UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of report (Date of earliest event reported):
February 21, 2005 (February 15, 2005)
RANGE RESOURCES CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware | 0-9592 | 34-1312571 | ||
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation) |
(Commission File Number) |
(IRS Employer Identification No.) |
777 Main Street, Suite 800 Ft. Worth, Texas (Address of principal executive offices) |
76102 (Zip Code) |
Registrants telephone number, including area code: (817) 870-2601
(Former name or former address, if changed since last report): Not applicable
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):
o Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
o Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
o Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
o Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))
ITEMS 1.01 ENTRY INTO A MATERIAL DEFINITIVE AGREEMENT
Executive Compensation
On February 15, 2005, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors (the Compensation Committee) of Range Resources Corporation (the Company) authorized and approved (a) the base salaries of our named executive officers for 2005 (effective February 28, 2005); (b) the payment to our named executive officers of discretionary cash bonuses that were earned in 2004; and (c) the grant to the named executive officers of stock options pursuant to the Amended and Restated 1999 Stock Option Plan. John H. Pinkerton, President and Chief Executive Officer, was awarded a 2005 base salary of $430,000, a 2004 cash bonus of $450,000 and a grant of an option to purchase 93,750 shares of the Companys common stock. Jeffrey L. Ventura, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, was awarded a 2005 base salary of $300,000, a 2004 cash bonus of $240,000 and a grant of an option to purchase 48,000 shares of the Companys common stock. Roger S. Manny, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, was awarded a 2005 base salary of $225,000, a 2004 cash bonus of $150,000 and a grant of an option to purchase 27,750 shares of the Companys common stock. Chad L. Stephens, Senior Vice President Corporate Development, was awarded a 2005 base salary of $190,000, a 2004 cash bonus of $140,000 and a grant of an option to purchase 26,250 shares of the Companys common stock. Rodney L. Waller, Senior Vice President and Secretary, was awarded a 2005 base salary of $210,000, a 2004 cash bonus of $150,000 and a grant of an option to purchase 27,000 shares of the Companys common stock. The stock options granted have a per share exercise price equal to the fair market value of the Companys common stock on the date of grant and vest over three years. The Amended and Restated 1999 Stock Option Plan and form of stock option agreement pursuant to which these stock options were granted are filed as Exhibits hereto.
Material Amendment to Consulting Agreement
The former Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Company from 1988 to May 2003, Mr. Thomas J. Edelman, provides services to the Company under a consulting agreement dated May 21, 2003 that expires in May 2006 (the Consulting Agreement). Under the terms of the Consulting Agreement, Mr. Edelman committed to make himself available to assist the Company on certain matters and, upon request, advise the Company on transactions. At the Companys request, Mr. Edelman provided advisory services to the Company in connection with its $215 million acquisition of PMOG Holdings, Inc. in December 2004. On February 16, 2005, the Board of Directors authorized and approved a $250,000 success fee payment to Mr. Edelman in consideration of his services relating to the Companys acquisition of PMOG Holdings, Inc. A copy of the Consulting Agreement is filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Companys Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 001-12209) filed on August 6, 2003.
ITEM 5.05 AMENDMENTS TO THE RANGE RESOURCES CORPORATIONS CODE OF ETHICS, OR WAIVER OF A PROVISION OF THE CODE OF ETHICS
On February 16, 2005, our Governance Committee and Board of Directors adopted amendments to our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics. These amendments have updated our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics by, among other things: designating Rodney L. Waller as Chief Governance Officer in charge of monitoring compliance with our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and making certain changes to incorporate the standards established by the Federal Sentencing Guidelines in Chapter 8, Part B, Section 2. The amended Code of Business Conduct and Ethics is posted on the Companys website www.rangeresources.com/CorporateGovernance/GovernanceDocumentation/CodeofEthics and is attached as Exhibit 10.4 hereto.
