Participant shall, for purposes of the vesting schedule set forth in
this Agreement, receive Service credit for the entire period of such leave. If Participant does
not resume active Employee status within such sixty (60)-day period, then no Service credit shall
be given for the period of such leave.
13. Binding Agreement. Subject to the limitation on the transferability of this grant
contained herein, this Agreement will be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the heirs,
legatees, legal representatives, successors and assigns of the parties hereto.
14. Additional Conditions to Issuance of Stock. If at any time the Company will
determine, in its discretion, that the listing, registration or qualification of the shares of
Common Stock upon any securities exchange or under any state or federal law, or the consent or
approval of any governmental regulatory authority is necessary or desirable as a condition to the
issuance of shares to the Participant (or his estate), such issuance will not occur unless and
until such listing, registration, qualification, consent or approval will have been effected or
obtained free of any conditions not acceptable to the Company. Where the Company determines that
the delivery of the payment of any Shares will violate federal securities laws or other applicable
laws, the Company will defer delivery until the earliest date at which the Company reasonably
anticipates that the delivery of shares will no longer cause such violation. The Company will make
all reasonable efforts to meet the requirements of any such state or federal law or securities
exchange and to obtain any such consent or approval of any such governmental authority.
15. Plan Governs. This Agreement is subject to all terms and provisions of the Plan.
In the event of a conflict between one or more provisions of this Agreement and one or more
provisions of the Plan, the provisions of the Plan will govern.
16. Administrator Authority. The Plan Administrator will have the power to interpret
the Plan and this Agreement and to adopt such rules for the administration, interpretation and
application of the Plan as are consistent therewith and to interpret or revoke any such rules
(including, but not limited to, the determination of whether or not any Performance Units have
vested). All actions taken and all interpretations and determinations made by the Plan
Administrator in good faith will be final and binding upon Participant, the Company and all other
interested persons. No member of the Plan Administrator will be personally liable for any action,
determination or interpretation made in good faith with respect to the Plan or this Agreement.
17. Captions. Captions provided herein are for convenience only and are not to serve
as a basis for interpretation or construction of this Agreement.
18. Agreement Severable. In the event that any provision in this Agreement will be
held invalid or unenforceable, such provision will be severable from, and such invalidity or
unenforceability will not be construed to have any effect on, the remaining provisions of this
Agreement.
19. Labor Law. By accepting this award of Performance Units, the Participant
acknowledges that: (a) the grant of this award of Performance Units is a one-time benefit which
does not create any contractual or other right to receive future grants of Performance Units, or
benefits in lieu of Performance Units; (b) all determinations with respect to any future grants,
including, but not limited to, the times when the Performance Units shall be granted, the number of
shares of Common Stock issuable pursuant to each award of Performance Units, the time or times when
Performance Units shall vest, will be at the sole discretion of the Company; (c) the Participants
participation in the Plan is voluntary; (d) this award of Performance Units is an extraordinary
item of compensation which is outside the scope of the Participants employment contract, if any;
(e) this award of Performance Units is not part of the Participants normal or expected
compensation for purposes of calculating any severance, resignation, redundancy, end-of-service
payments, bonuses, long-service awards, pension or retirement benefits or similar payments; (f) the
vesting of this award of Performance Units ceases upon termination of Service for any reason except
as may otherwise be explicitly provided in the Plan or this Agreement; (g) the future value of the
underlying shares of Common Stock is unknown and cannot be predicted with certainty; (h) this award
of Performance Units has been granted to the Participant in the Participants status as an
Employee, a non-employee member of the Board or a consultant or independent advisor of the Company
or its Parent or Subsidiary; (i) any claims resulting from this award of Performance Units shall be
enforceable, if at all, against the Company; and (j) there shall be no additional obligations for
the Participants Employer as a result of this award of Performance Units.
20. Disclosure of Participant Information. By accepting this award of Performance
Units, the Participant consents to the collection, use and transfer of personal data as described
in this paragraph. The Participant understands that the Company and its Parent and Subsidiaries
hold certain personal information about him or her, including his or her name, home address and
telephone number, date of birth, social security or identity number, salary, nationality, job
title, any shares of stock or
directorships held in the Company, details of all awards of Performance Units or any other
entitlement to shares of Common Stock awarded, canceled, exercised, vested, unvested or outstanding
in his or her favor, for the purpose of managing and administering the Plan (Data). The
Participant further understands that the Company and/or its Parent or Subsidiaries will transfer
Data among themselves as necessary for the purpose of implementation, administration and management
of his or her participation in the Plan, and that the Company and/or any of its Parent or
Subsidiaries may each further transfer Data to any third parties assisting the Company in the
implementation, administration and management of the Plan. The Participant authorizes the Company
to receive, possess, use, retain and transfer the Data in electronic or other form, for the
purposes of implementing, administering and managing his or her participation in the Plan,
including any requisite transfer to a broker or other third party with whom he or she may elect to
deposit any shares of Common Stock acquired from this award of Performance Units of such Data as
may be required for the administration of the Plan and/or the subsequent holding of the shares of
Common Stock on his or her behalf. The Participant understands that he or she may, at any time,
view the Data, require any necessary amendments to the Data or withdraw the consent herein in
writing by contacting the Human Resources Department and/or Stock Administration Department for his
or her Employer.
exv99wxdyx2y
Exhibit (d)(2)
NETAPP, INC.
PERFORMANCE UNIT AGREEMENT AND
ELECTION TO TRANSFER EMPLOYERS SECONDARY
CLASS 1 NATIONAL INSURANCE LIABILITY
NetApp, Inc. (the Company) hereby grants you, (the Participant), an award of performance units
(Performance Units) under the NetApp, Inc. 1999 Stock Option Plan (the Plan). Subject to the
provisions of Appendix A (attached) and of the Plan, the principal features of this award are as
follows:
Participant:
«FIRST_NAME» «MIDDLE_NAME» «LAST_NAME»
«ADDRESS_LINE_1»
«ADDRESS_LINE_2»
«CITY», «STATE» «ZIP_CODE»
«COUNTRY»
Grant Date: «GRANT_DATE»
Grant Number: «NUM»
Number of Performance Units: «SHARES»
Vesting Commencement Date: «VEST_BASE_DATE»
Vesting of Performance Units: The Performance Units will vest according to the following
schedule:
Twenty-five percent (25%) of the Performance Units will vest on the first annual anniversary of the
Vesting Commencement Date, and on the next three annual anniversary dates thereafter, subject to
Participants continuous Service through each such date.
Unless otherwise defined herein or in Appendix A, capitalized terms herein or in Appendix A will
have the defined meanings ascribed to them in the Plan.
Participant acknowledges and agrees that by clicking the ACCEPT button on the Companys on-line
grant agreement (OLGA) response page, it will act as Participants electronic signature to the
Performance Unit Agreement (the Agreement) and will result in a contract between Participant and
the Company with respect to this award of Performance Units. Participant agrees and acknowledges
that Participants electronic signature indicates Participants agreement and understanding that
this award of Performance Units is subject to all of the terms and conditions contained in Appendix
A and the Plan. For example, important additional information on vesting and forfeiture of the
Performance Units is contained in Paragraphs 3 through 5, 7 and 8 of Appendix A. PLEASE BE SURE TO
READ ALL OF APPENDIX A, WHICH CONTAINS THE SPECIFIC TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THIS AGREEMENT.
Participant should retain a copy of Participants electronically signed Agreement; Participant may
obtain a paper copy at any time and at the Companys expense by requesting one from Stock
Administration at stockadmin@netapp.com. If Participant would prefer not to electronically sign
this Agreement, Participant may accept this Agreement by signing a paper copy of the Agreement and
delivering it to Stock Administration at 495 E. Java Drive, Sunnyvale, CA 94089. A copy of the
Plan is available upon request made to Stock Administration.
APPENDIX A
TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF PERFORMANCE UNITS
Grant # «NUM»
1. Grant. The Company hereby grants to the Participant under the
Plan an award of Performance Units, subject to all of the terms and conditions in this Agreement
and the Plan.
2. Companys Obligation to Pay. Each Performance Unit represents the right to receive
a share of Common Stock on the date it becomes vested. Unless and until the Performance Units will
have vested in the manner set forth in paragraphs 3 and 4, the Participant will have no right to
payment of any such Performance Units. Prior to actual payment of any vested Performance Units,
such Performance Units will represent an unsecured obligation of the Company, payable (if at all)
only from the general assets of the Company.
3. Vesting Schedule. Subject to paragraph 4, the Performance Units awarded by this
Agreement will vest in the Participant according to the vesting schedule set forth on the attached
Performance Unit Agreement, subject to the Participants continuous Service through each such date.
4. Forfeiture upon Termination of Continuous Service. Notwithstanding any contrary
provision of this Agreement, if the Participants continuous Service terminates for any or no
reason, the then-unvested Performance Units awarded by this Agreement will thereupon be forfeited
at no cost to the Company and the Participant will have no further rights thereunder.
5. Payment after Vesting. Any Performance Units that vest in accordance with
paragraph 3 will be paid to the Participant (or in the event of the Participants death, to his or
her estate) in whole shares of Common Stock, provided that to the extent determined appropriate by
the Company, any federal, state and local withholding taxes with respect to such Performance Units
will be paid by reducing the number of shares actually paid to the Participant (see Section 7).
Subject to the provisions of Section 5(b), vested Performance Units will be paid in whole shares of
Common Stock as soon as practicable after vesting, but in each such case no later than the date
that is two-and-one-half (2 1/2) months from the later of (i) the end of the Companys tax year that
includes the vesting date, or (ii) the end of Participants tax year that includes the vesting
date.
(b) Notwithstanding anything in the Plan or this Agreement to the contrary, if the vesting of
the balance, or some lesser portion of the balance, of the Performance Units is accelerated in
connection with Participants termination of continuous Service (provided that such termination is
a separation from service within the meaning of Section 409A, as determined by the Company),
other than due to death, and if (x) Participant is a specified employee within the meaning of
Section 409A at the time of such termination of continuous Service and (y) the payment of such
accelerated Performance Units will result in the imposition of additional tax under Section 409A if
paid to Participant on or within the six (6) month period following Participants termination of
continuous Service, then the payment of such accelerated Performance Units will not be made until
the date six (6) months and one (1) day following the date of Participants termination of
continuous Service, unless Participant dies following his or her termination, in which case, the
Performance Units will be paid in shares of Common Stock in accordance with Section 6 as soon as
practicable following his or her
death. It is the intent of this Agreement to comply with the requirements of Section 409A so
that none of the Performance Units provided under this Agreement or shares of Common Stock issuable
thereunder will be subject to the additional tax imposed under Section 409A, and any ambiguities
herein will be interpreted to so comply. For purposes of this Agreement, Section 409A means
Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and any proposed, temporary or final
Treasury Regulations and Internal Revenue Service guidance thereunder, as each may be amended from
time to time.
6. Payments after Death. Any distribution or delivery to be made to the Participant
under this Agreement will, if the Participant is then deceased, be made to the Participants
designated beneficiary, or if no beneficiary survives the Participant, administrator or executor of
the Participants estate. Any such transferee must furnish the Company with (a) written notice of
his or her status as transferee, and (b) evidence satisfactory to the Company to establish the
validity of the transfer and compliance with any laws or regulations pertaining to said transfer.
7. Withholding of Taxes. Notwithstanding any contrary provision of this Agreement, no
shares of Common Stock will be issued to the Participant, unless and until satisfactory
arrangements (as determined by the Plan Administrator) will have been made by the Participant with
respect to the payment of income (including under Pay As You Earn (PAYE)), employment, social
insurance, payroll tax, payment on account and other taxes which the Company determines must be
withheld with respect to such Shares so issuable (the Withholding Taxes). The Companys
assessment shall be final and binding on Participant. Participant acknowledges that the ultimate
liability for all Withholding Taxes legally due by the Participant is and remains the Participants
responsibility and that the Company and/or the Participants actual employer (the Employer)
(i) make no representations or undertakings regarding the treatment of any Withholding Taxes in
connection with any aspect of the Performance Units, including the grant of the Performance Units,
the vesting of Performance Units, the settlement of the Performance Units in shares of Common Stock
or the receipt of an equivalent cash payment, the subsequent sale of any shares of Common Stock
acquired at vesting and the receipt of any dividends; and (ii) do not commit to structure the terms
of the grant or any aspect of the Performance Units to reduce or eliminate the Participants
liability for Withholding Taxes. The question whether Withholding Taxes (including PAYE) is to be
accounted for, and if so, the amount due upon the assignment or release (as the case may be) shall
be assessed by the Company or the Employer having regard to the income tax rates in force at that
time, taking into account relief for Secondary Contributions that are payable by Participant (if
any) and the prevailing legislation.
To satisfy the Withholding Taxes, the Company may withhold otherwise deliverable shares of
Common Stock upon vesting of Performance Units, according to the vesting schedule, or such other
event giving rise to Withholding Taxes, having a Fair Market Value equal to the minimum amount
required to be withheld for the payment of the Withholding Taxes pursuant to such procedures as the
Plan Administrator may specify from time to time. The Company will not retain fractional shares of
Common Stock to satisfy any portion of the Withholding Taxes. If the Plan Administrator determines
that the withholding of whole shares of Common Stock results in an over-withholding to meet the
minimum tax withholding requirements, a reimbursement will be made to the Participant as soon as
administratively possible.
If the Company does not withhold in shares of Common Stock as described above, prior to the
issuance of shares of Common Stock upon vesting of Performance Units or the receipt of an
equivalent cash payment, the Participant shall pay, or make adequate arrangements satisfactory to
the Company or to the Employer (in their sole discretion) to satisfy all withholding and payment on
account obligations of the Company and/or the Employer. In this regard, the Participant authorizes
the Company or the Employer to withhold all applicable Withholding Taxes legally payable by the
Participant from the Participants wages or other cash compensation payable to the Participant by
the Company or the Employer or from any equivalent cash payment received upon vesting of the
Performance Units. Alternatively, or in addition, if permissible under local law, the Participant
may instruct and authorize the Plan Administrator to pay Withholding Taxes, in whole or in part, by
one of the additional following alternatives:
(a) the Participant providing irrevocable instructions to a Company-designated broker to
deliver cash to the Company (or the Employer) from the Participants previously established account
with such broker equal to the Withholding Taxes; or
(b) the Participant providing irrevocable instructions to a Company-designated broker to sell
a sufficient number of shares of Common Stock otherwise deliverable to the Participant having a
Fair Market Value equal to the Withholding Taxes, provided that such sale does not violate Company
policy or Applicable Laws.
If the Participant fails to make satisfactory arrangements for the payment of the Withholding
Taxes hereunder at the time any applicable Performance Units otherwise are scheduled to vest
pursuant to Section 3, or such other event giving rise to Withholding Taxes, the Participant will
permanently forfeit such Performance Units and any shares of Common Stock otherwise deliverable
with respect thereto, and the Performance Units will be returned to the Company at no cost to the
Company.
8. Joint Election. The Employer has authorized the Company to enter into the following
election with Participant.
(a) Participant acknowledges that to the extent Participant is subject to income tax pursuant
to Section 135 of the U.K. Income and Company Taxes Act 1988 and to Class 1 NIC pursuant to Section
4 of the U.K. Social Security Contributions and Benefits Act 1992 (the SSCBA), Participant shall
be liable to pay the employees primary Class 1 National Insurance Contributions (the Primary
Contributions) upon the occurrence of the event giving rise to the charge (the Chargeable
Event), pursuant to section 4(4)(a) of the SSCBA. The Primary Contributions (if any) shall be
payable with respect to the Fair Market Value of the shares of Common Stock acquired upon
settlement of the award of Performance Units or otherwise on the gain arising as a result of the
Chargeable Event. This election does not apply in relation to any liability, or any part of any
liability, arising as a result of regulations being given retrospective effect by virtue of section
4B(2) of either the Social Security Contributions and Benefits Act 1992 or the Social Security
Contributions and Benefits (Northern Ireland) Act 1992.