ITEM 9.01. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS
(a) | Exhibits. |
Exhibit | ||||
Number | Description | |||
10.1
|
Amended and Restated 1999 Stock Option Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Companys Form S-8 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 6, 2003, File No. 333-105895) | |||
10.2
|
Fourth Amendment to the Amended and Restated 1999 Stock Option Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Companys Form S-8 filed with the SEC on June 9, 2004, File No. 333-116320) | |||
10.3*
|
Form of Agreement for non-qualified awards pursuant to Amended and Restated 1999 Stock Option Plan, as amended | |||
10.4*
|
Amended Code of Business Conduct and Ethics |
Certain information included in this report contains certain statements (other than statements of historical fact) that constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. When used herein, the words budget, budgeted, assumes, should, goal, anticipates, expects, believes, seeks, plans, estimates, intends, projects or targets and similar expressions that convey the uncertainty of future events or outcomes are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Where any forward-looking statement includes a statement of the assumptions or bases underlying such forward-looking statement, we caution that while we believe these assumptions or bases to be reasonable and to be made in good faith, assumed facts or bases almost always vary from actual results and the difference between assumed facts or bases and the actual results could be material, depending on the circumstances. It is important to note that our actual results could differ materially from those projected by such forward-looking statements. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable and such forward-looking statements are based upon the best data available at the date this report is filed with the SEC, we cannot assure you that such expectations will prove correct. Factors that could cause our results to differ materially from the results discussed in such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the following: production variance from expectations, volatility of oil and gas prices, hedging results, the need to develop and replace reserves, the substantial capital expenditures required to fund operations, exploration risks, environmental risks, uncertainties about estimates of reserves, competition, litigation, government regulation, political risks, our ability to implement our business strategy, costs and results of drilling new projects, mechanical and other inherent risks associated with oil and gas production, weather, availability of drilling equipment and changes in interest rates. All such forward-looking statements in this document are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements in this paragraph, and the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
RANGE RESOURCES CORPORATION |
||||
By: | /s/ RODNEY L. WALLER | |||
Rodney L. Waller | ||||
Senior Vice President and Chief Governance Officer |
||||
Date: February 21, 2005
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit | ||||
Number | Description | |||
10.1
|
Amended and Restated 1999 Stock Option Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Companys Form S-8 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commision on June 6, 2003, File No. 333-105895) | |||
10.2
|
Fourth Amendment to the Amended and Restated 1999 Stock Option Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Companys Form S-8 filed with the SEC on June 9, 2004, File No. 333-116320) | |||
10.3*
|
Form of Agreement for non-qualified awards pursuant to Amended and Restated 1999 Stock Option Plan, as amended | |||
10.4*
|
Amended Code of Business Conduct and Ethics |
Exhibit 10.3
Notice of Grant of Stock Options
and Option Agreement |
Range Resources Corporation ID: 34-1312571 777 MAIN STREET SUITE 800 FORT WORTH, TEXAS 76102 |
Option Number: | ||
Plan: 99SO ID: |
||
Effective [Date] you have been granted a Range Resources Corporation (the Company) Non-Qualified Stock Option to buy [Number] shares of common stock at a price of $[Price] per share.
The total option price of the shares granted is $[Total price].
Subject to the terms and provisions of Annex A hereto, the Non-Qualified Stock Option will have a term of 5 years and the option shares will vest 30% at the end of year one, 30% at the end of year two and 40% at the end of year three. The shares vesting in each period will be fully vested on the date shown below.
Shares Granted | Vesting Date | Expiration Date |
RANGE RESOURCES CORPORATION
BY |
||||||||
RODNEY L. WALLER | DATE | |||||||
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT | ||||||||
BY |
||||||||
[Optionee] | DATE |
ANNEX A
1. Defined Terms. Defined terms used in this Annex A shall have the meanings set forth in the Plan, as it may be amended from time to time, or the Option Agreement to which this Annex A is attached.