(b) Subject to an election to the contrary, the Employer is liable to pay secondary Class 1
National Insurance Contributions upon the occurrence of the Chargeable Event (the Secondary
Contributions). Participant and the Company (on behalf of the Employer) hereby elect
that the entire liability (if any) to pay Secondary Contributions is hereby transferred to
Participant. The Secondary Contributions shall be payable with respect to the Fair Market Value of
the shares of Common Stock on the date the award of Performance Units is settled or otherwise on
the gain as a result of the Chargeable Event.
(c) Participant hereby authorizes the Company and Employer to deduct Primary and Secondary
Contributions where a payment is due for the assignment or release of the award of Performance
Units.
To satisfy the Primary and Secondary Contributions, the Company may withhold otherwise
deliverable shares of Common Stock upon the Chargeable Event having a Fair Market Value equal to
the minimum amount required to be withheld for the payment of the Primary and Secondary
Contributions pursuant to such procedures as the Plan Administrator may specify from time to time.
The Company will not retain fractional shares of Common Stock to satisfy any portion of the Primary
and Secondary Contributions. If the Plan Administrator determines that the withholding of whole
shares of Common Stock results in an over-withholding to meet the minimum Primary and Secondary
Contributions requirements, a reimbursement will be made to the Participant as soon as
administratively possible.
If the Company does not withhold in shares of Common Stock as described above, the Participant
hereby authorizes the Company or the Employer to collect Primary and Secondary Contributions from
the Participant at the time of the Chargeable Event by requiring Participant:
(i) to deliver cash or cleared funds to the Employer at that time, or
(ii) to (a) sell some of the shares of Common Stock which Participant is entitled to receive
upon settlement of the award of Performance Units (where applicable) through a Company-designated
broker and (b) instructing the broker to immediately remit sufficient funds from such sale to the
Company or the Employer to satisfy the Primary and Secondary Contributions. Such funds shall be
transmitted to the Employer within 30 days of settlement of the award of Performance Units or (if
earlier) within 14 days of the end of the tax month during which the Chargeable Event occurred.
The determination of whether Primary and / or Secondary Contributions are to be accounted for
and if so the amount due upon the occurrence of the Chargeable Event shall be assessed by the
Company or the Employer having regard to the National Insurance Contribution rates in force at the
time of the Chargeable Event and the prevailing legislation. The Companys (or Employers)
determination shall be final and binding on Participant.
(d) Participant and the Company (on behalf of the Employer) agree to be bound by the terms of
this Election.
(e) This Election shall continue in effect until such time (if ever) it should cease to have
effect, which shall be on the earlier of the following events:
(i) agreement of both Participant and the Company (on behalf of the Employer) that the
Election shall cease to have effect;
(ii) the Election ceases to have effect in accordance with its terms; and
(iii) notice is given to the Participant by Employer terminating the effect of
the election.
In the event that the Inland Revenue notifies the Employer that the approval has been
withdrawn in relation to any future Elections, the Employer will notify Participant within 14 days
of receipt of the notice of withdrawal.
(f) The Employer agrees to pay the Secondary Contributions to the Inland Revenue on behalf of
Participant within 14 days after the end of the tax month during which the Chargeable Event
occurred. The Employer will report to the Inland Revenue:
(i) details of the amount of NIC arising upon occurrence of the Chargeable Event;
(ii) the amount of the liability which was transferred by way of the Election; and
(iii) the date on which the transferred liability was paid to the Collector of Taxes.
The Company undertakes to provide the Employer with sufficient information to enable the
Employer to comply with the above reporting requirements.
(g) The arrangements for the payment of Primary and Secondary Contributions (where due) by the
Participant shall apply whether the Participant has ceased employment or has left the UK.
9. Rights as Stockholder. Neither the Participant nor any person claiming under or
through the Participant will have any of the rights or privileges of a stockholder of the Company
in respect of any shares of Common Stock deliverable hereunder unless and until certificates
representing such shares will have been issued, recorded on the records of the Company or its
transfer agents or registrars, and delivered to the Participant.
10. No Effect on Service. The Participants service with the Company and its
Subsidiaries is on an at-will basis only. Accordingly, the terms of the Participants service with
the Company and its Subsidiaries will be determined from time to time by the Company or the
Subsidiary employing or retaining the Participant (as the case may be), and the Company or the
Subsidiary, as applicable, will have the right, which is hereby expressly reserved, to terminate or
change the terms of the employment or service of the Participant at any time for any reason
whatsoever, with or without good cause.
11. Address for Notices. Any notice to be given to the Company under the terms of
this Agreement will be addressed to the Company at 495 East Java Drive, Sunnyvale, CA 94089, Attn:
Stock Administration, or at such other address as the Company may hereafter designate in writing.
12. Grant is Not Transferable. Except to the limited extent provided in paragraph 6,
this grant and the rights and privileges conferred hereby will not be transferred, assigned,
pledged or hypothecated in any way (whether by operation of law or otherwise) and will not be
subject to sale under execution, attachment or similar process. Upon any attempt to transfer,
assign, pledge, hypothecate or otherwise dispose of this grant, or any right or privilege conferred
hereby, or upon any
attempted sale under any execution, attachment or similar process, this grant and the rights
and privileges conferred hereby immediately will become null and void.
13. Leave of Absence. The following provisions shall apply upon Participants
commencement of an authorized leave of absence:
(a) If the leave of absence is protected by any statute such that re-employment upon
expiration of such protected leave is guaranteed, the Performance Units awarded by this Agreement
that are scheduled to vest shall be modified as follows:
(i) The vesting schedule in effect under this Agreement shall continue for a period of up to
twelve (12) weeks from the first day of the authorized leave. If Participant does not resume
active Employee status within such twelve (12)-week period, then no Service credit shall be given
for the balance of the leave of absence, unless applicable laws governing such statutory leave
would require a longer vesting continuance period, in which case vesting shall continue as provided
in this Agreement for such period required by such statute.
(b) If the leave of absence is not protected by statute such that re-employment upon
expiration of such leave is not guaranteed by statute, the Performance Units awarded by this
Agreement that are scheduled to vest shall be modified as follows:
(i) The vesting schedule in effect under this Agreement shall be frozen as of the first day of
the authorized leave.
(ii) Should Participant resume active Employee status within sixty (60) days after the start
date of the authorized leave, Participant shall, for purposes of the vesting schedule set forth in
this Agreement, receive Service credit for the entire period of such leave. If Participant does
not resume active Employee status within such sixty (60)-day period, then no Service credit shall
be given for the period of such leave.
14. Binding Agreement. Subject to the limitation on the transferability of this grant
contained herein, this Agreement will be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the heirs,
legatees, legal representatives, successors and assigns of the parties hereto.
15. Additional Conditions to Issuance of Stock. If at any time the Company will
determine, in its discretion, that the listing, registration or qualification of the shares of
Common Stock upon any securities exchange or under any state or federal law, or the consent or
approval of any governmental regulatory authority is necessary or desirable as a condition to the
issuance of shares to the Participant (or his estate), such issuance will not occur unless and
until such listing, registration, qualification, consent or approval will have been effected or
obtained free of any conditions not acceptable to the Company. Where the Company determines that
the delivery of the payment of any Shares will violate federal securities laws or other applicable
laws, the Company will defer delivery until the earliest date at which the Company reasonably
anticipates that the delivery of shares will no longer cause such violation. The Company will make
all reasonable efforts to meet the requirements of any such state or federal law or securities
exchange and to obtain any such consent or approval of any such
governmental authority.
16. Plan Governs. This Agreement is subject to all terms and provisions of the Plan.
In the event of a conflict between one or more provisions of this Agreement and one or more
provisions of the Plan, the provisions of the Plan will govern.
17. Administrator Authority. The Plan Administrator will have the power to interpret
the Plan and this Agreement and to adopt such rules for the administration, interpretation and
application of the Plan as are consistent therewith and to interpret or revoke any such rules
(including, but not limited to, the determination of whether or not any Performance Units have
vested). All actions taken and all interpretations and determinations made by the Plan
Administrator in good faith will be final and binding upon Participant, the Company and all other
interested persons. No member of the Plan Administrator will be personally liable for any action,
determination or interpretation made in good faith with respect to the Plan or this Agreement.
18. Captions. Captions provided herein are for convenience only and are not to serve
as a basis for interpretation or construction of this Agreement.
19. Agreement Severable. In the event that any provision in this Agreement will be
held invalid or unenforceable, such provision will be severable from, and such invalidity or
unenforceability will not be construed to have any effect on, the remaining provisions of this
Agreement.
20. Labor Law. By accepting this award of Performance Units, the Participant
acknowledges that: (a) the grant of this award of Performance Units is a one-time benefit which
does not create any contractual or other right to receive future grants of Performance Units, or
benefits in lieu of Performance Units; (b) all determinations with respect to any future grants,
including, but not limited to, the times when the Performance Units shall be granted, the number of
shares of Common Stock issuable pursuant to each award of Performance Units, the time or times when
Performance Units shall vest, will be at the sole discretion of the Company; (c) the Participants
participation in the Plan is voluntary; (d) this award of Performance Units is an extraordinary
item of compensation which is outside the scope of the Participants employment contract, if any;
(e) this award of Performance Units is not part of the Participants normal or expected
compensation for purposes of calculating any severance, resignation, redundancy, end-of-service
payments, bonuses, long-service awards, pension or retirement benefits or similar payments; (f) the
vesting of this award of Performance Units ceases upon termination of Service for any reason except
as may otherwise be explicitly provided in the Plan or this Agreement; (g) the future value of the
underlying shares of Common Stock is unknown and cannot be predicted with certainty; (h) this award
of Performance Units has been granted to the Participant in the Participants status as an
Employee, a non-employee member of the Board or a consultant or independent advisor of the Company
or its Parent or Subsidiary; (i) any claims resulting from this award of Performance Units shall be
enforceable, if at all, against the Company; and (j) there shall be no additional obligations for
the Participants Employer as a result of this award of Performance Units.
21. Disclosure of Participant Information. By accepting this award of Performance
Units, the Participant consents to the collection, use and transfer of personal data as described
in this
paragraph. The Participant understands that the Company and its Parent and Subsidiaries hold
certain personal information about him or her, including his or her name, home address and
telephone number, date of birth, social security or identity number, salary, nationality, job
title, any shares of stock or directorships held in the Company, details of all awards of
Performance Units or any other entitlement to shares of Common Stock awarded, canceled, exercised,
vested, unvested or outstanding in his or her favor, for the purpose of managing and administering
the Plan (Data). The Participant further understands that the Company and/or its Parent or
Subsidiaries will transfer Data among themselves as necessary for the purpose of implementation,
administration and management of his or her participation in the Plan, and that the Company and/or
any of its Parent or Subsidiaries may each further transfer Data to any third parties assisting the
Company in the implementation, administration and management of the Plan. The Participant
authorizes the Company to receive, possess, use, retain and transfer the Data in electronic or
other form, for the purposes of implementing, administering and managing his or her participation
in the Plan, including any requisite transfer to a broker or other third party with whom he or she
may elect to deposit any shares of Common Stock acquired from this award of Performance Units of
such Data as may be required for the administration of the Plan and/or the subsequent holding of
the shares of Common Stock on his or her behalf. The Participant understands that he or she may,
at any time, view the Data, require any necessary amendments to the Data or withdraw the consent
herein in writing by contacting the Human Resources Department and/or Stock Administration
Department for his or her Employer.
exv99wxdyx3y
Exhibit (d)(3)
NETAPP, INC.
Performance Unit Agreement Israel
NetApp, Inc. (the Company) hereby grants you, (the Participant), an award of performance units
(Performance Units) under the NetApp, Inc. 1999 Stock Option Plan and the Israeli addendum to
such plan called Appendix A Israel (the Plan). Subject to the provisions of Appendix A
(attached) and of the Plan, the principal features of this award are as follows:
Participant:
«First» «Middle» «Last»
«address1»
«City» «Zip»
«Country»
Grant Date: «Date»
Grant Number: «Performance_Unit_Number»
Number of Performance Units: «Performance_Unit_Shares»
Tax Route: Capital Gains Route of Section 102(b)(2)
Vesting of Performance Units: The Performance Units will vest according to the following
schedule:
Twenty-five percent (25%) of the Performance Units will vest on the first annual anniversary of the
Vesting Commencement Date, and on the next three annual anniversary dates thereafter, subject to
your continuous Service through each such date.
Unless otherwise defined herein or in Appendix A, capitalized terms herein or in Appendix A will
have the defined meanings ascribed to them in the Plan.
Participant acknowledges and agrees that by clicking the ACCEPT button on the Companys on-line
grant agreement (OLGA) response page, it will act as Participants electronic signature to the
Performance Unit Agreement (the Agreement) and will result in a contract between Participant and
the Company with respect to this award of Performance Units. Participant agrees and acknowledges
that Participants electronic signature indicates Participants agreement and understanding that
this award of Performance Units is subject to all of the terms and conditions contained in Appendix
A and the Plan. For example, important additional information on vesting and forfeiture of the
Performance Units is contained in Paragraphs 3, 4 and 7 of Appendix A. PLEASE BE SURE TO READ ALL
OF APPENDIX A, WHICH CONTAINS THE SPECIFIC TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THIS AGREEMENT.
Participant should retain a copy of Participants electronically signed Agreement; Participant may
obtain a paper copy at any time and at the Companys expense by requesting one from Stock
Administration at stockadmin@netapp.com. If Participant would prefer not to electronically sign
this Agreement, Participant may accept this Agreement by signing a paper copy of the Agreement and
delivering it to Stock Administration at 495 E. Java Drive, Sunnyvale, CA 94089. A copy of the
Plan is available upon request made to Stock Administration.
Furthermore, Participant approves and agrees to all the aforesaid in this Performance Unit
Agreement and the Trust Deed and declares that he/she is familiar with the provisions of Section
102 and the Capital Gains Route (as defined in the in the Agreement). Participant hereby undertakes
not to sell or transfer the Performance Unit Shares prior to the lapse of the Minimum Trust Period
(as defined in the Agreement), unless Participant pays all taxes, which may arise in connection
with such sale and/or transfer.
APPENDIX A
TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF PERFORMANCE UNITS
Grant # «Performance_Unit_Number»
1. Grant. The Company hereby grants to the Participant under the Plan an award of
Performance Units, subject to all of the terms and conditions in this agreement (the Agreement)
and the Plan. The Performance Units and the shares of Common Stock underlying such Performance
Units (the Performance Units Shares) will be deposited with a trustee approved by the Israeli
Income Tax Authority for this purpose (the Trustee), who will hold them in trust on Participants
behalf, all as set forth in Section 6 below.
2. Companys Obligation to Pay. Each Performance Unit represents the right to receive
a share of Common Stock on the date it becomes vested. Unless and until the Performance Units will
have vested in the manner set forth in paragraphs 3 and 4, the Participant will have no right to
payment of any such Performance Units. Prior to actual payment of any vested Performance Units,
such Performance Units will represent an unsecured obligation of the Company, payable (if at all)
only from the general assets of the Company.