2. Vesting. The option shares subject to the Stock Option shall cease to vest, and the unvested portion of the Stock Option shall immediately terminate, in the event that the Holder shall cease to be in the employ of the Company or any Affiliate for any reason.
3. Term and Time of Exercise Prior to Change of Control.
(a) Termination of Employment other than due to Death or Disability. In the event that a Holder, prior to a Change of Control, shall cease to be in the employ of the Company or an Affiliate for any reason, other than by reason of death or disability, then the vested and unexercised portion of the Stock Option shall terminate at 5:00 p.m. Fort Worth, Texas time on the date that is 30 days after the date of such Holders termination of employment; provided, however, that, notwithstanding the foregoing, (A) in the event the employment of the Holder is terminated prior to a Change of Control for dishonesty or other acts detrimental to the interest of the Company or any Affiliate or for any breach by the Holder of any employment contract with the Company or any Affiliate, as determined in each case by the Committee in its sole and absolute discretion, or (B) if, after the Holders employment is terminated prior to a Change of Control, the Holder commits an act that is determined by the Committee, in its sole and absolute discretion, to be detrimental to the interests of the Company or any Affiliate, then, in the case of clause (A) or (B), the Stock Option shall automatically be null and void at the time of such determination.
(b) Termination due to Disability. In the event that a Holder, prior to a Change of Control, shall cease to be in the employ of the Company or an Affiliate by reason of disability, as determined by the Committee in its sole and absolute discretion, then the vested and unexercised portion of the Stock Option shall terminate at 5:00 p.m. Fort Worth, Texas time on the one-year anniversary date of such Holders termination of employment.
(c) Termination due to Death. In the event that a Holder, prior to a Change of Control, dies while in the employ of the Company or an Affiliate, the vested and unexercised portion of the Stock Option shall (i) terminate at 5:00 p.m. Fort Worth, Texas time on the one-year anniversary date of such Holders death and (ii) be exercisable only by the person or persons to whom the Holders rights under the Stock Option shall pass by the Holders will or the laws of descent and distribution.
(d) Maximum Term. Notwithstanding any provision of Section 3(a), 3(b), or 3(c) to the contrary, the Stock Option shall not be exercisable after the Expiration Date set forth in the Option Agreement.
Exhibit 10.4
RANGE RESOURCES CORPORATION
Code of Business
Conduct and
Ethics
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page | ||||||||||||
I. | INTRODUCTION | 1 | ||||||||||
II. | COMPLIANCE WITH THE LAW | 1 | ||||||||||
III. | CONFLICT OF INTEREST AND HOW TO AVOID IT | 1 | ||||||||||
A. | General Guidance | 1 | ||||||||||
B. | Outside Employment | 1 | ||||||||||
C. | Board Memberships | 2 | ||||||||||
D. | Family Members and Close Personal Relationships | 2 | ||||||||||
E. | Investments | 2 | ||||||||||
F. | Gifts | 2 | ||||||||||
1. Gifts to Employees | 2 | |||||||||||
2. Gifts Given by the Company | 2 | |||||||||||
G. | Entertainment | 3 | ||||||||||
1. Entertainment of Employees | 3 | |||||||||||
2. Entertainment by the Company | 3 | |||||||||||
H. | Travel | 3 | ||||||||||
1. Acceptance of Travel Expenses | 3 | |||||||||||
2. Providing Travel | 3 | |||||||||||
IV. | TAKING COMPANY BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES | 3 | ||||||||||
V. | PROTECTION OF COMPANY PROPERTY AND ASSETS | 3 | ||||||||||
VI. | PROPRIETARY INFORMATION | 4 | ||||||||||
VII. | INSIDE INFORMATION AND SECURITIES TRADING | 4 | ||||||||||
VIII. | FAIR COMPETITION | 4 | ||||||||||
IX. | RESPONSIBILITY TO THE COMPANYS EMPLOYEES | 5 | ||||||||||
X. | ACCURACY AND RETENTION OF BUSINESS RECORDS | 5 | ||||||||||
A. | General | 5 | ||||||||||
B. | Records Retention | 5 | ||||||||||
C. | Additional Requirements for Senior Financial Officers | 6 | ||||||||||
XI. | ENFORCEMENT | 6 | ||||||||||
A. | Where to Go With a Question, Concern or to Report a Violation | 6 | ||||||||||
B. | Receipt and Acknowledgement | 7 | ||||||||||
C. | Waivers of the Code | 7 | ||||||||||
D. | Violations of the Code | 7 |
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CODE OF BUSINESS CONDUCT AND ETHICS
I. INTRODUCTION
This Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (the Code) applies to Range Resources Corporation and its subsidiaries (collectively, the Company) and the Companys directors, officers and employees. All Company personnel must comply with the Code. Because any illegal or unethical action, or the appearance of misconduct or impropriety by anyone acting on the Companys behalf, is unacceptable, the Code should also be followed, where appropriate, by the Companys agents and representatives, including consultants where specifically required. When the word you is used below it includes all employees, directors and consultants.