3. Vesting Schedule. Subject to paragraph 4, the Performance Units awarded by this
Agreement will vest in the Participant according to the vesting schedule set forth on the attached
Performance Unit Agreement, subject to the Participants continuous Service through each such date.
4. Forfeiture upon Termination of Continuous Service. Notwithstanding any contrary
provision of this Agreement, if the Participants continuous Service terminates for any or no
reason, the then-unvested Performance Units awarded by this Agreement will thereupon be forfeited
at no cost to the Company and the Participant will have no further rights thereunder.
5. Section 102 of the Income Tax Ordinance and its Rules. The Performance Units are
subject to the provisions of Section 102 of the Israeli Income Tax Ordinance [New version], 1961
(the Ordinance and Section 102, respectively), as well as the Income Tax Rules (Tax Relief in
Issuance of Shares to Employees), 2003 (the 102 Rules), promulgated thereunder.
Accordingly, the Company elected the Capital Gains Route of Section 102(b)(2) of the Ordinance
(the Capital Gains Route) for the purpose of the taxation of Participants income from the
Performance Units. In general, taxable income that should be attributed to Participant as a result
of the grant of the Performance Units will be tax-free on the date of grant, but will be taxed on
the sale of Performance Unit Shares issued upon vesting of the Performance Units, or transfer of
Performance Unit Shares from the Trustee to the Participant (a Transfer). In accordance with the
Capital Gains Route, if the Performance Units or the Performance Unit Shares are held in trust by
the Trustee at least for the applicable period of time (see Section 6 below), currently two years
from the date this letter is deposited with a trustee (the Minimum Trust Period), gains derived
from the sale of Performance Unit Shares shall be classified as capital gains and taxed at a rate
of only 25%. Except for the benefit derived at the time of grant of the Performance Units,
equal to the difference between (a) the average closing price of the Companys share of Common
Stock on a stock exchange during 30 trading days prior to the date of grant, and (b) the
consideration paid for the Performance Units, or upon their vesting, if any. Such benefit shall be
subject to tax at the time of sale of the Performance Unit Shares, or a Transfer, as ordinary work
income (i.e. at marginal tax rates (currently up to 48%) plus social security and national health
insurance payments).
At the time of sale of the Performance Unit Shares or a Transfer, Participant shall be subject
to tax, which will be calculated, in general, according to difference between (a) the market price
(or the actual sale price) of the Performance Unit Shares at such time, and (b) the Exercise
Price1. Such tax shall be withheld at source by the Company, in accordance with the
provisions of the 102 Rules, and the transfer of Performance Unit Shares to Participant is
conditioned upon the payment of such tax.
Participant shall not be entitled to sell the Performance Unit Shares or to execute a
Transfer, prior to the lapse of the Minimum Trust Period. Furthermore, any and all rights issued in
respect of the Performance Unit Shares, including bonus shares but excluding cash dividends
(Rights(, shall be deposited with the Trustee and held thereby at least until the lapse of the
Minimum Trust Period, and such Rights shall be subject to the Capital Gains Route. Notwithstanding
the aforesaid, Participant may sell Performance Unit Shares or Rights or execute a Transfer prior
to the lapse of the Minimum Trust Period, provided, however, that tax is withheld at source by the
Company in accordance with the 102 Rules. In such case, Participants gains shall be classified as
ordinary income and Participant shall be subject to tax on such income at marginal tax rates
(currently up to 48%) plus social security and national health insurance payments.
PARTICIPANT IS ADVISED TO CONSULT WITH PARTICIPANTS
OWN TAX ADVISER WITH RESPECT TO THE TAX
CONSEQUENCES OF RECEIVING PERFORMANCE UNITS, HAVING
PARTICIPANTS PERFORMANCE UNITS VESTED, OR DISPOSING OF PARTICIPANTS ISSUED PERFORMANCE UNIT SHARES.
6. Trust. To secure performance of tax law requirements, the Performance Units
awarded to the Participant according to this Agreement will be held in trust by the Trustee that
was approved for this purpose by the tax authorities, who shall release them to Participant only
upon full compliance with the legal requirements and the terms of the Plan. For this purpose, a
Trust Deed was signed between the Company and the Trustee, a copy of which is attached hereto as
Exhibit A. The conditions of the Trust Deed apply to the Performance Units awarded to the
Participant; thus, Participant is required to carefully read the provisions of the said Trust Deed.
7. Payment after Vesting. Any Performance Units that vest in accordance with
paragraph 3 will be paid to the Participant (or in the event of the Participants death, to his or
her estate) in whole shares of Common Stock, provided that to the extent determined appropriate by
the Company, any income, employment and other withholding taxes with respect to such Performance
Units will be paid prior to the issuance of any certificate representing the shares of Common
Stock. Subject to the provisions of Section 7(b), vested Performance Units will be paid in whole
shares of Common Stock as soon as practicable after vesting, but in each such case no later than
the date that is two-and-one-half (2 1/2) months from the later of (i) the end of the Companys tax
year that includes the vesting date, or (ii) the end of Participants tax year that includes the
vesting date.
(b) Notwithstanding anything in the Plan or this Agreement to the contrary, if the vesting of
the balance, or some lesser portion of the balance, of the Performance Units is accelerated in
connection with Participants termination of continuous Service (provided that such termination is
a separation from service within the meaning of Section 409A, as determined by the Company),
other than due to death, and if (x) Participant is a specified employee within the meaning of
Section 409A at the time of such termination of continuous Service and (y) the payment of such
accelerated Performance Units will result in the imposition of additional tax under Section 409A if
paid to Participant on or within the six (6) month period following Participants termination of
continuous Service, then the payment of such accelerated Performance Units will not be made until
the date six (6) months and one (1) day following the date of Participants termination of
continuous Service, unless Participant dies following his or her termination, in which case, the
Performance Units will be paid in shares of Common Stock in accordance with Section 6 as soon as
practicable following his or her death. It is the intent of this
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The above tax description is a general summary only and
does not refer to expenses involved with the vesting of Performance Units and
sale of Performance Unit Shares or changes in the Israeli Consumer Price Index,
which may impact the final tax calculation. |
Agreement to comply with the requirements of Section 409A so that none of the Performance
Units provided under this Agreement or shares of Common Stock issuable thereunder will be subject
to the additional tax imposed under Section 409A, and any ambiguities herein will be interpreted to
so comply. For purposes of this Agreement, Section 409A means Section 409A of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and any proposed, temporary or final Treasury Regulations and
Internal Revenue Service guidance thereunder, as each may be amended from time to time.
8. Payments after Death. Any distribution or delivery to be made to the Participant
under this Agreement will, if the Participant is then deceased, be made to the Participants
designated beneficiary, or if no beneficiary survives the Participant, administrator or executor of
the Participants estate. Any such transferee must furnish the Company with (a) written notice of
his or her status as transferee, and (b) evidence satisfactory to the Company to establish the
validity of the transfer and compliance with any laws or regulations pertaining to said transfer.
9. Withholding of Taxes. Notwithstanding any contrary provision of this Agreement, no
certificate representing the shares of Common Stock will be issued to the Participant, unless and
until satisfactory arrangements (as determined by the Plan Administrator) will have been made by
the Participant with respect to the payment of income, employment and other taxes which the Company
determines must be withheld with respect to such shares so issuable. If the Participant fails to
make satisfactory arrangements for the payment of any required tax withholding obligations
hereunder at the time any applicable Performance Units otherwise are scheduled to vest pursuant to
Section 3, the Participant will permanently forfeit such Performance Units and will have no further
rights to receive shares of Common Stock pursuant thereto.
10. Rights as Stockholder. Neither the Participant nor any person claiming under or
through the Participant will have any of the rights or privileges of a stockholder of the Company
in respect of any shares of Common Stock deliverable hereunder unless and until certificates
representing such shares will have been issued, recorded on the records of the Company or its
transfer agents or registrars, and delivered to the Participant.
11. No Effect on Employment. The Participants employment with the Company and its
Subsidiaries is on an at-will basis only. Accordingly, the terms of the Participants employment
with the Company and its Subsidiaries will be determined from time to time by the Company or the
Subsidiary employing the Participant (as the case may be), and the Company or the Subsidiary, as
applicable, will have the right, which is hereby expressly reserved, to terminate or change the
terms of the employment of the Participant at any time for any reason whatsoever, with or without
good cause.
12. Address for Notices. Any notice to be given to the Company under the terms of
this Agreement will be addressed to the Company at 495 East Java Drive, Sunnyvale, CA 94089, Attn:
Stock Administration, or at such other address as the Company may hereafter designate in writing.
13. Grant is Not Transferable. Except to the limited extent provided in paragraph 8
and in the Plan, this grant and the rights and privileges conferred hereby will not be transferred,
assigned, pledged or hypothecated in any way (whether by operation of law or otherwise) and will
not be subject to sale under execution, attachment or similar process. Upon any attempt to
transfer, assign, pledge, hypothecate or otherwise dispose of this grant, or any right or privilege
conferred hereby, or upon any attempted sale under any execution, attachment or similar process,
this grant and the rights and privileges conferred hereby immediately will become null and void.
14. Leave of Absence. The following provisions shall apply upon Participants
commencement of an authorized leave of absence:
(a) If the leave of absence is protected by any statute such that re-employment upon
expiration of such protected leave is guaranteed, the Performance Units awarded by this Agreement
that
are scheduled to vest shall be modified as follows:
(i) The vesting schedule in effect under this Agreement shall continue for a period of up to
twelve (12) weeks from the first day of the authorized leave. If Participant does not resume
active Employee status within such twelve (12)-week period, then no Service credit shall be given
for the balance of the leave of absence, unless applicable laws governing such statutory leave
would require a longer vesting continuance period, in which case vesting shall continue as provided
in this Agreement for such period required by such statute.
(b) If the leave of absence is not protected by statute such that re-employment upon
expiration of such leave is not guaranteed by statute, the Performance Units awarded by this
Agreement that are scheduled to vest shall be modified as follows:
(i) The vesting schedule in effect under this Agreement shall be frozen as of the first day of
the authorized leave.
(ii) Should Participant resume active Employee status within sixty (60) days after the start
date of the authorized leave, Participant shall, for purposes of the vesting schedule set forth in
this Agreement, receive Service credit for the entire period of such leave. If Participant does
not resume active Employee status within such sixty (60)-day period, then no Service credit shall
be given for the period of such leave.
15. Binding Agreement. Subject to the limitation on the transferability of this grant
contained herein, this Agreement will be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the heirs,
legatees, legal representatives, successors and assigns of the parties hereto.
16. Additional Conditions to Issuance of Stock. If at any time the Company will
determine, in its discretion, that the listing, registration or qualification of the shares of
Common Stock upon any securities exchange or under any state or federal law, or the consent or
approval of any governmental regulatory authority is necessary or desirable as a condition to the
issuance of shares to the Participant (or his estate), such issuance will not occur unless and
until such listing, registration, qualification, consent or approval will have been effected or
obtained free of any conditions not acceptable to the Company. Where the Company determines that
the delivery of the payment of any Shares will violate federal securities laws or other applicable
laws, the Company will defer delivery until the earliest date at which the Company reasonably
anticipates that the delivery of Shares will no longer cause such violation. The Company will make
all reasonable efforts to meet the requirements of any such state or federal law or securities
exchange and to obtain any such consent or approval of any such governmental authority.
17. Plan Governs. This Agreement is subject to all terms and provisions of the Plan.
In the event of a conflict between one or more provisions of this Agreement and one or more
provisions of the Plan, the provisions of the Plan will govern.
18. Administrator Authority. The Plan Administrator will have the power to interpret
the Plan and this Agreement and to adopt such rules for the administration, interpretation and
application of the Plan as are consistent therewith and to interpret or revoke any such rules
(including, but not limited to, the determination of whether or not any Performance Units have
vested). All actions taken and all interpretations and determinations made by the Plan
Administrator in good faith will be final and binding upon Participant, the Company and all other
interested persons. No member of the Plan Administrator will be personally liable for any action,
determination or interpretation made in good faith with respect to the Plan or this Agreement.
19. Captions. Captions provided herein are for convenience only and are not to serve
as a basis for interpretation or construction of this Agreement.
20. Agreement Severable. In the event that any provision in this Agreement will be
held invalid or unenforceable, such provision will be severable from, and such invalidity or
unenforceability will not be construed to have any effect on, the remaining provisions of this
Agreement.
21. Reading the Plan. It is hereby clarified that reading this Agreement is not, and
cannot be, a substitute for the full and thorough reading of the Plan. The Plan and the Trust Deed
include important details that Participant should know and understand. In any case of contradiction
between the aforesaid in this Agreement and the Plan, or in any case of dispute on any of the
issues discussed in this Agreement, the provisions of the Plan shall prevail.
Attached:
Exhibit A Trust Deed
exv99wxdyx4y
Exhibit (d)(4)
NETAPP, INC.
PERFORMANCE UNIT AGREEMENT
NetApp, Inc. (the Company) hereby grants you, (Participant), an award of performance units
(Performance Units) under the NetApp, Inc. 1999 Stock Option Plan (the Plan). Subject to the
provisions of Appendix A (attached) and of the Plan, the principal features of this award are as
follows:
Participant:
«FIRST_NAME» «MIDDLE_NAME» «LAST_NAME»
«ADDRESS_LINE_1»
«ADDRESS_LINE_2»
«CITY», «STATE» «ZIP_CODE»
«COUNTRY»
Grant Date: «GRANT_DATE»
Grant Number: «NUM»
Number of Performance Units: «SHARES»
Vesting Commencement Date: «VEST_BASE_DATE»
Vesting of Performance Units: The Performance Units will vest according to the following
schedule:
Twenty-five percent (25%) of the Performance Units will vest on the first annual anniversary of the
Vesting Commencement Date, and on the next three annual anniversary dates thereafter, subject to
Participants continuous Service through each such date.
Unless otherwise defined herein or in Appendix A, capitalized terms herein or in Appendix A will
have the defined meanings ascribed to them in the Plan.
Participant acknowledges and agrees that by clicking the ACCEPT button on the Companys on-line
grant agreement (OLGA) response page, it will act as Participants electronic signature to the
Performance Unit Agreement (the Agreement) and will result in a contract between Participant and
the Company with respect to this award of Performance Units. Participant agrees and acknowledges
that Participants electronic signature indicates Participants agreement and understanding that
this award of Performance Units is subject to all of the terms and conditions contained in Appendix
A and the Plan. For example, important additional information on vesting and forfeiture of the
Performance Units is contained in Paragraphs 3 through 5 of Appendix A. PLEASE BE SURE TO READ ALL
OF APPENDIX A, WHICH CONTAINS THE SPECIFIC TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THIS AGREEMENT.
Participant should retain a copy of Participants electronically signed Agreement; Participant may
obtain a paper copy at any time and at the Companys expense by requesting one from Stock
Administration at stockadmin@netapp.com. If Participant would prefer not to electronically sign
this Agreement, Participant may accept this Agreement by signing a paper copy of the Agreement and
delivering it to Stock Administration at 495 E. Java Drive, Sunnyvale, CA 94089. A copy of the
Plan is available upon request made to Stock Administration.
APPENDIX A
TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF PERFORMANCE UNITS
Grant # «NUM»
1. Grant. The Company hereby grants to Participant under the Plan
an award of Performance Units, subject to all of the terms and conditions in this Agreement and the
Plan.
2. Companys Obligation to Pay. Each Performance Unit represents the right to receive
a share of Common Stock on the date it becomes vested. Unless and until the Performance Units will
have vested in the manner set forth in paragraphs 3 and 4, Participant will have no right to
payment of any such Performance Units. Prior to actual payment of any vested Performance Units,
such Performance Units will represent an unsecured obligation of the Company, payable (if at all)
only from the general assets of the Company.