The Code, however, is not intended to be a comprehensive manual that covers every situation you might encounter. In many cases, more specific requirements are contained in the various corporate policies, procedures and guidelines, which you can obtain from your supervisor or through the Human Resources Department.
II. COMPLIANCE WITH THE LAW
It is the policy of the Company that its business will be conducted in accordance with all applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations, as well as applicable laws and regulations of foreign jurisdictions, and in a manner that will always reflect a high standard of ethics. The laws and regulations applicable to the Company are far reaching and complex. Compliance with the law does not comprise our entire ethical responsibility; rather, it is a minimum, essential condition for performance of our duties. Perceived pressure from supervisors or demands due to business conditions are not excuses for violating the law. Any questions or concerns about the legality of an action should be addressed with Rodney Waller, the Chief Governance Officer in charge of compliance (Compliance Officer) as specifically designated by the Board of Directors of the Company (the Board).
Pursuant to Chapter 8 Part B, Section 2 covering Effective Compliance and Ethics Program of the Federal Sentencing Guideline Manual as updated as of November 1, 2004, the Company has adopted the guidelines for all its compliance programs for various federal, state and local laws and regulations. In summary, to those guidelines the Company has:
1. | Established standards and procedures reasonably capable of preventing and detecting violation of various laws and regulations which could give rise to criminal conduct; | |||
2. | The Board is knowledgeable about the content and operation of our compliance and ethics programs and exercises reasonable oversight to the implementation and effectiveness of the compliance and ethics program; | |||
3. | Specific corporate level personnel have been assigned overall responsibility for the compliance and ethics programs with specific individuals within the organization delegated day to day operational responsibility for the compliance and ethics program; |
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4. | The Company uses reasonable efforts to exclude any individuals who have engaged in illegal activities or other conduct inconsistent with our compliance and ethics programs; | |||
5. | The Company has instituted planned periodic steps to communicate the standards and procedures of its compliance and ethics programs to all employees, agents and directors of the Company; | |||
6. | The Company will take reasonable steps to ensure that our compliance and ethics programs are followed and are effective by periodic monitoring and auditing procedures; and | |||
7. | The Company shall enforce consistently throughout the organization our compliance and ethics programs and if criminal conduct is detected will respond appropriately to prevent similar conduct. |
III. CONFLICT OF INTEREST AND HOW TO AVOID IT
A. General Guidance
Business decisions and actions must be based on the best interests of the Company, and must not be motivated by personal considerations or relationships. Relationships with prospective or existing suppliers, contractors, customers, competitors, regulators or other employees must not affect your independent and sound judgment on behalf of the Company. General guidelines to help you better understand several of the most common examples of situations that may cause a conflict of interest are listed below. However, you are required to disclose to the Compliance Officer any situation that may be, or appear to be, a conflict of interest. When in doubt, it is best to disclose.
B. Outside Employment
Employees may not work for or receive payments for services from any competitor, customer, distributor or supplier of the Company without the explicit approval of the Compliance Officer. Any such approval must be documented. Any outside activity must be strictly separated from the Company employment and should not harm your job performance at the Company.
C. Board Memberships
Employees accepting a seat on the board of directors of an outside company requires the advance written approval of the Compliance Officer and the Chief Executive Officer. Helping the community by serving on boards of charitable, governmental, non-profit, community or other similar organizations is encouraged, and does not require prior approval. Employees must, however, notify in writing the Compliance Officer if the employee currently serves or accepts a seat on such boards. Directors accepting a seat on the board of directors of an outside company (whether a for-profit or not-for-profit company) may do so at their discretion, but must notify the Compliance Officer in writing.
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D. Family Members and Close Personal Relationships
You may not use personal influence to direct Company business to a company in which you, any family member or any personal friend has an interest. If you are aware that the Company is engaged in or may be contemplating any business with such a company, you must provide written notice of your relationship to the Compliance Officer.
E. Investments
You may not allow your personal investments to influence, or appear to influence, your independent judgment on behalf of the Company. If there is any doubt about how an investment might be perceived, or if your investment exceeds 5% of the equity interest of any entity in the oil and gas industry or related industries, it should be disclosed in writing to the Compliance Officer. Consultants may have more restrictive provisions as evidenced by their written agreements.
F. Gifts
1. Gifts to Employees
You may not accept kickbacks, lavish gifts or gratuities. You may accept items of nominal value, however, you may not accept anything that might make it appear that your judgment for the Company would be compromised.
In some rare situations, it would be impractical or harmful to refuse or return a gift. When this happens, discuss the situation with the Compliance Officer.
2. Gifts Given by the Company
Some business situations call for giving gifts. The Companys gifts must be legal and reasonable. Any individual gift costing over $200 must be and approved in writing by the Compliance Officer.
You may not provide any gift if it is prohibited by law or, to your knowledge, the policy of the recipients organization. For example, the employees of many governmental entities around the world are prohibited from accepting gifts. If in doubt, check with the Compliance Officer first.
G. Entertainment
1. Entertainment of Employees
You may accept entertainment that is reasonable in the context of the business and that advances the Companys interests. For example, accompanying a business associate to a local cultural or sporting event, or to a business meal, would in most cases be acceptable.
Entertainment that is lavish or frequent may appear to influence your independent judgment on behalf of the Company. Accepting entertainment that may appear inappropriate should be approved in writing in advance by the Compliance Officer.
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2. Entertainment by the Company
You may provide entertainment that is reasonable in the context of the Companys business. You must, however, obtain advance approval in writing from the Compliance Officer if such entertainment involves activities outside customary business meals, local cultural or sporting events.
H. Travel
1. Acceptance of Travel Expenses
You may accept transportation and lodging provided by a Company supplier or other third party, if the trip is for business. Any such travel and lodging in excess of $500 must be approved in writing in advance by the Compliance Officer.
2. Providing Travel
Unless prohibited by law or, to your knowledge, the policy of the recipients organization, the Company may pay the transportation and lodging expenses incurred by customers, agents or suppliers in connection with a visit to a Company facility or other Company business. The visit must be for a business purpose and must be approved in writing in advance by the Compliance Officer if such expenses will exceed $500 per person, unless such expenses have been specifically approved by the Board of Directors.
IV. TAKING COMPANY BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES
You may not take for yourself opportunities that rightfully belong to the Company. These opportunities rightfully belong to the Company when, for example, the Company has pursued the opportunity, when it has been offered to the Company, when it is the kind of business the Company competes in, when the Company has funded it, when the Company has devoted facilities or personnel to develop it, or when it is in the same line of business as the Companys business.