3. Vesting Schedule. Subject to paragraph 4, the Performance Units awarded by this
Agreement will vest in Participant according to the vesting schedule set forth on the attached
Performance Unit Agreement, subject to Participants continuous Service through each such date.
4. Forfeiture upon Termination of Continuous Service. Notwithstanding any contrary
provision of this Agreement, if Participants continuous Service terminates for any or no reason,
the then-unvested Performance Units awarded by this Agreement will thereupon be forfeited at no
cost to the Company and Participant will have no further rights thereunder.
5. Payment after Vesting. Any Performance Units that vest in accordance with
paragraph 3 will be paid to Participant (or in the event of Participants death, to his or her
estate) in whole shares of Common Stock, provided that to the extent determined appropriate by the
Company, any federal, state and local withholding taxes with respect to such Performance Units will
be paid by reducing the number of shares actually paid to Participant (see Sections 7 and 8).
Subject to the provisions of Section 5(b), vested Performance Units will be paid in whole shares of
Common Stock as soon as practicable after vesting, but in each such case no later than the date
that is two-and-one-half (2 1/2) months from the later of (i) the end of the Companys tax year that
includes the vesting date, or (ii) the end of Participants tax year that includes the vesting
date.
(b) Notwithstanding anything in the Plan or this Agreement to the contrary, if the vesting of
the balance, or some lesser portion of the balance, of the Performance Units is accelerated in
connection with Participants termination of continuous Service (provided that such termination is
a separation from service within the meaning of Section 409A, as determined by the Company),
other than due to death, and if (x) Participant is a specified employee within the meaning of
Section 409A at the time of such termination of continuous Service and (y) the payment of such
accelerated Performance Units will result in the imposition of additional tax under Section 409A if
paid to Participant on or within the six (6) month period following Participants termination of
continuous Service, then the payment of such accelerated Performance Units will not be made until
the date six (6) months and one (1) day following the date of Participants termination of
continuous Service, unless Participant dies following his or her termination, in which case, the
Performance Units will be paid in shares of Common Stock in accordance with Section 6 as soon as
practicable following his or her death. It is the intent of this Agreement to comply with the
requirements of Section 409A so that none of the Performance Units provided under this Agreement or
shares of Common Stock issuable thereunder will be subject to the additional tax imposed under
Section 409A, and any ambiguities
herein will be interpreted to so comply. For purposes of this Agreement, Section 409A means
Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and any proposed, temporary or final
Treasury Regulations and Internal Revenue Service guidance thereunder, as each may be amended from
time to time.
6. Payments after Death. Any distribution or delivery to be made to Participant under
this Agreement will, if Participant is then deceased, be made to Participants designated
beneficiary, or if no beneficiary survives Participant, administrator or executor of Participants
estate. Any such transferee must furnish the Company with (a) written notice of his or her status
as transferee, and (b) evidence satisfactory to the Company to establish the validity of the
transfer and compliance with any laws or regulations pertaining to said transfer.
7. Withholding of Taxes. Notwithstanding any contrary provision of this Agreement, no
shares of Common Stock will be issued to Participant, unless and until satisfactory arrangements
(as determined by the Plan Administrator) will have been made by Participant with respect to the
payment of income (including federal, state, foreign and local taxes), employment, social
insurance, payroll tax, payment on account and other taxes which the Company determines must be
withheld with respect to such shares so issuable, including, without limitation, the FBT discussed
below (the Withholding Taxes). Participant acknowledges that the ultimate liability for all
Withholding Taxes legally due by Participant is and remains Participants responsibility and that
the Company and/or Participants actual employer (the Employer) (i) make no representations or
undertakings regarding the treatment of any Withholding Taxes in connection with any aspect of the
Performance Units, including the grant of the Performance Units, the vesting of Performance Units,
the settlement of the Performance Units in shares of Common Stock or the receipt of an equivalent
cash payment, the subsequent sale of any shares of Common Stock acquired at vesting and the receipt
of any dividends; and (ii) do not commit to structure the terms of the grant or any aspect of the
Performance Units to reduce or eliminate Participants liability for Withholding Taxes.
To satisfy the Withholding Taxes, the Company may withhold otherwise deliverable shares of
Common Stock upon vesting of Performance Units, according to the vesting schedule, having a Fair
Market Value equal to the minimum amount required to be withheld for the payment of the Withholding
Taxes pursuant to such procedures as the Plan Administrator may specify from time to time. The
Company will not retain fractional shares of Common Stock to satisfy any portion of the Withholding
Taxes. If the Plan Administrator determines that the withholding of whole shares of Common Stock
results in an over-withholding to meet the minimum tax withholding requirements, a reimbursement
will be made to Participant as soon as administratively possible.
If the Company does not withhold in shares of Common Stock as described above, prior to the
issuance of shares of Common Stock upon vesting of Performance Units or the receipt of an
equivalent cash payment, Participant shall pay, or make adequate arrangements satisfactory to the
Company or to the Employer (in their sole discretion) to satisfy all withholding and payment on
account obligations of the Company and/or the Employer. In this regard, Participant authorizes the
Company or the Employer to withhold all applicable Withholding Taxes legally payable by Participant
from Participants wages or other cash compensation payable to Participant by the Company or the
Employer or from any equivalent cash payment received upon vesting of the Performance Units.
Alternatively, or in addition, if permissible under local law, Participant may instruct and
authorize the Plan Administrator to pay Withholding Taxes, in whole or in part, by one of the
additional following
alternatives:
(a) Participant providing irrevocable instructions to a Company-designated broker to deliver
cash to the Company (or the Employer) from Participants previously established account with such
broker equal to the Withholding Taxes; or
(b) Participant providing irrevocable instructions to a Company-designated broker to sell a
sufficient number of shares of Common Stock otherwise deliverable to Participant having a Fair
Market Value equal to the Withholding Taxes, provided that such sale does not violate Company
policy or Applicable Laws.
If Participant fails to make satisfactory arrangements for the payment of the Withholding
Taxes hereunder at the time any applicable Performance Units otherwise are scheduled to vest
pursuant to Section 3, Participant will permanently forfeit such Performance Units and any shares
of Common Stock otherwise deliverable with respect thereto, and the Performance Units will be
returned to the Company at no cost to the Company.
8. Reimbursement of Taxes. Participant is aware that as a consequence of providing
the benefits to Participant under the Plan, the Indian Subsidiary of the Company and/or the Company
(collectively, the Tax Paying Entity) will be liable to pay certain tax in India, in the nature
of fringe benefit tax (FBT), chargeable under the Income Tax Act, 1961 (the IT Act). Further,
Participant is also aware that under the provisions of the IT Act, the Tax Paying Entity can
legally recover the FBT paid by the Tax Paying Entity in respect of the shares of Common Stock
issuable hereunder from Participant by such methods that the Tax Paying Entity, in its sole
discretion, deems fit. In view of the foregoing, Participant agrees to reimburse or pay without
demur to the Tax Paying Entity (including the Parent or Subsidiary employing or retaining
Participant) in full for any liability that the Tax Paying Entity incurs towards payment of FBT or
other such tax which is paid or payable by the Tax Paying Entity in respect of the vesting,
exercise, release, cancellation, transfer of this award of Performance Units, on demand in writing
by the Tax Paying Entity and within the time prescribed by the Tax Paying Entity. Further, the Tax
Paying Entity may also require certain security from Participant for such reimbursement of taxes as
a precondition to issuance of shares of Common Stock hereunder and Participant agrees to execute
any additional documents requested by the Tax Paying Entity for such security or otherwise for
reimbursement of such taxes to the Tax Paying Entity.
By accepting this award of Performance Units, Participant consents and agrees to assume any
and all FBT in connection with this award of Performance Units. Participant understands that the
grant of this award of Performance Units is contingent upon Participant agreeing to assume
liability for the FBT payable with respect to this award.
9. Rights as Stockholder. Neither Participant nor any person claiming under or
through Participant will have any of the rights or privileges of a stockholder of the Company in
respect of any shares of Common Stock deliverable hereunder unless and until certificates
representing such shares will have been issued, recorded on the records of the Company or its
transfer agents or registrars, and delivered to Participant.
10. No Effect on Service. Participants service with the Company and its Subsidiaries
is on an at-will basis only. Accordingly, the terms of Participants service with the Company and
its
Subsidiaries will be determined from time to time by the Company or the Subsidiary employing
or retaining Participant (as the case may be), and the Company or the Subsidiary, as applicable,
will have the right, which is hereby expressly reserved, to terminate or change the terms of the
employment or service of Participant at any time for any reason whatsoever, with or without good
cause.
11. Address for Notices. Any notice to be given to the Company under the terms of
this Agreement will be addressed to the Company at 495 East Java Drive, Sunnyvale, CA 94089, Attn:
Stock Administration, or at such other address as the Company may hereafter designate in writing.
12. Grant is Not Transferable. Except to the limited extent provided in paragraph 6,
this grant and the rights and privileges conferred hereby will not be transferred, assigned,
pledged or hypothecated in any way (whether by operation of law or otherwise) and will not be
subject to sale under execution, attachment or similar process. Upon any attempt to transfer,
assign, pledge, hypothecate or otherwise dispose of this grant, or any right or privilege conferred
hereby, or upon any attempted sale under any execution, attachment or similar process, this grant
and the rights and privileges conferred hereby immediately will become null and void.
13. Leave of Absence. The following provisions shall apply upon Participants
commencement of an authorized leave of absence:
(a) If the leave of absence is protected by any statute such that re-employment upon
expiration of such protected leave is guaranteed, the Performance Units awarded by this Agreement
that are scheduled to vest shall be modified as follows:
(i) The vesting schedule in effect under this Agreement shall continue for a period of up to
twelve (12) weeks from the first day of the authorized leave. If Participant does not resume
active Employee status within such twelve (12)-week period, then no Service credit shall be given
for the balance of the leave of absence, unless applicable laws governing such statutory leave
would require a longer vesting continuance period, in which case vesting shall continue as provided
in this Agreement for such period required by such statute.
(b) If the leave of absence is not protected by statute such that re-employment upon
expiration of such leave is not guaranteed by statute, the Performance Units awarded by this
Agreement that are scheduled to vest shall be modified as follows:
(i) The vesting schedule in effect under this Agreement shall be frozen as of the first day of
the authorized leave.
(ii) Should Participant resume active Employee status within sixty (60) days after the start
date of the authorized leave, Participant shall, for purposes of the vesting schedule set forth in
this Agreement, receive Service credit for the entire period of such leave. If Participant does
not resume active Employee status within such sixty (60)-day period, then no Service credit shall
be given for the period of such leave.
14. Binding Agreement. Subject to the limitation on the transferability of this grant
contained herein, this Agreement will be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the heirs,
legatees, legal representatives, successors and assigns of the parties hereto.
15. Additional Conditions to Issuance of Stock. If at any time the Company will
determine, in its discretion, that the listing, registration or qualification of the shares of
Common Stock upon any securities exchange or under any state or federal law, or the consent or
approval of any governmental regulatory authority is necessary or desirable as a condition to the
issuance of shares to Participant (or his estate), such issuance will not occur unless and until
such listing, registration, qualification, consent or approval will have been effected or obtained
free of any conditions not acceptable to the Company. Where the Company determines that the
delivery of the payment of any Shares will violate federal securities laws or other applicable
laws, the Company will defer delivery until the earliest date at which the Company reasonably
anticipates that the delivery of shares will no longer cause such violation. The Company will make
all reasonable efforts to meet the requirements of any such state or federal law or securities
exchange and to obtain any such consent or approval of any such governmental authority.
16. Plan Governs. This Agreement is subject to all terms and provisions of the Plan.
In the event of a conflict between one or more provisions of this Agreement and one or more
provisions of the Plan, the provisions of the Plan will govern.
17. Administrator Authority. The Plan Administrator will have the power to interpret
the Plan and this Agreement and to adopt such rules for the administration, interpretation and
application of the Plan as are consistent therewith and to interpret or revoke any such rules
(including, but not limited to, the determination of whether or not any Performance Units have
vested). All actions taken and all interpretations and determinations made by the Plan
Administrator in good faith will be final and binding upon Participant, the Company and all other
interested persons. No member of the Plan Administrator will be personally liable for any action,
determination or interpretation made in good faith with respect to the Plan or this Agreement.
18. Captions. Captions provided herein are for convenience only and are not to serve
as a basis for interpretation or construction of this Agreement.
19. Agreement Severable. In the event that any provision in this Agreement will be
held invalid or unenforceable, such provision will be severable from, and such invalidity or
unenforceability will not be construed to have any effect on, the remaining provisions of this
Agreement.
20. Labor Law. By accepting this award of Performance Units, Participant acknowledges
that: (a) the grant of this award of Performance Units is a one-time benefit which does not create
any contractual or other right to receive future grants of Performance Units, or benefits in lieu
of Performance Units; (b) all determinations with respect to any future grants, including, but not
limited to, the times when the Performance Units shall be granted, the number of shares of Common
Stock issuable pursuant to each award of Performance Units, the time or times when Performance
Units shall vest, will be at the sole discretion of the Company; (c) Participants participation in
the Plan is voluntary; (d) this award of Performance Units is an extraordinary item of compensation
which is outside the scope of Participants employment contract, if any; (e) this award of
Performance Units is not part of Participants normal or expected compensation for purposes of
calculating any severance, resignation, redundancy, end-of-service payments, bonuses, long-service
awards, pension or retirement benefits or similar payments; (f) the vesting of this award of
Performance Units ceases upon termination of Service for any reason except as may otherwise be
explicitly provided in the Plan or this Agreement; (g) the future value of the underlying shares of
Common Stock is unknown and cannot be
predicted with certainty; (h) this award of Performance Units has been granted to Participant
in Participants status as an Employee, a non-employee member of the Board or a consultant or
independent advisor of the Company or its Parent or Subsidiary; (i) any claims resulting from this
award of Performance Units shall be enforceable, if at all, against the Company; and (j) there
shall be no additional obligations for Participants Employer as a result of this award of
Performance Units.
21. Disclosure of Participant Information. By accepting this award of Performance
Units, Participant consents to the collection, use and transfer of personal data as described in
this paragraph. Participant understands that the Company and its Parent and Subsidiaries hold
certain personal information about him or her, including his or her name, home address and
telephone number, date of birth, social security or identity number, salary, nationality, job
title, any shares of stock or directorships held in the Company, details of all awards of
Performance Units or any other entitlement to shares of Common Stock awarded, canceled, exercised,
vested, unvested or outstanding in his or her favor, for the purpose of managing and administering
the Plan (Data). Participant further understands that the Company and/or its Parent or
Subsidiaries will transfer Data among themselves as necessary for the purpose of implementation,
administration and management of his or her participation in the Plan, and that the Company and/or
any of its Parent or Subsidiaries may each further transfer Data to any third parties assisting the
Company in the implementation, administration and management of the Plan. Participant authorizes
the Company to receive, possess, use, retain and transfer the Data in electronic or other form, for
the purposes of implementing, administering and managing his or her participation in the Plan,
including any requisite transfer to a broker or other third party with whom he or she may elect to
deposit any shares of Common Stock acquired from this award of Performance Units of such Data as
may be required for the administration of the Plan and/or the subsequent holding of the shares of
Common Stock on his or her behalf. Participant understands that he or she may, at any time, view
the Data, require any necessary amendments to the Data or withdraw the consent herein in writing by
contacting the Human Resources Department and/or the Stock Administration Department for his or her
Employer.