V. PROTECTION OF COMPANY PROPERTY AND ASSETS
You have a responsibility to protect the Companys assets from loss, damage, misuse or theft. The Companys assets, such as funds, products or computers, may only be used for business purposes and other purposes approved by an officer of the Company. The Companys assets may never be used for illegal purposes. The Companys property should not be taken out of Company facilities for use outside of the normal course of Company business unless necessary and authorized by your supervisor or an officer of the Company in connection with Company work.
VI. PROPRIETARY INFORMATION
All confidential or proprietary information of the Company must be protected. Confidential information includes, for example, pricing, inventions, financial data, trade secrets and know-how, acquisition and divestiture opportunities, marketing and sales programs, research and
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development information and customer and supplier information. Confidential information also includes information that suppliers and customers have entrusted to us.
You must not disclose the Companys confidential or proprietary information to anyone within or outside of the Company unless the recipient will generally need this information to carry out his or her assigned responsibilities as an employee of the Company, or as an outsider who has been properly authorized by an officer of the Company to receive such information. Inquiries from the press, media, investors or the public regarding the Company should only be answered by the officers or employees designated to respond to such inquiries. The obligation not to disclose the Companys confidential or proprietary information continues for three years after employment with the Company terminates unless otherwise specifically provided in writing.
VII. INSIDE INFORMATION AND SECURITIES TRADING
In the course of business activities, you may become aware of nonpublic information regarding the business, operations or securities of the Company. The United States securities laws prohibit the trading of securities on the basis of such nonpublic information (often called inside information) if it is material. Information is deemed to be material if an investor would consider it important in deciding whether to buy, sell, or hold securities. Information is considered to be nonpublic unless it has been adequately disclosed to the public and there has been sufficient time and opportunity for the market as a whole to assimilate the information. Generally, this means that the information has been available to the public for at least one full business day following the day it is released.
VIII. FAIR COMPETITION
You should never use any illegal or unethical method to gather competitive information. Stealing or possessing proprietary information or trade secret information that was obtained without consent or inducing such disclosures by past or present employees of other companies is prohibited. Additionally, the Company and its employees are required to comply with state and federal antitrust and unfair competition laws, as well as applicable antitrust and unfair competition laws of other countries in which the Company does business. Anyone who questions whether a contemplated action may violate fair competition laws should speak to the Compliance Officer.
IX. RESPONSIBILITY TO THE COMPANYS EMPLOYEES
The Company is committed to treating all employees and consultants with honesty, fairness and respect, and providing a safe and healthy work environment. Abusive, harassing or offensive conduct is unacceptable, whether verbal or physical. Examples include derogatory comments based on racial or ethnic characteristics and unwelcome sexual advances. The Company will not tolerate discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, religion, national origin, sex, age, physical or mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation or any other protected class in dealing with employees, customers, suppliers or any other business contacts. The Company will not tolerate, condone or allow sexual harassment whether engaged in by co-workers, supervisors, customers, or other non-employees who conduct business with the Company. Employees and
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consultants are directed to report harassment when it occurs to Human Resources or a Company officer.
Additionally, the Company is committed to providing all employees and others who are on Company property with a safe and secure environment. Accordingly, all personnel will comply with all health and safety laws and regulations as well as Company policies governing health and safety. All personnel are responsible for immediately reporting accidents, injuries and unsafe equipment, practices or conditions to a supervisor, Human Resources or Company officer.
X. ACCURACY AND RETENTION OF BUSINESS RECORDS
A. General
Accounting standards and applicable United States laws require that transactions and events relating to the Companys operations and assets must be properly recorded in the books and accounts of the Company and accurately reported in the applicable reports required by and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) and other United States regulatory agencies. As a result, all officers of the Company and all financial personnel shall make and retain books, records and accounts that, in reasonable detail, accurately, completely and objectively reflect transactions and events, and conform both to required accounting principles and to the Companys systems of internal controls. No false or artificial entries may be made. No entry may be made or recorded in the Companys books and records or reported in any disclosure document that misrepresents, omits, hides or disguises the true nature of the event or transaction, and all material entries and reports must be made in a timely manner. All personnel are responsible for immediately reporting any concerns about the Companys financial records and its accounting, internal accounting controls and auditing procedures to a Company Officer.
B. Records Retention
Certain documents and other records of the Company must be retained for various periods of time under legal and regulatory requirements. All records of the Company should be maintained in accordance with the Companys record retention guidelines. In any event, you must not destroy, shred or alter records that are in any way related to a threatened, imminent or pending legal or administrative proceeding, litigation, audit or investigation. Employees who become aware of such a proceeding, litigation, audit or investigation must immediately contact the Compliance Officer. Employees should consult their supervisor or a Company officer for questions related to the Companys record retention guidelines or the propriety of disposing of a Company document or record.
C. Additional Requirements for Financial Reporting
In addition to the requirements specified elsewhere in this Code, the Companys officers including but not limited to, its principal executive officer, principal financial officer, controller or principal accounting officer, or persons performing similar functions, shall be responsible for the following:
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| conducting themselves in an honest and ethical manner, including the ethical handling of actual or apparent conflicts of interest between personal and professional relationships; | |||
| compiling full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable disclosure in the periodic reports of the Company filed with or submitted to the SEC and in other public communications made by the Company; | |||
| complying with applicable governmental laws, rules and regulations; and | |||
| promptly reporting any violations of this Code. |
XI. ENFORCEMENT
The Companys management is charged by the Board of Directors with ensuring that this Code and the Companys corporate policies will govern, without exception, all business activities of the Company.
A. Where to Go With a Question, Concern or to Report a Violation
If you need an explanation or you want to know if a provision of the Code applies to a particular situation, the best place to start is with your supervisor or the Human Resources Department.
If you believe a fellow employee, consultant or director is violating the Code or otherwise acting in an illegal or unethical manner, you must report it. Doing so will not be considered an act of disloyalty, but an action which shows your sense of responsibility and fairness to the Companys customers, shareholders and fellow employees. You also help safeguard the reputation and the assets of the Company.
Reporting violations of the Code is also necessary because in some cases failure to report an illegal act by another person is itself a criminal act for which you could be prosecuted. Violations of the Code may cause an employee, officer or director to be subject to appropriate action, up to and including disciplinary action or immediate termination.
Violations may be reported to your supervisor, the Human Resources Department or an officer of the Company. If you do not believe that the violation has been adequately addressed, report the violation to the Compliance Officer. Your report will be investigated with confidentiality and you will be protected from retaliation. If you are concerned about confidentiality, you can anonymously make a report by following the Companys Anonymous Hotline. It is unacceptable to file a report if you know it is false, and doing so will subject you to discipline.
B. Receipt and Acknowledgement
The attached Receipt and Acknowledgement is required to be completed by all Company employees, consultants and directors personnel acknowledging understanding of and compliance with the Code. Please return the certificate to the Human Resources Department.
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C. Waivers of the Code
In certain extraordinary situations, a waiver of a provision of the Code may be granted. Contact the Compliance Officer if you believe special circumstances warrant a waiver of any of the Codes provisions. Any waiver of the Code for executive officers or directors may be made only by the Companys Board of Directors or the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors. Waivers will be promptly disclosed as required by applicable laws and regulations.
D. Violations of the Code
Violations of the Code will not be tolerated by the Company. Reported violations or apparent violations will be reviewed by Company management and appropriate disciplinary action will be taken, up to and including termination of employment or service with the Company.
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Receipt and Acknowledgement
I acknowledge that I have received my personal copy of Range Resources Corporations Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (the Code). I understand that each Company employee, officer, director, agent, consultant or representative is responsible for knowing and adhering to the letter and spirit of the Code. I also acknowledge that it is my responsibility to report promptly to an officer of Range any violation of the Code of which I have knowledge.
Signature:
Print Name:
Date:
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